Job Description

Job Description

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Location: Louisiana Gateway Port, Plaquemines Parish, LA

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-Time, Executive Level

Position Summary

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the Louisiana Gateway Port in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana joins the C-suite comprised of the Executive Director of the Port, the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Financial Officer to contribute to the execution of the Master Plan and Strategic Vision of the Executive Director and Port Commission. This leader provides executive leadership over all operational functions of the fastest-growing port in the nation. This includes operational process control, oversight of marine terminal logistics, ferry services, infrastructure projects, emergency response, and port security. The COO directly supervises the Director of Vessels & Safety and the Director of Infrastructure Projects, ensuring alignment of operations with strategic priorities and regulatory compliance. Serving as the primary backup on all operational matters to the Executive Director, the COO ensures continuity of leadership across all operational matters, driving efficiency, resilience, and innovation while managing a workforce of approximately 61 employees.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and performance metrics, to include using the ISO 9001 system.
• Direct and manage all port operations, including operational and safety tenant relationships, ferry services, and emergency response.
• Provide executive oversight of the Director of Vessels & Safety and the Director of Infrastructure Projects, ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment.
• Supervise safety and fire rescue teams, ensuring readiness, training, and emergency response capabilities.
• Supervise ferry and maintenance teams, ensuring readiness, training, and customer service and safety capabilities.
• Coordinate vessel scheduling, dock assignments, and traffic control on the Mississippi River.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, monitor variances and implement corrective measures.

Security Management

• Ensure the security of port facilities, vessels, and operations in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee USCG security and safety compliance.
• Implement and enforce security protocols, including access control, surveillance, and emergency response plans.
• Continuously evaluate and improve port security measures.

Maintenance & Infrastructure Oversight

• Manage maintenance and repair of port facilities, including docks, piers, buildings, and warehouses.
• Oversee maintenance of port-owned vessels and vehicles to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Direct infrastructure projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and alignment with capital improvement goals.
• Coordinate with staff and contractors to schedule repairs and minimize operational disruption.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to advance long-term strategic goals aligned with the Master Plan.
• Lead initiatives to expand port capacity, modernize infrastructure, and adopt innovative technologies (e.g., GIS, AIS).
• Oversee capital improvement projects and ensure alignment with grant-funded objectives.

Grant & Regulatory Compliance

• Support grant administration and ensure compliance with state and federal funding requirements.
• Liaise with DOTD, U.S. Department of Transportation, USCG, US Army Corps of Engineers, Plaquemines and surrounding parishes and other regulatory bodies.
• Ensure accurate reporting and documentation for audits, inspections, and performance reviews.

Team Management & Development

• Lead and mentor department heads across rescue boat operations, engineering, infrastructure and capital projects, ferry services, safety, maintenance, and logistics.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce planning, training, and succession strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the port in public forums, industry associations, and government meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with shipping companies, contractors, emergency services, and community partners.
• Support Executive Director with business development efforts to attract new tenants and cargo.

Crisis Management

• Lead emergency response efforts for vessel accidents, environmental spills, fires, or security threats.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to minimize downtime and ensure continuity of operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Operations, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
• Must hold or obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Military or port operations leadership experience strongly preferred (e.g., U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, or equivalent maritime service).
• Significant experience in marine operations, port management, transportation, or related field.
• Process control background like Lean Six Sigma or ISO 9001 preferred.
• Strong knowledge of maritime security protocols, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Proven experience in vessel and port facility maintenance and operations.
• Proven experience in capital infrastructure expansions.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to manage diverse teams and senior directors.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to respond quickly and decisively to emergencies and operational challenges.

Preferred Certifications & Skills

• Leadership Training
• Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) certification.
• Incident Command System (ICS) or National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification.
• Emergency Management or Fire Services Leadership certification.
• Experience with port automation and digital logistics platforms.
• Knowledge of Louisiana maritime and emergency response regulations.
• ISO 9001:2015

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular visits to port facilities and vessels.
• May require work in varying weather conditions and emergency situations.
• Periodic travel to conferences and meetings.
• Physical ability to climb ladders and stairs as required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and performance incentives.

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