Vice President of Drayage Operations

Job Title: VP of Drayage Operations

Department: Operations

Location: Dallas/Houston

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Position Type: Full-time

Company Overview

Gulf Winds International, Inc. is a leading provider of drayage, transloading, and storage, serving importers and exporters globally. The Company prides itself on innovation, people, and purpose, redefining expectations for intermodal trucking. With a robust presence at major ports, including Houston, Dallas, Mobile, Memphis, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, and Chicago, Gulf Winds is dedicated to delivering top-notch services through continuous investment in technology and infrastructure. Ownership: The company is backed by The Sterling Group, a Houston-based private equity firm. Since 1982, The Sterling Group has partnered with management teams to grow and build winning businesses in the industrial sector. Over 75% of Sterling’s past partnerships have been with family businesses and corporate carve-outs. Sterling excels as a partner bringing its operational focus and expertise to support company objectives. Today, Sterling has over $5.7 billion in assets under management.

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Drayage Operations is responsible for overseeing the overall strategy, development, and execution of all drayage operations within the company. This senior leadership position ensures the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods from ports to their final destinations. The VP will manage a diverse team and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in the drayage sector.

Key Responsibilities:

· Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the company’s drayage operations strategy in alignment with overall business goals.
• Lead the drayage operations team in providing high-quality services while improving operational efficiency and profitability.
• Continuously evaluate the market and competition, identifying trends and opportunities for growth.

· Operational Management:

• Oversee the management of drayage operations, including the coordination of inbound and outbound freight, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure timely, safe, and cost-effective delivery of goods from ports to destinations while optimizing the use of resources.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the efficient management of drayage activities.

· Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of drayage managers, dispatchers, and operations staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Drive training and professional development initiatives to ensure staff stays up to date with industry best practices and compliance requirements.

· Client and Stakeholder Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, port authorities, carriers, and other logistics partners.
• Act as the primary point of contact for major accounts, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and service delivery.
• Resolve escalated issues quickly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to operations.

· Financial Management:

• Oversee the budget for drayage operations, ensuring cost controls and profitability.
• Develop and manage pricing models for services, ensuring competitive rates that align with market conditions and company goals.
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.

· Regulatory Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations, including those related to port operations, environmental guidelines, and safety protocols.
• Establish and maintain safety standards for drayage operations to minimize accidents and ensure safe working conditions.

· Technology and Innovation:

• Leverage technology to streamline drayage operations, including route optimization, fleet management systems, and tracking solutions.
• Lead efforts to innovate and implement new solutions that improve operational performance, reduce costs, and enhance service offerings.

Qualifications:

· Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

· Experience:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation, or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in drayage operations, port operations, and intermodal transportation.
• Strong experience in managing large teams and cross-functional departments.

· Skills & Competencies:

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence and profitability.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, pricing strategies, and cost controls.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Proficient in using logistics software and technology platforms to optimize operations.
• Ability to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions under pressure.

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Additional Information:

• Travel may be required based on business needs, including site visits, client meetings, and industry events.
• The company offers a competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic and rapidly growing industry.