Job Description
Posting number: 02281
Department: Trade & Economic Development
Division: Industrial Devel Admin
Job classification: Dir, Marine Ops
Posting type: Open
Categories: Real Estate
Summary
The Port of Portland is hiring a
DIRECTOR of MARINE OPERATIONS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Are you someone who enjoys leading teams, solving complex operational challenges, and building strong relationships with customers and partners? Do you like thinking about how facilities operate today while also planning for what they’ll need to succeed years from now?
This role offers a remarkable canvas: three active marine terminals and five industrial business parks. You’ll lead the teams responsible for safe, reliable marine operations and for keeping our broader portfolio of industrial assets well-managed and performing at their best. You’ll also work closely with tenants, operators and partners to solve problems, strengthen performance and support their success. It’s a great opportunity for a leader who likes being at the intersection of marine operations, property management, commercial relationships, and long-term asset stewardship - and wants their work to contribute directly to Oregon’s economy.
The Director sets the direction for Trade and Economic Development’s (TED) marine operations, property management, maintenance, and asset stewardship functions. This role is accountable for ensuring safe and efficient terminal operations, leading asset management planning, and cultivating strong labor and tenant partnerships. Working closely with the Directors of Commercial Development & Investment and Economic & Business Development, the Director ensures that operations, property management, maintenance, and capital planning support the Port’s commercial strategy, financial performance, and long-term competitiveness.
Examples of duties
Marine Operations
- Direct marine terminal operations and tenant relationships by setting strategic priorities, resolving competing commercial and operational interests, and ensuring compliance with leases, tariffs, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead and authorize vessel and facility operational support across all marine terminals, and direct the delivery of marine security, maintenance, engineering, and IT services to meet tenant and Port performance standards.
- Drive safe, reliable, and efficient terminal performance while adapting operations to changing customer, industry, and business needs.
Commercial Partnerships & Tenant Strategy
- Strengthening and expanding relationships with tenants, operators, and industry partners to drive long-term business retention, operational performance, and market competitiveness.
- Inform lease negotiations and represent the Port in forums and joint initiatives that enhance tenant value and Port revenue.
- Collaborate with internal partners and tenants to ensure alignment between service delivery, capital projects, and commercial strategy.
Property Management and Maintenance
- Oversee the maintenance of all Port marine and TED facilities in concert with lease requirements and obligations.
- Oversee the landscaping and other property-management services at marine facilities and adjacent industrial parks.
- Set direction for facility and terminal asset management, including annual and long-term maintenance and lifecycle plans.
- Oversee the development of asset management-related capital projects and their funding and approval processes.
- Direct berth depth maintenance by coordinating surveys and appropriate dredging projects.
Labor and Industry Relations
- Build constructive labor and industry relationships with Stevedores, terminal operators, shipping lines, and Port partners.
- In collaboration with Labor Relations, support collective bargaining, the grievance process, and strategically plan for the current and emerging workforce.
- Represent the Port in industry forums and partnerships that strengthen marine operations, tenant performance, and the competitiveness of Port facilities.
Full position description available upon request.
Qualifications
MUST HAVE:
- Ten (10) + years of progressive experience in marine operations management, commercial real estate, property management, and/or related field
- With at least five years of leading teams or the combined equivalent of education and experience.
- Bachelor’s Degree – Business, public administration, contract law, real estate, or related field (additional experience may substitute for the education qualifications).
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential through the TSA
- Hiring Manager has requested that applicants attach both a resume and cover letter with their application. If you have any issues attaching these documents, you may email them to chris.crosby@portofportland.com, and they will be attached to your application.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of maritime transportation and commerce, regional waterway issues, and global trade dynamics.
- Advanced knowledge of commercial (including marine and industrial) property management and lease administration practices.
- Advanced experience with overseeing maintenance and capital projects in active operating environments, while balancing operational continuity with capital project execution.
- Advanced experience managing landlord-tenant relationships across complex properties.
- Advanced experience building influence and trust with executives, community leaders, labor, tenants, operators, and industry partners.
Supplemental information
Working Conditions:
The Port supports a hybrid work schedule. In-office days are determined by the organization. Remote and/or flexible work may be available on specific days of the week depending on the job and business need.
Selection Process (tentative schedule):
- A minimum qualification evaluation of the education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources until this role closes on or around 10/25/2026.
- A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials.
- Our goal is to notify candidates who are selected for interviews by the end of October. We will then schedule a virtual first round of interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation. Panel Interviews will be held afterward.
