Senior Operations Manager/Director, Harbor Services

Job Title: Senior Operations Manager/Director, Harbor Services
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Channelview, TX, or Convent, Vacherie, Baton Rouge, Harahan, LA
Job Type: Full Time; Salaried

The Sr. Operations Manager/Director, Harbor Services is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of liquid cargo handling and harbor vessel operations across ACBL's network. This role provides strategic oversight of Tankermen and Harbor Services teams, ensuring excellence in safety, training, regulatory compliance, workforce management, and service delivery. Accountable for operational performance and fleet utilization, the position also oversees Houston Harbor Services and related assets while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. 

When you join ACBL... 

American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River.  We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team.  

What you will be doing... Your IMPACT 

• Manage the day-to-day performance, training, and development of ACBL’s Tankermen.
• Develop and maintain tank barge transfer procedures consistent with ACBL operating standards and regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, development, performance management, and disciplinary actions for Tankermen and Harbor Services Team Members.
• Work closely with Port Captains to ensure safe and efficient tank barge operations throughout the network.
• Oversee Houston Harbor Services, including one fleet boat and three harbor boats supporting barge shifting and fleet operations.
• Ensure Harbor Services vessels are properly staffed, maintained, and utilized to support safe and efficient operations.
• Work with Logistics, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Commercial, and other ACBL stakeholders to support Tankering and Harbor Services operations.
• Build and maintain customer and vendor relationships related to liquid cargo operations and Harbor Services.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for Tankering and Harbor Services, including safety, service, cost, utilization, and operating performance.
• Provide financial stewardship through operating plan development, budgeting, cost management, and forecasting for Tankering and Harbor Services.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for... 

You will need to have: 

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive inland marine operations experience.
• Experience with liquid cargo transfers, tankering, and harbor operations.
• Experience leading marine operations teams.
• Must hold a Master of Towing Vessels upon Great Lakes, Inland Waters and Western Rivers license.
• Must hold a Tankerman-PIC (Barge), Limited to Dangerous Liquid (DL) Cargoes endorsement.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and TWIC card.
• Strong knowledge of inland marine and liquid cargo operations.
• Knowledge of applicable USCG and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be available to support a 24/7 marine operation.
• Must respond to operational issues outside normal business hours as needed.
• Ability to travel throughout the operating network as required.
• Ability to board and inspect towboats, harbor boats, barges, and marine facilities.
• Ability to work around vessels, marine equipment, and liquid cargo transfer operations.
• Ability to manage multiple operating priorities at the same time.
• Ability to make timely decisions during operational and emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively with vessel crews, customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Must maintain all required licenses, endorsements, and credentials.