Managing Director

Position Overview:

The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for overseeing the overall performance of Vancouver Bulk Terminal (VBT), including financial results, strategic growth, operational efficiency, and stakeholder relations. Central to this role is building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, port and government agencies, local communities, labor unions, and internal teams. The MD will ensure that VBT remains a trusted and reliable partner in the industry, driving customer satisfaction, fostering collaboration, and maintaining positive engagement with all stakeholders.

In addition to leading strategic initiatives, terminal investments, and operational management, the MD will play a key role in nurturing relationships that are vital to VBT’s success. This position works closely with the Director of Operations to manage the operations team, optimize productivity, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and industry standards.

The MD will also be instrumental in driving long-term financial stability and fostering an environment that encourages organizational growth, development, and sustainability while safeguarding VBT’s reputation and assets.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Relationship Management:

• Oversee the safe and efficient operations of vessel and cargo handling, while maintaining close communication with customers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure alignment with VBT’s performance and safety expectations.
• Collaborate regularly with the Director of Operations to monitor and guide daily operational tasks and decisions, ensuring effective coordination across shifts and functions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and partners, ensuring effective communication about project status, regulatory updates, and any operational changes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, fostering trust and delivering tailored solutions that meet their needs and expectations.

Strategic Planning & Financial Oversight:

• Lead long-term strategic and financial planning, ensuring that VBT's financial health, competitive positioning, and growth trajectory are supported by strong relationships with investors, clients, and partners.
• Build strategic partnerships to identify and implement growth opportunities, such as terminal development, land acquisitions, and environmental projects, that enhance VBT's market position.
• Develop monthly financial reports, forecasts, and budgets for presentation to the VBT Board of Directors, ensuring financial transparency and maintaining stakeholder trust.

Project Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination:

• Lead large-scale capital projects, from planning through execution, while keeping stakeholders informed about progress, scope, and budget adjustments.
• Coordinate and engage both internal and external resources to ensure that all projects are completed successfully, within scope, on time, and on budget.
• Cultivate positive relationships with local regulatory bodies, port officials, and community leaders, ensuring that projects align with both company goals and community interests.

Regulatory Compliance, Safety & Environmental Stewardship:

• Maintain a strong network with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and communicate regularly with stakeholders to address potential concerns.
• Lead the terminal’s health, safety, and environmental initiatives, working closely with relevant stakeholders to improve safety practices and mitigate risks.
• Promote a culture of environmental stewardship by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to identify sustainability initiatives and best practices.

Stakeholder & Public Engagement:

• Build and strengthen relationships with local partners, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure VBT’s operations align with community expectations and enhance public perception.
• Serve as the face of VBT in the community, representing the company in public forums and engaging with local leaders to maintain positive relationships.
• Promote the company’s reputation by supporting community engagement programs and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Develop strong relationships within the leadership team, providing mentorship, guidance, and feedback to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Empower employees and promote their professional growth through training, development, and ongoing performance management.
• Foster a culture of open communication, trust, and accountability across all levels of the organization.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Prepare Board presentations and lead monthly VBT Board of Directors meetings.
• Attend and actively participate in industry events to build external relationships and stay informed on industry trends.
• Approve and manage financial transactions, including purchase orders, requisitions, and invoices, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Represent VBT in negotiations, contracts, and formal agreements with external partners, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain a flexible schedule and be available for weekend and holiday work as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversee, mentor, and develop direct reports, ensuring effective team collaboration and alignment with VBT’s objectives.
• Foster strong working relationships with team members and ensure that performance standards are met through constructive feedback and leadership.

Key Competencies:

• Financial Reporting & Oversight: Demonstrated knowledge in the preparation and interpretation of yearly and monthly financial budgets and reports, including Profit and Loss Statement, Statement of Cash Flows, and Balance Sheets.
• Relationship Building & Customer Focus: Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with customers, stakeholders, and partners. Anticipate customer needs and address challenges promptly while aligning solutions with company goals.
• Understanding the Business: Utilize industry-specific tools and systems to track operations, communicate with stakeholders, and optimize terminal performance.
• Decision Making & Accountability: Demonstrate sound judgment in decision-making, balancing short-term operational needs with long-term strategic objectives.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Stewardship: Ensure a culture of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility within the terminal, collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaboration & Trust: Foster a collaborative work environment, both within the terminal and with external partners, based on mutual respect, transparency, and trust.
• Conflict Management: Address and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring a productive and harmonious work environment for all stakeholders.