Port Logistics Manager
At Autoport Limited, we foster a vibrant and inclusive environment where your skills can flourish in a supportive, safety-focused community. Our commitment to training and career development lays the groundwork for lasting professional journeys. We highly value individuals who bring passion and dedication to make a meaningful impact.
In this role,you are responsible for overseeing the end-to-end planning and execution of operations related to rail transportation, port services, and vehicle servicing within the Eastern Passage terminal. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient daily operations, while meeting customer expectations and internal performance targets. This position plays a key leadership role in driving productivity, service excellence, and continuous improvement across multiple sites and teams.
Major Responsibilities
Operational Planning & Execution
Provide strategic oversight of integrated planning and scheduling across rail, yard and service operations to ensure seamless network coordination and service reliability.
Direct the execution of daily operational plans, aligning service delivery with customer commitments and enterprise-level performance expectations.
Monitor and analyze key operational metrics (KPIs), including service performance, asset utilization, and network throughput, to drive data-informed decision making.
Develop and execute enterprise aligned strategies that enhance operational efficiency, minimize damage, reduce costs and support continuous improvement across all functions.
Lead strategic vessel planning and port scheduling activities, ensuring alignment with terminal capacity, inland rail connections, and downstream customer delivery timelines. Anticipate and mitigate the broader supply chain impacts of vessel delays or offload disruptions by coordinating contingency plans and maintaining fluidity across interconnected rail and yard operations.
Leadership & People Management
Lead a team of front-line supervisors and operations staff.
Foster a high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Support performance development through coaching, mentoring, and regular feedback.
Labour Relations
Ensure full compliance with regulatory, safety, and company policies.
Represent management in union interactions, grievance responses, and labour meetings.
Promote respectful workplace practices and maintain a strong working relationship with union representatives.
Safety, Risk Management and Compliance
Champion the Companys core safety values and drive a zero-incident culture.
Lead incident reviews, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
Ensure compliance with federal, provincial/state, and industry safety regulations.
Oversee all aspects of port security operations to ensure the protection of personnel, cargo, and infrastructure. This includes managing access control systems, monitoring perimeter surveillance (e.g., CCTV, motion sensors), and enforcing secure entry protocols for vehicles, vessels, and personnel.
Coordinate closely with local law enforcement, port authorities, and federal agencies to ensure full compliance with the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR) and other applicable maritime and transportation security legislation.
Conduct regular audits and vulnerability assessments of port facilities to identify and mitigate security risks, including threats such as unauthorized access, smuggling, sabotage, or terrorism.
Lead the planning and execution of security drills and preparedness exercises, simulating scenarios such as hazardous material spills, vessel collisions, natural disasters, and security breaches. These exercises are designed to test response capabilities, improve coordination, and ensure operational readiness.
Provide training and guidance to staff on security protocols and incident response procedures. Conduct post-exercise reviews to identify lessons learned and implement improvements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for security-related incidents, ensuring timely communication, investigation, and resolution in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for key automotive clients and partners.
Proactively manage customer expectations and service performance.
Resolve escalations and drive service recovery plans as needed.
Budgeting & Capital Planning
Develop and manage operating budgets, including resource allocation and cost control.
Assist with capital planning efforts to improve infrastructure, reduce damage, and enhance service capacity.
Core Skills and Knowledge
Coaching and developing large, cross-functional teams in a unionized environment
Leading through change
Performance management and succession planning
Employee engagement
Excellent communication, collaboration, conflict resolution and decision-making skills, while under pressure
Translating business objectives into operational strategies
Clear, concise verbal and written communication
Ability to influence across departments and levels
Relationship-building with customers, unions and stakeholders
Root cause analysis and data-driven decision making
Implementing process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce claims damages
Managing competing priorities in a high-volume, fast paced environment
Delegating effectively while staying on top of key deliverables
Capital planning and execution experienceOrganizational Impact
Directly influences service performance and reliability within the automotive supply chain a critical business segment with high customer expectations and contractual obligations.
Accountable for the efficient execution of daily rail, yard, and service operations, affecting network fluidity, asset utilization, and customer satisfaction across multiple regions.
Plays a vital role in achieving safety, compliance, and damage-reduction goals, which directly impact Autoports reputation and cost control.
Leads and develops front-line supervisors and operational teams, shaping organizational culture, employee engagement, and succession planning at key operational levels.
Supports labour relations strategy through grievance handling, union interactions, and ensuring alignment with collective agreements minimizing risk of service disruption or legal exposure.
Drives continuous improvement and innovation to reduce cost, enhance efficiency, and meet evolving customer and operational requirements.
Supports strategic capital planning and budgeting, influencing decisions on infrastructure investments, terminal capacity, and long-term operational readiness.
Serves as a key liaison with high-value customers, maintaining trust and partnership through service excellence and responsive operations.
Decision Making
The Senior Manager, Port Operations Eastern Passage is responsible for the daily frontline labour management and allocation of assets at the terminal as well as ensuring support and execution of daily operational plans. The incumbent oversees the frontline daily operation of the Eastern Passage facility (e.g., Rail, Ship, Convoy). This includes the tactical planning to maximize efficiency and productivity, supporting the implementation and execution of cost saving measures such as daily labour management, tactical efforts to reduce vehicle damage claims, daily communication with customers, carriers, and vessels to foster positive working relationships.
Education / Certification / Experience
Post secondary education in a related field such as Operations Management, Engineering, etc.
Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in logistics, transportation, automotive industry or industrial operations
A combination of education and experience may be considered.
Deep knowledge of safety standards and compliance including transportation safety standards, WHMIS, etc.
Previous experience with Third Party Logistics and transportation providers that specialize in the automotive industry is an asset
Demonstrated success in leading large teams and unionized environments
Operating and capital budget planning and execution experience is required
Experience with labour relations, grievance management and CBA interpretation
Proven track record in operations planning, KPI management and continuous improvement
Demonstrated ability to maintain safety and terminal performance targets applying cost benefit analysis and ROI of operational improvements metrics
Ability to identify and implement operational and cost control efficiencies such as controlling overtime, asset use and maintenance costs
Working Conditions
This role requires a mix of indoor office-based responsibilities and outdoor, on-site oversight of rail, yard and service operations
The incumbent will be expected to work in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow
This position involves walking, sometimes over uneven terrane, climbing railcars
Administrative duties, planning and reporting will be performed in an office setting, using computers, communication systems and scheduling tools
Will be required to work outside of their regular scheduled hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends or holidays
Moderate to high levels of work pressures and disturbances in workflow and schedules.
Moderate to high levels of stress to meet conflicting and time sensitive deadlines while maintaining accident/injury free worksites
Moderate to high level of stress dealing with issues of terminal supervision, health and safety, security.
Benefits
Comprehensive Health and Dental Coverage:Enjoy peace of mind with our extensive health and dental benefits, ensuring you and your family's well-being.
Generous Paid Vacation:Recharge and relax with our generous paid vacation policy, providing you the time to unwind and come back refreshed. You are entitled to four (4) weeks upon hire, with further increases depending on length of service.
Flexible Paid Sick and Personal Days
Take control of your well-being with our five (5) flexible paid sick and personal days, giving you the freedom to address personal needs or unforeseen circumstances.
Robust Pension Plan:
Secure your future with our robust pension plan, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind during your retirement years.
Short-term and Long-term Disability Coverage:
Rest easy knowing that our comprehensive disability coverage provides financial protection in case of unforeseen events, offering support during challenging times.
Hybrid Work Environment:
Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid work model - spend two (2) days a week in the office for collaboration and connection, and enjoy the freedom of working remotely for the remainder of the week.
Performance-Based Bonus Potential:
Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Unlock your potential with our performance-based bonus program, rewarding your dedication and contributions to our success, up to 15% of your annual salary.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
About Autoport Limited
Chances are, we handled the car you drive today. As a transportation leader in the automotive industry, Autoport handles more than 2 million import and domestic vehicles annually. We are well positioned to offer seamless access to key ports and global trade. Since our opening in 1971, we have established the solutions, the experience, and the expertise required to safely transport vehicles to the valued customer. Imagine driving onto a multi-level railcar and the precision it requires. As people drive vehicles throughout North America, we are the ones who ensure that cars are well secured and arrive to dealers damage-free.
To learn more about us, check out our Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/AutoportLimited
Autoport Limited is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity and inclusion, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, communities, and industries. Autoport Limited welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Autoport Limiteds Accommodation Policy is available on request, including in accessible formats.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Communication is primarily made through email, so please monitor your email regularly.