Head of Operations

Step into the future of port operations with FAPS. Through advanced auto-processing systems, we simplify cargo handling, increase efficiency, and support seamless terminal performance across our network.

The Head of FAPS Auto Processing will lead all site operations for the FAPS auto processing facility, driving safety, quality, throughput, and customer satisfaction. This leader is accountable for P&L performance, operational excellence, labor management, continuous improvement, and building strong relationships with automotive OEMs and other strategic customers. The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on operational experience in high-volume auto processing or logistics operations with a demonstrated track record of partnering with OEMs and meeting rigorous contractual requirements.

Essential Duties:

• Overall Site Leadership & Accountability: Own day-to-day site performance and P&L, driving safety, quality, throughput, on-time delivery, cost control and execution of the site business plan.
• Operational Planning & Execution: Build and execute short- and long-term operational plans, production schedules, capacity and shift plans to meet volume, quality and service targets.
• OEM & Customer Relationship Management: Serve as primary site contact for OEMs/customers, lead SLA/KPI reviews, manage contracts and launch programs to meet OEM specifications and resolve escalations.
• Safety, Compliance & Quality: Lead a zero-harm safety culture and ensure environmental, regulatory, security and OEM quality compliance through audits, root-cause actions and continuous oversight.
• People Leadership & Workforce Management: Recruit, develop and retain site leaders and frontline teams; manage labor planning, union/non-union relations, performance management and talent/resource planning.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence: Drive lean/Kaizen/5S/TPM initiatives and structured problem solving to improve productivity, first-time quality, cycle time and reliability.
• Asset, Maintenance & Capital Projects: Oversee maintenance, equipment reliability and capital projects, ensuring uptime, budget and schedule delivery.
• Operational Risk & Business Continuity: Maintain incident response and business continuity plans, identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Data, Reporting & Technology: Use planning systems and performance dashboards to monitor KPIs, support decision-making, and lead digitization/automation efforts.
• Finance & Cost Management: Own site budgeting, forecasting and cost control; collaborate on contract pricing, cost-to-serve and KPI-linked incentives.
• Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with commercial, supply chain, HR, safety, quality and corporate teams to align execution, share best practices and support cross-site initiatives.
• Customer Experience & Communication: Ensure consistent high-quality customer experience and provide timely, transparent performance and risk communications to customers and leadership.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 12+ years of progressive operations leadership in automotive processing, vehicle logistics, manufacturing, or high-volume warehousing; prior GM/Director or Plant Manager experience strongly preferred.
• Proven P&L ownership and operational accountability at a site level.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with OEMs (global or regional): program launches, SLA/KPI management, technical/operational alignment, and contractual compliance.
• Strong knowledge of automotive industry standards, quality systems, and OEM expectations.
• Hands-on experience with lean processes and continuous improvement tools.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience managing multi-shift operations and union/non-union workforces.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to present to senior leadership and OEM counterparts.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with operational metrics, forecasting, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to work site hours and travel to customer or corporate locations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep operational expertise in vehicle processing/PDI/Auto Processing and high-volume automotive logistics (rail/yard/truck); proven success running plant/processing site operations.
• Direct OEM experience managing program launches, SLAs/KPIs, build-to-spec operations, and contractual compliance.
• Strong P&L ownership and financial discipline: budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and KPI-driven performance.
• Proven leader of multi-shift, union/non-union teams who develops frontline and site leaders, drives engagement, and executes talent/resource planning.
• Expert in continuous improvement and operational excellence (lean/Kaizen/5S/TPM), with a track record of improving safety, quality, throughput, and reliability.
• Excellent communicator and stakeholder manager - presents confidently to senior leadership and OEM partners; adept at crisis response and supplier/customer issue resolution.

NOTE:This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Ports America is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex (including pregnancy); sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression; age; disability; genetic information, citizenship status; military service obligations or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

NJ Pay Transparency: $160k - $200k

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