About us
Metro Cruise Services is recognized for its rich history of excellence in the cruise industry. Our focus on quality and innovation has raised the bar for the level of service delivered today. We are a nationwide, all-inclusive service provider for Cruise Terminal Management, Ship’s Agency, Stevedore Services, Ground Guest Services, Shore Excursions and Terminal Security Services. Our mission is to consistently deliver safe, efficient, innovative and environmentally responsible maritime operational solutions for our customers.
Position Summary
The Per Diem Operations Manager oversees day-of cruise terminal operations for passenger vessel arrivals and departures, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant coordination of union labor and terminal activities. The position supervises union personnel at the assigned location and works closely with Operations Manager. The role maintains operational readiness, enforces safety standards, and delivers a seamless experience for cruise line partners and passengers. Strong leadership, labor relations expertise, and responsiveness to dynamic operational needs are essential in this high-visibility, customer-facing environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Review ship list ETAs; prepare daily work schedules before ship arrivals based on projected labor needs, provide projected schedules to vessel agents, and implement the daily operations plan.
- Coordinate cruise vessel operations with terminal staff, vessel agents, and port authorities to ensure timely and safe embarkation and disembarkation.
- Order labor, implement changes to labor requests, order equipment and gear, approve overtime for union personnel, and manage shift transitions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
- Conduct physical inspections of vessels, gear, and terminal equipment; inspect gear certifications and dates and report deficiencies.
- Review previous-shift documents and load-out plans.
- Monitor loading and discharging activities to ensure work follows the plans. Follow up on hatch-to-hatch changes and direct Headers on ship loading.
- Communicate with union personnel, vessel agents, mechanics, and related vessel crew members, including ship captains and stewards; relay changes and updates from vessel crew members and agents and resolve operational issues.
- Supervise union personnel, including longshore workers, marine clerks, and foremen; schedule workloads and ensure adherence to safety protocols and performance standards.
- Make personnel changes, including refusing or returning union personnel to the hall for performance issues.
- Resolve personnel conflicts and performance issues, document incidents, and coordinate with HR or senior management as needed.
- Review and sign safety checklists. Know, implement, enforce, and monitor the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) to assure the safety of the general longshore workforce and employees. Comply with other regulatory requirements.
- Take necessary and appropriate loss prevention and loss control measures to prevent injuries and damage to property and equipment.
- Verify and calculate union personnel timecards.
- Review and submit daily equipment usage reports and daily reports on labor usage and operational outcomes; verify reports for accuracy.
- Attend operational meetings and collaborate with internal departments and cruise line representatives.
- Cross-train in various stevedore functions to support operational flexibility and team development.
- Travel to outlying cruise terminals as needed to support operations.
- Maintain flexibility to work variable shifts, including weekends and holidays, and remain on 24-hour call for operations and emergencies.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications
Required:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Licenses: Valid driver’s license; valid TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), or ability to obtain and maintain one; valid Port ID.
- Knowledge:
- Knowledge of, and strict adherence to, all anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation laws, practices, and procedures; training provided during the training period.
- Skills:
- Strong supervisory skills; ability to manage subordinates and use appropriate interpersonal methods to guide individuals or groups toward task accomplishment.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with internal teams and external partners.
- Ability to remain composed and responsive under pressure and tolerate multiple simultaneous, potentially conflicting demands.
- Strong listening skills and decisiveness in dynamic operational settings.
- Ability to work with all levels of management and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Ability to identify problems, secure relevant information, and develop alternative courses of action.
- Strong attention to detail when reviewing and acting on written plans, reports, and instructions.
Preferred:
- Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of maritime industry experience working directly with operations preferred.
- Experience supervising union labor in cruise or passenger vessel operations.
- Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the maritime industry, longshore union policies and contracts, harbor and port procedures, and governmental and safety regulations preferred.
- Familiarity with passenger terminal logistics, vessel gear certifications, and hospitality-related operations.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Physical Demands: Ability to enter and maneuver through all parts of multi-level ships and marine terminals, including hatches, cargo spaces, and decks. Access may extend from sea level to levels several feet above sea level. Reaching areas of ships and terminals may require ascending and descending ladders and narrow or steep stairways, and using narrow walkways, ramps, elevated platforms, and catwalks. Walking and standing on uneven surfaces or in water may be required. Duties may be performed at varying heights above ground or underground.
- Work Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including active marine terminals and shipboard settings. Conditions may include exposure to varying weather, noise, dust, moving equipment, and other occupational hazards. Safety protocols are strictly enforced, and appropriate PPE is provided and required. The role may involve working near water, at heights, or in enclosed spaces.
Why Join Us
At Nautilus, our people are our most valuable asset. We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where team members feel valued, supported and empowered to grow with us. Whether you are starting your career or looking for the next step, we are committed to investing in your development, offering clear pathways for advancement, ongoing training and leadership development.
With operating areas across CA, FL, IN, NC, NJ, SC, TX, OR and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform the essential functions of a role, please contact recruiters@nautilusintl.com
This job description is not intended to be an employment contract or guarantee of employment. Employment with Nautilus International Holding Corporation is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description may be modified at any time at the sole discretion of the company.