Manager of Port Operations

Job Description:

Role Summary:

• Oversee and manage all vehicle logistics functions at the assigned port location, ensuring seamless operations and alignment with company objectives.
• Drive the attainment of monthly wholesale targets, velocity metrics, and adherence to quality standards by the port processor, ensuring excellence in operational outcomes.
• Safeguard the company's assets and serve as the company's representative at the assigned location, upholding corporate values and standards.
• Ensure the facility complies with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations, as well as VW insurance guidelines for on-site vendors and contractors

Role Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & management (60%)

• Lead efforts to meet or exceed monthly wholesale shipping targets. Regularly review and adjust daily, weekly, and monthly work plans to ensure alignment with operational goals.
• Manage and oversee all activities conducted by third-party processors to ensure adherence to company standards for cost, quality, and timing. Ensure that all necessary vehicle preparations (e.g., accessorizing, vehicle movement and inventory management) meet required specifications.
• Continuously evaluate processes for improvement opportunities in cost efficiency, quality enhancement, and speed. Lead initiatives to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the budget for the port location, ensuring all controllable activities remain within the established budget parameters.
• Responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, and management of Volkswagen's facilities. Ensures that all physical assets are functioning optimally, meeting safety standards, and supporting the company's operational objectives. Oversee maintenance team, manage vendor relationships, and implement strategies to optimize facility performance.
• Responsible for developing, implementing, and managing programs and policies to ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations. Implement, and maintain comprehensive VWGoA EHS programs and policies to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations.

Strategic Leadership & Communication (20%)

• Serve as the primary liaison between port operations, field teams, and dealerships, facilitating communication regarding vehicle shipments, sold orders, dealer pickups, and other logistics activities.
• Foster collaboration among processor, the Port Quality Operations (PQO), car haulers, and other relevant parties, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with the company's critical operational targets.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and communicate the organization's long-term vision and strategic objectives. Lead the creation and implementation of strategies that align departmental goals with the overall company strategy.
• Serve as the primary liaison between executive leadership, department heads, and key stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding of strategic goals. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic objectives, driving synergies and eliminating silos across the organization. Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, customers, and stakeholders to enhance the company's strategic position.
• Lead organizational change initiatives, guiding teams through transitions and ensuring clear communication of the rationale, benefits, and impact. Develop and execute change management strategies to support the adoption of new processes, technologies, or organizational structures. Monitor the effectiveness of change initiatives and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans to convey strategic goals, initiatives, and progress to all levels of the organization. Ensure consistent and transparent communication across the organization, fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress toward strategic goals and objectives. Regularly report on strategic initiatives' progress to executive leadership, identifying potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Lead regular strategy review sessions to evaluate progress, reassess priorities, and refine strategic plans as necessary.
• Lead crisis management efforts, ensuring clear and effective communication during times of organizational or external challenges. Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to protect and preserve the company's strategic interests. Serve as a spokesperson during crises, delivering timely and accurate information to stakeholders.

Performance Management (20%)

• Monitor and improve dealer satisfaction levels through effective management of port operations, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries. Gather and analyze dealer feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Ensure wholesale shipping objectives are consistently met, with a focus on both quantity and timeliness.
• Regularly track and report on key performance metrics, including port velocity (allocation to dealer delivery), budget adherence, and operational efficiency.
• Assess and enhance the quality capabilities of all port operations to meet or exceed company standards.
• Monitor and manage cost efficiency across all port operations, ensuring activities are completed within budget constraints. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or operational effectiveness.
• Ensure all port operations adhere to safety regulations and compliance standards, with a focus on minimizing incidents and maintaining a safe working environment. Track and report on safety metrics, such as the number of incidents, near-misses, and compliance with safety protocols.
• Monitor and maintain high levels of inventory accuracy, ensuring that stock levels are correctly reported, and vehicles are tracked effectively throughout the port.
• Evaluate and track vendor performance to ensure that third-party service providers meet contractual obligations and performance standards. Monitor metrics such as service quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness for all vendors involved in port operations.

Qualifications

Years of Experience:

• 7-10 years of experience in managing complex, multi-national supply chains, including oversight of port, vessel, rail, and truck transportation for high-value consumer goods.
• 3-5 years of specialized Logistics or Distribution Management highly desirable.

Education - Required

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field such as Operations or Business Management.

Education - Desired:

• Master's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.

Skills:

• Possess & demonstrate the following attributes - Authenticity, Honesty, Integrity, Determination, Compassion, Flexibility, Trust & Resiliency
• Customer service mindset and focus on satisfying our internal Brand customers, our Brand Dealership partners as well as our vendor partners.
• Proven ability to manage and operate independently in an offsite location, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Strong negotiations and influencing skills to secure agreements and drive collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential - interacting with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, enabling quick and effective resolution of complex situations.
• Advanced analytical skills for evaluating data, identifying trends, and making informed decisions.
• Ability to think conceptually, connecting ideas and strategies to drive innovation and improvement.
  
• Strong understanding of logistics processes, including inventory management, transportation, and distribution. Ability to manage complex supply chains, ensuring timely and cost-effective movement of goods.
  
• Understanding of budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting to manage port operations within budgetary constraints. Ability to analyze financial data and make informed decisions to optimize profitability and cost efficiency.
  
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as Brand Sales, Brand Aftersales, government agencies, port authorities, and 3rd party vendors.
  
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Organizational skills to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
  
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, manage uncertainty, and respond effectively to unexpected challenges. Flexibility to work outside normal business hours, when necessary, particularly in a fast-paced and dynamic port environment.
  
• Commitment to ensuring a safe working environment, with a focus on preventing accidents and minimizing environmental impact. Familiarity with HSE regulations and best practices in a port setting.
  
• Expertise in integrating people, processes, and systems to create cohesive and efficient operations.
  
• Competent in resource management, optimizing the use of personnel, time, and materials to achieve objectives.
  
• Leadership skills that inspire and guide teams to achieve high performance and meet organizational goals.
  
• Computer savvy and skilled in the use of Microsoft software suite, freight payment & operations and/or yard management applications.

Specialized Skills - Required:

• In-depth knowledge of seaport and yard operations, ensuring effective management of logistical processes and activities.
  
• Proven ability to manage and enhance vendor performance, fostering strong, collaborative relationships that drive operational success.
  
• Strong capability in designing, improving, and optimizing processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness within operations.
  
• Ability to motivate, guide, and lead a team of up to 100+ individuals in a third-party environment, employing influence management techniques to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience in working with both unionized and non-unionized labor forces, ensuring compliance and effective collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience with parts warehouse operations, contributing to overall supply chain efficiency.
• Solid understanding of customs regulations and procedures, ensuring compliance and smooth logistics operations.

Specialized Skills - Desired:

• Experience in automotive sales, service, parts, and/or logistics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry's operations and challenges.
  
• A strong technical background in automotive systems, contributing to informed decision-making and effective problem-solving.
  
• Familiarity with key systems such as SAP, ET2000, Logistics Systems, and Business Objects, enabling efficient data management, reporting, and operational oversight.

Work Flexibility:

• Availability for Extended Hours: Open to working outside of standard business hours as required including company holidays to meet operational demands and ensure business continuity.

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.