Operations Manager - Brownsville, TX

SMS Shipbreaking, LLC is one of the few licensed and approved ship dismantling and recycling companies in the United States. We specialize in the safe, environmentally responsible dismantling and recycling of marine vessels, offshore drilling rigs, and industrial marine assets. Our operations require precision, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

SMS Shipbreaking is seeking a highly skilled, results-driven, and safety-focused Operations Manager to join our team in Brownsville, TX. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this leadership role is responsible for directing, managing, coordinating, and monitoring all onsite production and operational activities. The successful candidate will drive production efficiency, lead a unionized workforce, optimize costs and resources, and ensure all operations are conducted safely and in compliance with regulatory and company requirements. This position requires a highly visible leader who thrives in the field and can effectively balance safety, productivity, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Drive a safety-first culture, ensuring all activities are performed in compliance with OSHA standards, site rules, and company safety policies.
• Oversee and enforce safe operations involving Ships, heavy industrial machinery, and high-risk equipment.
• Maintain a strong presence in the field by observing, coaching, and correcting operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance.
• Lead and motivate a unionized workforce, fostering positive labor relations while ensuring accountability, productivity, and adherence to established procedures.
• Collaborate with leadership, subcontractor management, and safety teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Lead a production team and effectively manage costs and profitability (P&L) of dedicated production site to achieve optimal safety and productivity.
• Optimize resource utilization by implementation of an effective leadership group, including supervising and motivating the team of hourly and salary employees, as well as analyzing daily reports.
• Meet KPI’s to exceed efficiency and performance standards.
• Prepare daily, weekly, & monthly reports of all the production activities and respond to information requests from site, division, and corporate teams.
• In conjunction with maintenance, implement and manage a coordinated weekly planned and corrective maintenance schedule, ensuring reliable equipment is maintained to meet production targets and goals.
• Prepare production schedules for each project and weekly employee schedules to optimize performance.
• Monitor the production process, including equipment downtime and availability and adjust schedule as needed to manage headcounts and payroll expenses.
• Communicate clearly, including providing on-the-job training and assistance as needed.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement, including through change management.
• Comply with cost savings initiatives, identify, and recognize ways to reduce costs and enhance revenue, including treating any company expenses the same as you would if it was your own money.
• Function as part of the management team and align with core values to meet company policies and goals, escalating and reporting issues that require further assistance as appropriate.
• Plan, participate and actively contribute to internal and external business meetings as needed.
• Conduct daily production meetings to review the previous day’s performance, current day plan, needs for the next day, and any relevant projects, issues, etc.
• Walk the facilities daily to ensure follow-up on plans, verify execution, ensure conformance to standards, and monitor inventories.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of progressive operations management experience, preferably in production, Shipyard, Scrap Yard or other related positions. Experience in shipbreaking, demolition, or scrap operations will be a plus.

• Demonstrated expertise in safety management and working in high-risk environments with Shipyard and heavy equipment. Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations; working knowledge of EPA programs
• Strong track record of leading teams and improving operational performance.
• Proven success in driving measurable production improvements (efficiency, throughput, cost savings, waste reduction).
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Spend approximately 80% of time in the field observing, coaching, and mentoring employees. Ability to perform effectively in a dirty, dusty, and physically demanding outdoor environment.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data and implement practical, results-oriented solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain security clearance
• Bilingual English/Spanish (required)

What we can Offer:

• $80,000.00 annually plus 10% annual bonus
• Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, company-paid life insurance, etc. offered on day 1!
• 401(k) with 4% matching, 100% vested as of first contribution
• Paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
• Opportunities to grow and learn with the industry.

SMS Shipbreaking, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMS Shipbreaking, LLC makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.