Manager, Crew Operations & Dispatch

Manager, Crew Operations & Dispatch

Reports To: Vice President of Operations / Senior Port Captain
Location: Northport, Alabama
Salary: $70,000, Annually 

Position Summary

Parker Towing Company is seeking a proactive and people-focused Manager, Crew Operations & Dispatch to lead the daily staffing and coordination of vessel crews across our Southern Division fleet.

This role is responsible for ensuring vessels are safely and efficiently staffed while supporting operational excellence through workforce planning, team leadership, safety compliance, onboarding, logistics coordination, and continuous process improvement. Working closely with Operations, Human Resources, vessel crews, and customers, this position plays a critical role in keeping our fleet operating safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex scheduling challenges, and has a passion for leading people and building strong relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Crew Operations & Workforce Planning

• Lead the daily scheduling and staffing of Southern Division vessel crews to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Coordinate crew changes while balancing operational needs, employee availability, certifications, and business priorities.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of crew payroll information.
• Maintain staffing schedules, crew records, and operational documentation.
• Provide after-hours support as needed to address staffing emergencies and ensure vessel coverage.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Crew Dispatchers.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented team culture.
• Support employee performance, professional development, and ongoing training.
• Promote open communication and encourage continuous improvement within the department.

Safety & Compliance

• Conduct daily safety and compliance briefings with vessel crews prior to dispatch.
• Support new hire onboarding and orientation activities.
• Assist with incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action documentation.
• Participate in vessel audits, surveys, and compliance initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Operational Logistics

• Coordinate crew transportation and crew change logistics.
• Work closely with Operations, vessel personnel, vendors, and customers to coordinate fuel deliveries, groceries, and vessel provisioning while minimizing downtime.
• Oversee the maintenance and management of company crew vehicles.
• Assist with operational planning and special projects that support fleet performance.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve dispatch processes, scheduling efficiencies, and operational workflows.
• Assist in developing and implementing new procedures, training programs, and operational best practices.
• Support department and company initiatives that improve safety, employee engagement, and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a collaborative leader who enjoys solving problems, supporting people, and keeping operations running smoothly. While experience in the marine industry is valuable, we welcome candidates with transferable leadership and operations experience.

Successful candidates typically bring:

• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Leadership or supervisory experience, including coaching, developing, and supporting employees.
• Strong planning, scheduling, and organizational skills.
• The ability to make sound decisions while balancing competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• A customer service mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• The ability to quickly learn new software systems and technology.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to respond to changing operational needs.

Experience in marine transportation, logistics, dispatch, manufacturing, emergency services, transportation, construction, utilities, or other operational environments is preferred, but not required.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Operations Management, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or management experience preferred.
• Experience in scheduling, dispatch, workforce planning, logistics, customer service, or operations coordination is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, military service, and professional experience will be considered.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in an office environment with frequent interaction with vessel crews, operational leaders, vendors, and customers. The role requires the ability to work in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift throughout the day to support business needs.

Because vessel operations occur around the clock, occasional evening, weekend, holiday, and after-hours support may be required to ensure adequate staffing and operational continuity.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Frequently operate a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written correspondence.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, and lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally travel between company facilities, vessels, or other operational locations as needed.

Why Join Parker Towing Company?

At Parker Towing Company, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the Manager, Crew Operations & Dispatch , you'll play an essential role in supporting our vessel crews, leading a dedicated team, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our fleet. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, collaborate with experienced operational leaders, and contribute to a company with a long-standing reputation for excellence in the inland marine transportation industry.