Operations Superintendent

North Vancouver, BC | Permanent, Full-Time | On-Site

About the Opportunity

Our client operates a deep-sea marine terminal in North Vancouver, providing terminal services for the movement of wood pellets and Canadian grain products from rail to vessel.

The Operations Superintendent provides leadership and direction to terminal personnel and oversees terminal and stevedoring operations. This role requires a collaborative leader who can motivate teams, lead change, and drive continuous improvement in a heavy industrial, safety-sensitive, unionized environment.

The successful candidate will champion a safety-first culture while supporting efficient, reliable, and productive terminal operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

  • Oversee daily terminal operations, including logistics coordination, cargo handling, and maintenance requirements.

  • Monitor operational performance, productivity, and resource utilization to meet operational targets, vessel schedules, and customer commitments.

  • Collaborate with operations, logistics, and maintenance teams to coordinate activities and resolve operational challenges.

  • Ensure operational plans are executed in accordance with company procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

  • Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, efficiency, and reliability.

Operational Knowledge & Compliance

  • Develop a thorough understanding of terminal work practices, operating procedures, safety protocols, collective bargaining agreements, and commercial agreements.

  • Ensure operational decisions and supervisory practices align with contractual obligations, company policies, and industry regulations.

Workforce Management & Development

  • Oversee the dispatch and coordination of longshore personnel and foremen to meet operational requirements and vessel schedules.

  • Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Assistant Operations Superintendents, Coordinators, and workforce members.

  • Foster a collaborative, respectful work environment with clear expectations for performance, accountability, and teamwork.

Health & Safety

  • Demonstrate leadership and accountability in promoting a strong safety culture.

  • Ensure operational activities comply with safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

  • Support safety initiatives, investigations, and corrective actions while reinforcing safe work practices.

Communication & Stakeholder Coordination

  • Maintain clear, timely communication with operations, logistics, safety, and maintenance teams to align priorities and performance expectations.

  • Coordinate with employees, union leadership, customers, vessel agents, and third-party service providers.

  • Communicate operational updates, issues, and performance metrics to relevant stakeholders.

Professional Development & Organizational Support

  • Participate in professional development and leadership training.

  • Contribute to cross-functional projects, operational improvement initiatives, action items, and committee work.

  • Develop proficiency in terminal software systems and operations and logistics coordination tools.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

  • Five years of supervisory experience in a heavy industrial environment.

  • A strong commitment to workplace safety.

  • Strong organizational and planning skills in a fast-paced operational environment.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate across departments.

  • Strong communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills.

Preferred & Additional Assets

  • Post-secondary education in business, operations, or a related field.

  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

  • Experience working in a unionized operational environment.

  • Relevant qualifications or certifications, such as MFSO, CROR, ICS, Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement credentials.

  • Grain grading certification, completion of a recognized grain grading course, or demonstrated working knowledge of grain grading principles and quality determination.

Schedule & Availability

Shift work and participation in 24/7 on-call coverage are required due to the nature of terminal operations.