Date Posted: 3/14/2025 8:00:00 AM
City, State: Oakland, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Salary (USD): $160,000 - $240,000
Description
Position Details:
Title: Area Director of Maintenance & Repair
Location: Port of L.A. / Long Beach
Schedule: You will work either day or night shift, 5 days per week, flexible for emergency repairs
Travel: Occasional travel to other terminal locations
Compensation: Target base salary ~
• Bonuses/Additional Compensation: Relocation / sign-on bonus is available on a case-by-case basis; annual discretionary bonus plan (averages ~10%); company vehicle + gas card
Benefits: Company offers an inexpensive, comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical / Dental Insurance; Life / AD&D Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; Short- and Long-Term Disability; Vacation; 401K with employer match (up to 5%); discretionary profit-sharing; etc.
Position Description:
The Area Director of Maintenance & Repair (M&R) is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair operations of container handling equipment, terminal infrastructure, and related assets across multiple port terminal locations. This role ensures equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and labor regulations in a unionized workforce environment. The Area Director collaborates with terminal leadership, union representatives, and external vendors to optimize maintenance performance while maintaining cost control and labor harmony
Essential Duties:
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to M&R teams across multiple port terminals.
• Manage and oversee unionized maintenance personnel, ensuring compliance with the (CBA).
• Work closely with union representatives to foster positive labor relations and resolve disputes proactively.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and workforce scheduling to maintain operational efficiency and cost control.
• Develop and mentor managers to support career growth and succession planning.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and servicing of container handling equipment (CHE), RTGs, cranes, yard tractors, chassis, and other terminal infrastructure.
• Implement preventative maintenance programs (PMPs) to reduce downtime and extend asset lifespan.
• Track work orders, monitor equipment health, and optimize maintenance schedules.
• Analyze maintenance data and KPIs to improve performance and reduce repair turnaround time.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, US Coast Guard, Maritime Safety Regulations, and other applicable standards.
• Conduct routine safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action plans.
• Promote a strong safety culture, conducting regular training sessions and toolbox talks for the workforce.
• Manage department budget, including labor costs, parts inventory, and vendor services.
• Identify cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or performance.
• Monitor and control overtime expenses, ensuring efficient workforce utilization.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts with third-party service providers and equipment manufacturers.
• Drive process improvements to enhance equipment reliability, reduce breakdowns, and optimize maintenance workflows.
• Collaborate with customer terminal operations to minimize equipment downtime and align maintenance with operational needs.
• Implement KPIs and performance metrics to track maintenance effectiveness and team productivity.
• Engage stakeholders in mechanic upskill and succession planning.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field (preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in maintenance & repair within port terminals, intermodal operations, or heavy industrial environments.
• 5+ years of management experience, preferably in a unionized workforce environment.
• Strong knowledge of cranes, RTGs, top handlers, forklifts, yard tractors, and other port equipment.
• Experience with collective bargaining agreements, labor negotiations, and union workforce management.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other regulatory compliance standards.
Job Posting
