POSITION OVERVIEW: Chiquita is seeking a dynamic and experienced Port Operations Manager to lead and oversee operations at our Port Everglades, FL facility. This strategic management role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective flow of cargo—including vessel operations, yard and warehouse coordination, inventory accuracy, and equipment fleet management.
The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, planning, and communication skills and demonstrate an assertive, hands-on approach. The role is primarily local, with occasional travel for key business meetings and requires a strong commitment to Chiquita’s values and operational excellence.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, schedule, and supervise all port operations including cargo reception, dispatch, vessel loading/discharge, and yard/warehouse coordination.
- Lead, coach, and develop high-performing port and yard teams, including direct and indirect reports, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Oversee flexible workforce scheduling and ensure alignment with daily/weekly operational goals.
- Develop and manage port specific MRP tools and performance dashboards to improve operational efficiency.
- Maintain order fill rates, inventory accuracy, on-time vessel departures, and overall service level performance.
- Oversee budget planning and execution; monitor expenses and implement cost-reduction initiatives.
- Manage and optimize equipment fleet utilization, maintenance programs, and spare parts inventories.
- Audit vendor invoicing, purchasing programs, and SOP adherence to maintain operational integrity.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, conduct employee training, facilitate safety meetings, and complete incident reports as required.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners—including suppliers, 3PLs, stevedores, government authorities, and Latin America operations—for seamless integration.
- Drive process improvement and support special projects to enhance port performance and support business growth.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Port Administration, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent education and experience.
- 6–10 years of progressive port, terminal, or logistics experience, including 3–5 years in a management role.
- Experience leading teams in high-volume, time-sensitive environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- Six Sigma or Lean certification.
- Familiarity with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance as it relates to inventory control.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication skills—both verbal and written.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and logistics/warehouse management systems.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Proven leadership and team development skills.
- Strong organizational and execution capabilities.
- Ability to drive accountability and performance.
- Data-driven mindset with attention to detail.
- Effective cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Resilient, adaptable, and proactive in fast-paced environments.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
- The Port Operations Manager position will require both, office work (in a controlled environment) as well as field work exposed to an environment with heavy equipment traffic
- The incumbent will be exposed to heavy equipment traffic flow and 480V plugs
- Sometimes the incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal
- Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
- Walking, stooping, bending, twisting, lifting, pulling, pushing and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
- This is a management, exempt position that requires availability to extended working schedules, as well as weekend and holiday work. Schedule can be subject to changes based on business need.
- Some travel to five U.S. ports may be required.
This position requires satisfactory passing of a drug test in accordance with Florida Statute § 440.102.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Chiquita Brands
With a workforce on five continents, our employees possess diverse skills, education, talents and interests.Our people provide the expertise and enthusiasm —Chiquita provides big opportunities. Together , we're one of the world's best-known and most-loved brands.
At Chiquita, we take great pride in having a flat organizational structure in which our employees drive our business with unmatched entrepreneurial spirit. When you work at Chiquita, you’re an important part of our global effort to improve the world’s nutrition with healthy, fresh foods. We’re driven by passion and guided by our core values of Integrity, Respect, Opportunity and Responsibility.
Our leadership is accessible for their expertise and support, but it is our employees who drive our business. As a result of the high level of responsibility and expectations put on employees at all levels, Chiquita employees are passionate about their work. They enjoy collaborating with other people around the globe on initiatives that directly impact our products, our brand and our company.
Company Website: www.chiquita.com
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