Assistant Port Captain - SW Area Operations Supervisor

Position Overview

This position is with NYK Group America's Inc. Candidates must have the ability to commute to our Long Beach, CA facility. This position is to assist the daily vessel and terminal operations carrying various import/export commodities listed in the Southwest (SW) region as Port Captain. Responsibilities include stowage planning, coordinating cargo operations, and quality cargo handling for the region. Additionally, the position requires multi-tasking in the areas of vendor performance, customer service, port investigations, cargo acceptance, and sales support. It involves office work, remote work, and vessel attendance in various ports, mainly in California.

Key Responsibilities

• Support vessel operations by preparing optimum ship schedules and expenses within the region and other ports under the respective trade's control as needed.
• Coordinate the best vessel berthing with respective Port Authorities and agents for anticipated operations.
• Coordinate vessel operations with local terminals, stevedores, processors, surveyors, and customers when lining up and attending vessel operations.
• Manage stevedore staff who oversee cargo receiving in terminals.
• Coordinate with terminal operators for adequate yard space and daily receiving capacity.
• Enforce that cargo received by terminals is in line with NYK standards. Ensure cargo is accounted for, reported, and properly marked/staged in terminals for export; verify that cargo scheduled to load is accurate and reconciled with stowage plans before and after loading.
• Supervise cargo operations at ports within the region at any time (including weeknights, weekends, and holidays) and attend operations at other ports as needed.
• Ensure NYK's standards are observed by stevedores, including following load plans, shifting, and discharge as per instruction.
• Provide handling notes for various cargo to stevedores.
• Furnish vessel attendance reports outlining all pertinent operational information.
• On vessel(s) or at port(s), instruct the chief officer or duty officer(s) on the necessary requirements for safe and smooth cargo operations.
• Communicate any damage or injury during cargo operations with the ship crew and NYK office staff in a timely manner.
• Investigate and report on cargo handling capabilities for ports and overall operations as requested by upper management and NYK teams.
• Investigate and report port information as requested by upper management and NYK offices/teams.
• Provide feedback on cargo handling inquiries, including equipment/securing requirements for safe cargo handling.
• Track damages and near-misses and meet with stevedores on performance issues.
• Collaborate with Global Safe and Quality Committee members to share quality information, resulting in damage-free, high-quality service.
• Monitor and supervise local agents’ performance in ports within the region.
• Control and minimize operational expenses in areas such as port, cargo, and terminal expenses.
• Check vendor invoices to ensure correct billing and charges.
• Record payment and production within the region.
• Collaborate with the Cost Control Team for advanced cost estimations as needed.
• Meet and support local OEM customer inquiries in the SW region.
• Visit customers in the region on behalf of the Sales Manager if requested by Japan Sales.
• Network with local Port Authorities, Shipping Associations, local administrations, pilots, agents, and tug companies.
• Maintain close contact and long-lasting relationships with local customers.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum Two (2) years in industry experience, sailing, superintendent in a stevedore company, or ship agent experience.
• Articulate and well-spoken communication skills, both orally and in writing; comfortable presenting to groups.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a strong customer focus.
• Motivational leadership – serve as a coach and leader to customer service and documentation team members.
• Ability to develop and challenge staff.
• Data driven – ability to develop, create, and interpret business metrics and use data for business decisions.
• Ability to identify problems, bring them to light, and create plans for improvement.
• Results driven.
• Competency with Microsoft products.
• Willingness to travel to other ports.
• Availability to work during weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or currently enrolled and attending in pursuit of a degree at the time of employment.

Benefits & Perks

• Company Car
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k with a company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Vacation