Full-Time
Port Cranes Manager
Barbours Cut Terminal, BCT
Port Houston
501-1,000 employees
Operates multi-terminal port for trade
No salary listed
La Porte, TX, USA
In Person
Bachelor's
 General Maintenance & Repair (1) |
|---|
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- A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, with a solid foundation in Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics, or in Business Administration/Management with a focus in leadership or a related major; directly related professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience with ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, and spreader repair, including electrical, electronic, and mechanical maintenance experience.
- At least 10 years of general supervisory experience in crane maintenance in port, construction, production, or manufacturing facilities.
- Experience with budgeting and profit and loss management.
- Experience managing in a large labor environment.
- Technical knowledge of maintenance and repair of ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, and spreaders.
- Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering principles.
- Knowledge of terminal and stevedoring operations, especially coordinating cranes with vessel activity.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, layouts, and specifications.
- Knowledge of crane control systems and mechanical systems.
- Familiarity with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Electrical Code.
- Knowledge of Port Houston policies and procedures.
- Experience managing multiple projects.
- Knowledge of safety and accident prevention codes and regulations.
- Ability to use computerized maintenance and repair software systems designed for cranes.
- Ability to respond to equipment emergencies outside normal working hours.
- Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential within 30 days of appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
- Implement and ensure compliance with Port Houston policies and procedures governing crane and related-equipment operation and maintenance.
- Lead, manage, and supervise a large group of skilled craftsmen maintaining and repairing ship-to-shore and rubber-tired gantry cranes, ensuring work is efficient, safe, and economical.
- Communicate with peers, staff, vendors, stakeholders, and internal departments about planned and emergency maintenance repairs.
- Manage and administer crane maintenance activities and related divisional expenses, maintain records, and oversee capital purchases.
- Ensure damage claims for Port Houston equipment are accurately processed, repaired, and submitted.
- Prepare department-specific documentation for projects requiring Port Commission or staff approval.
- Ensure environmental and safety compliance with Port Houston standards and federal regulations.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing performance data to identify trends and operational improvement opportunities.
- Participate in annual budget preparation and cost analysis.
- Review and recommend long-range planning aligned with departmental and organizational business and strategic goals.
- Collaborate with all departments on projects and special assignments.
- Assume the Director of Port Cranes' responsibilities in their absence.
- Work a temporary alternative schedule or shift when requested by the supervisor.
- Perform other required duties.
- Certifications in accreditation courses specializing in leadership principles.
Port Houston operates a 25-mile network of nearly 200 terminals along the Houston Ship Channel to move goods for international and domestic customers. It manages multi-purpose, breakbulk, and project cargo terminals, earning revenue from terminal operations and freight services, and it is expanding infrastructure such as distribution centers to meet growing demand. It oversees terminal facilities, coordinates cargo handling, and provides freight services to move goods through its port complex. Its goal is to support global trade by expanding capacity, improving efficiency, and maintaining sustainable, reliable port operations.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$25M
Headquarters
Houston, Texas
Founded
1914
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Crowley’s August 2026 weekly Guatemala-Honduras service expands Port Houston’s refrigerated cargo flows.
- MARAD’s May 2026 $48 million grant funds Bayport yard and exit-gate expansion.
- July 2026 contracts for Wharves 5 and 6 and new cranes raise throughput capacity.
What critics are saying
- Project 12 has no study timeline, delaying Houston’s deeper-channel advantage against Savannah.
- Environmental groups keep pressuring dredge-spoil placement, threatening permits, schedules, and community support.
- Houston’s third-terminal plan targets ten years out, leaving Houston exposed to rival Gulf hubs.
What makes Port Houston unique
- Port Houston controls public terminals along a 52-mile ship channel, not just one dock.
- It handles the nation’s largest waterborne tonnage and fastest-growing container volumes.
- Project 11 completion and Project 12 planning lock in long-lived channel advantages.
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Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 1%1 year growth
↑ 1%2 year growth
↑ 0%Crowley, Port Houston launch weekly route connecting Central America. Posted on August 24, 2026 Crowley, a global leader in logistics, marine and energy solutions, today announced a new weekly container service connecting Port Houston to Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala, and Puerto Cortés, Honduras - two of Central America's largest and fastest-growing trade gateways. The Gulf-Central America Express Service makes its first Houston call on Sept. 10 with Thursday departures. Crowley's vessels will carry dry and refrigerated containers that safely transport a range of fresh produce, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods from sea to land. The range of sizes includes 53-foot containers that maximize intermodal efficiency in the markets. Central American exports to the United States grew 15.7% in year-over-year shipments in early 2026, driven largely by demand for fresh produce, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. "A direct Houston connection provides a reliable, efficient logistics solution for U.S.-Central American supply chains," said Claudia Kattan, vice president for Central America, Mexico and Panama at Crowley. "Shippers get faster transits, improved inventory planning and the flexibility to move fresh produce, consumer goods and other time-sensitive cargo without the delays of transshipments." "We are proud to welcome Crowley's Gulf-Central America Express Service to Port Houston," said John Moseley, chief commercial officer for Port Houston. "This new weekly call gives shippers a direct, reliable connection to Houston and two important Central American gateways, expanding choice for customers moving refrigerated and dry cargo through Houston." Beyond providing another option for shippers, the service will connect Houston more directly to the food, products and commercial activity moving between Central America and the United States. "The impact of this service will extend well beyond the docks," said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. "It creates a more direct path for fresh produce and everyday goods to reach stores and families across our region, while helping Texas businesses connect with customers in Central America. That is what growth at Port Houston does: create opportunity and make the supply chains people rely on work better." Crowley's expansion builds on the company's long-standing presence in Caribbean and Central America, where it has maintained an integrated inland logistics network for more than 65 years. By combining ocean transportation with warehousing and inland services through a single provider, businesses can reduce handoffs and improve supply chain visibility, a key advantage for retailers efficiently managing product inventory and shelf-life cycles. Purpose-built to support the dynamic needs of customers, Crowley's container vessels offer space for dry, refrigerated and project cargo, including 40- and 45-foot dry and refrigerated containers, 53-foot dry containers and 20- and 40-foot flat-rack equipment. The Crowley network of terminals, warehousing and supply chain solutions united U.S., Central American and Caribbean ports such as the Dominican Republic.
Port Houston advances projects for Houston Ship Channel and public terminal growth. Posted on July 22, 2026 HOUSTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)-On Tuesday, July 21, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its regular monthly meeting, highlighting continued progress along the Houston Ship Channel and advancing key initiatives supporting infrastructure, operations, and long-term growth of the public terminals. During opening remarks, Acting Chairwoman Wendy Montoya Cloonan recognized Port Houston's 2026 summer intern class of 20 students representing 10 schools. "We are proud to contribute to workforce development in this way and applaud the work they have done so far," said Acting Chairwoman Cloonan. Acting Chairwoman Cloonan also provided an update on Project 12, a project that remains in the early evaluation stages following WRDA approval to study the next phase of Houston Ship Channel improvements. With the Port-led portions of Project 11 complete, the proposed effort would primarily focus on deepening the channel to improve economies of scale for many vessels, though no study timeline has been set. During the meeting, the Commission approved a cost-share agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Galveston District to begin the navigation feasibility study. Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins recognized Amy Seymour, chief security and emergency operations officer, for receiving the 2026 National Maritime Safety Association Safety Innovator of the Year Award. He noted that the honor highlights the strength of Port Houston's safety program and Seymour's contributions to advancing it. Additionally, the Commission awarded a construction contract to Russell Marine, LLC for the reconstruction of Wharves 5 and 6 at Barbours Cut Terminal, allowing the terminal to accommodate larger cranes and vessels. The Commission received an update on cargo activity through June. Additional information can be found in the Houston Ship Channel Region Monthly Trade & Market Report released on July 20. Additional Meeting Updates: * The Commission authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for emergency dredging of the Houston Ship Channel, establishing guidelines and documentation requirements for each event. * Port Houston completed commissioning of cranes 202, 212, 221 and 222, bringing the number of ship-to-shore cranes in operation at Bayport Container Terminal to 21. * The Bayport East End project advanced with a professional services contract with Gahagan and Bryant Associates, Inc. for waterside engineering, design and construction administration. * Commissioners approved a professional services contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for environmental planning and permitting services for the Barbours Cut North expansion project. The scope includes preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement to satisfy National Environmental Policy Act requirements and support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting. * Commissioners approved amendments to Tariff Nos. 8, 14 and 15 to clarify customer payment and credit procedures and address rates for handling and storage of non-standardized container sizes. The Port Commission will meet next on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. About Port Houston For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area's largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation's largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at PortHouston.com.
Port Houston announces Amy Rister as Director of State Government Relations. Posted on June 1, 2026 HOUSTON - Port Houston, an advocate of the nation's busiest waterway, the Houston Ship Channel, today announced the appointment of Amy Rister as its Director of State Government Relations. "Amy brings deep experience in the Texas legislative process and a proven record of building strong working relationships to advance complex policy priorities," said Port Houston Chief External Affairs Officer Kerrick Henny. "Her background, particularly her work on transportation and intergovernmental issues, will be a valuable asset as we continue to advocate for the long-term competitiveness of our port region and the economic growth it enables across Texas." In her role, Rister will lead Port Houston's state government relations strategy and serve as a key liaison to state leaders. She will partner with legislators, state agencies, and stakeholders to champion policies and investments that strengthen Texas' maritime and freight transportation system and sustain the Houston Ship Channel's economic impact. Rister will be based in Austin. Rister joins Port Houston with more than two decades of experience in Texas legislative and public policy work. Most recently, she served as Committee Director for the Texas House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and previously held senior leadership roles supporting multiple House committees and members, including overseeing transportation issues impacting Texas ports. She was also recognized in 2025 as a USLege "Female Powerhouse of the Year" honoree, a peer-nominated distinction that highlights standout women leaders in government affairs and state advocacy. "Port Houston plays a critical role in keeping Texas commerce moving, and I'm honored to support that work," said Rister. "I look forward to partnering with state leaders and stakeholders to advance smart, practical policies that strengthen our transportation network and keep the Houston Ship Channel competitive for the long term." Rister graduated from Texas A&M University in 2010, where she studied Political Science, and earned a Master of Legal Studies in Oil and Gas Law from Texas A&M School of Law, along with certificates in Environmental Law and Business Law. She is currently working toward an MBA through Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and is active in several civic and professional organizations, including serving as a Project Chair in The Junior League of Austin, and on The Pink Granite Foundation's Mentorship Programming Committee. About Port Houston For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area's largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation's largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at PortHouston.com.
Port Houston announces 5th annual Houston International Maritime Conference. Date posted May 26, 2026 HIMC26: Lessons from the Past. Strategies for the Future. Port Houston will once again bring together leaders from across the maritime, logistics, energy, and supply chain sectors as it hosts the 5th annual Houston International Maritime Conference ("HIMC26"), taking place Nov. 2-5, 2026 at the Hilton Americas Houston in Downtown Houston. Registration for the conference officially opened on May 18. Centered around the theme, "Lessons from the Past. Strategies for the Future", HIMC26 will focus on how the maritime industry is applying hard-earned experience and operational insight to navigate today's rapidly evolving global environment while preparing for what comes next. Discussions throughout the conference will examine the challenges, disruptions, and market shifts that have reshaped global trade in recent years and how industry leaders are using those lessons to build stronger supply chains, improve resiliency, embrace innovation, and position their organizations for long-term success. As home to the nation's largest trade gateway, the country's largest petrochemical complex, the busiest waterway in the United States, and the fastest-growing container port, Houston provides a fitting backdrop for conversations about the future of global commerce, cargo movement, energy markets, and maritime operations. Following several consecutive sold-out conferences, HIMC26 will include "Texas-sized" networking opportunities throughout the four-day event, as well as topical discussions and presentations focused on the issues driving today's maritime industry. Sessions will examine the changing landscape of international trade, the impact of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chain strategies, and the technologies and investments redefining cargo movement around the world. With Port Houston growing its container volume at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% over the last 10 years, which is far faster than any other port in the nation, HIMC26 will have a primary focus on container trade. It will also engage in meaningful conversations about petrochemicals, breakbulk cargo, and steel trade, which are sectors that consistently play a critical role in both the Houston Ship Channel and the broader global economy. As the nation's leading export port and a key gateway for international trade, Houston remains central to the movement of energy products, raw materials, manufactured goods, and consumer products worldwide. "At Port Houston, we are constantly looking ahead at what is next for global trade and how our industry can continue evolving to meet future demands," said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. "HIMC26 creates an opportunity for leaders throughout the maritime and logistics sectors to come together, exchange ideas, and have meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead. Houston continues to play a vital role in global commerce, and we are proud to once again host this important industry event." The conference program is being developed with guidance from the HIMC Advisory Committee, whose members represent a broad cross-section of maritime, logistics, energy, and transportation industries. Their expertise helps ensure the conference addresses the most timely and impactful topics affecting global trade and maritime operations. The Advisory Committee includes: * Blake Bennett, ExxonMobil * Cris Borzani, Igloo Corp. * Candy Cervantes, EFL Global * Will Connell, IMC Logistics * Stori Conrad, The Wallport Companies (WTX) * Eloy Cortez, International Longshoremen's Association * Shay Downing, JS&J Solutions * Joey Frederick, Top Lift North America * Matt Glass, Houston Pilots Association * Jonathan Gold, National Retail Federation * John Hark, Bertling Logistics and Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University * Stephanie Hughes, Maersk * Shaun Leone, Sunburst Truck Lines, Inc. * Davey Miller, CMC * Dave Morgan, Cooper/Ports America * John Moseley, Port Houston * Ken O'Brien, Gemini Shippers Association * Rupak Rauniar, Professor of Supply Chain, University of Houston, Downtown * Lynn Stacy, OEC Group * James Timony, Tyson Foods * John "Stacy" Wedgeworth, Walmart "HIMC continues to grow because the conversations happening here matter to the future of our industry," Jenkins added. "We value the insight and leadership of our Advisory Committee members as they help shape a conference agenda that reflects the complexity, scale, and innovation driving today's maritime sector." HIMC26 will feature expanded networking opportunities designed to connect stakeholders from every segment of the supply chain, including beneficial cargo owners, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, tanker operators, petrochemical companies, technology providers, motor carriers, terminals, and logistics leaders. The event continues to serve as a platform for collaboration, relationship building, and new business opportunities across the maritime industry. Registration opened May 18 with Early Bird pricing of $495 per ticket available until August 31, 2026. Regular pricing of $575 takes effect on September 1, 2026. Buy tickets or learn more at www.porthouston.com/himc.
Port of Houston awarded $48 million from marad grant for Bayport terminal expansion & enhancements. Posted on May 1, 2026 Port Houston has been awarded a $48 million federal grant to support the construction of a new container yard and the installation of a new exit gate at the Bayport Container Terminal. These projects, part of Port Houston's Strategic Terminal Operations & Resilience Measures (STORM) application, are designed to accommodate forecasted growth in goods movement demand while maximizing operational efficiency, facility resiliency, and safety for employees and terminal users. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which provides $450 million in federal funding for projects that improve the movement of goods through U.S. ports. Port Houston will receive $48 million in PIDP funding and will contribute approximately $56 million in matching funds to advance these critical improvements. "Port Houston is grateful for the continued support from our local and federal officials who advocate on our behalf to steer federal investments to the Port and the Houston Ship Channel," said Port Commission Chairman Ric Campo. "Specifically, I applaud the leadership and partnership of Senator John Cornyn, Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Brian Babin, and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia to deliver this vital funding that will help grow jobs for our local economy and support continued growth for our Bayport Container Terminal." The elected officials expressed their praise upon hearing the announcement. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said, "Port Houston is a critical gateway between Texas and the Gulf of America. The Maritime Administration's funding will help support the port's 47-acre expansion, bringing new terminal gates, reinforcements, and improvements to electrical and communication systems. I congratulate Port Houston on this grant and look forward to witnessing its impact on maritime movement in Texas." Congressman Brian Babin also expressed his approval, saying, "Port Houston is a cornerstone of our regional economy and a critical gateway for American commerce. I fought to help secure this investment because expanding capacity at Bayport Container Terminal means stronger supply chains, more jobs, and greater economic opportunity for families across Southeast Texas." Babin continued, "This Project will modernize key infrastructure, improve efficiency, and ensure our ports remain competitive for years to come. I will always stand up for the hardworking men and women of the maritime industry and continue fighting for investments that keep Texas leading the nation in trade and growth." Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia also highlighted its significance, stating, "This $48 million in federal funding for Port Houston is a major investment in one of the most important economic engines in the country. Expanding capacity at Bayport Container Terminal means goods move faster, supply chains are stronger, and businesses across our district can grow. It also strengthens resilience and modernizes infrastructure so the Port can keep delivering for Houston and for the nation. This is how we build a stronger, more competitive future for TX-29 and cement Houston's role as a global leader in trade." The STORM application outlined the following goals: - Expand Capacity: Increase Bayport's cargo handling capacity by 440,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). - Improve Trucking Efficiency: Construct a new East Exit Gate to ease truck flow, cut congestion, and reduce truck turn times, saving more than 11 million truck hours over the life of the project. - Strengthen Resiliency: Develop modern utility and drainage infrastructure to safeguard operations against natural and human-made hazards. - Enhance Safety and Technology: Expand electrical and communications infrastructure to support modern equipment and bolster terminal security. Federal support through the PIDP will further enhance Port Houston's multimodal connectivity, reduce land-side congestion, and improve overall terminal efficiency and resilience at the Bayport Container Terminal. Port Houston is the nation's fifth largest container terminal, and its container volume has grown faster than any other major port over the past ten years.