Cargo Support & Hazardous Supervisor Position Summary The Cargo Support & Hazardous Supervisor is responsible for developing cargo management solutions that enhance TOTE’s competitive advantage by balancing commercial objectives with operational requirements. This position oversees hazardous commodities compliance, cargo support operations, vessel capacity management, and cargo allocation activities while ensuring adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements. The role serves as a key liaison between Commercial and Operations teams, drives continuous process improvement initiatives, and provides leadership, coaching, and development for a team of cargo support and hazardous materials specialists. Essential Job Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management
- Supervise a team responsible for hazardous commodities and cargo support functions, including recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Support professional growth through mentoring, succession planning, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Lead employee recognition efforts that promote engagement and acknowledge team contributions and achievements.
Regulatory Compliance & Hazardous Materials Management
- Maintain current knowledge of local, national, and international regulations governing the transportation and handling of hazardous materials and cargo.
- Serve as the primary compliance resource for hazardous cargo acceptance, documentation, classification, and transportation requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements related to labeling, packaging, documentation, reporting, and cargo handling procedures.
- Develop, implement, and maintain internal policies and procedures aligned with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
- Collaborate with customers, vendors, suppliers, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with hazardous materials regulations.
- Ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements governing cargo operations.
Cargo Planning & Operations Support
- Plan and coordinate the safe and efficient movement of cargo and hazardous commodities while optimizing resource utilization and minimizing operational risk.
- Develop and manage cargo projections, vessel allocations, and capacity planning activities.
- Monitor real-time booking activity and vessel capacity to support operational decision-making.
- Partner with internal business units to make informed decisions regarding cargo loading priorities, vessel capacity utilization, and service disruptions.
- Communicate cargo booking updates, vessel capacity impacts, and operational changes to Operations and Commercial teams.
- Develop and communicate Priority 1 (P1) and Priority 2 (P2) loading priorities.
- Communicate vessel arrivals, departures, delays, service impacts, and mitigation plans to key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders on cargo acceptance and rejection decisions based on operational and commercial considerations.
Process Improvement & Strategic Support
- Lead continuous review and improvement of processes, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and operational metrics.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, performance measurement, and process optimization.
- Monitor, analyze, and document shipping trends to support strategic planning and business decision-making.
- Direct the analysis, communication, and execution of cargo projections and allocation requirements.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison between Commercial and Operations teams on cargo management and hazardous materials matters.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist the Company in any necessary duties required to achieve organizational goals.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field; or
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant maritime transportation experience with demonstrated leadership and management responsibilities.
Experience
- Experience leading or supervising employees in transportation, logistics, maritime operations, cargo operations, or a related environment.
- Experience coordinating cargo planning, allocation, capacity management, or vessel operations.
- Experience interpreting and applying transportation compliance regulations.
- Hazardous materials transportation experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge of 49 CFR hazardous materials regulations.
- Working knowledge of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
- Experience working with regulatory agencies such as:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Puerto Rico Treasury Department (PR Tax Office)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG)
- Maritime transportation and vessel operations experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong understanding of transportation, cargo management, and hazardous materials compliance requirements.
- Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret reports, business correspondence, regulations, and procedural manuals.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to employee development and team leadership.
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with all levels of the organization.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and changing operational demands.
- Ability to analyze complex operational situations and identify practical business solutions.
- Proficiency in data analysis, process improvement, and performance measurement methodologies.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Physical Requirements
- Sedentary work.
- Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Regular use of computers, phones, and other office equipment.
- Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing administrative and analytical duties.
Decision Making & Accountability Authority
- Functions with limited direct supervision.
- Exercises independent judgment in the selection, development, and coordination of methods within established company policies and operational frameworks.
Judgment
- Decisions directly impact cargo operations, regulatory compliance, customer relationships, service reliability, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
- Errors in judgment may result in regulatory violations, operational disruptions, financial losses, or adverse customer impacts.
Confidentiality
- Maintains access to sensitive operational reports, records, plans, programs, and business information requiring the highest level of integrity and discretion.
Financial Responsibility
- Approves employee pay increases within established budget guidelines.
- Authorizes purchases of supplies and equipment used within the department.
Equal Opportunity Employer TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Affirmative Action and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin disability, or status as a protected veteran. TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.
