Managing Director, Channel Infrastructure

Managing Director, Channel InfrastructureAre you ready to think about the future and dream big? At Port Houston, we're seeking individuals who are eager to tackle the most significant challenges of their careers. For over a century, we've been driven by vision and scale, delivering impactful initiatives that shape Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success hinge on attracting, retaining, and nurturing exceptional talent.When you join Port Houston, you're embarking on a journey towards a fulfilling career path. Take the first step in the right direction—are you READY?Position Summary:Via supporting the Chief Channel Infrastructure Officer, helps to coordinate the Channel Infrastructure Operations, Marine Regulatory, and Channel Real Property Departments to assure availability of ship channels, its tributaries, and Port Houston berths for safe movement of commerce and to coordinate projects to further develop and enhance the Houston Ship Channel (HSC).Key Responsibilities/Duties:Act as a key interface with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Houston Pilots and provides strategic advice to Port executive management. Plans and executes federal agreements to facilitate commerce and safe bine business and technical acumen to support critical decisions. Leads and oversee, via subject matter expertise, marine permit applications to assure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.Conduct strategic planning for the department and revises plans to align with Port Houston goals and objectives; provide quality control and assurance processes for staff and contractor activities.Manage professional development of department team of professionals; hire and provide training for staff, conduct performance reviews and motivate staff to perform at high standards.Develop and maintain a cost accountability system for fees and services related to Channel Infrastructure initiatives including interactions with USACE, USCG, and Houston Pilots; advise Port management on Channel Infrastructure financing initiatives and supports implementation.Oversee the Disposal Area Management Program (DAMP) including the operations and maintenance, scope, cost, and schedule, as well as dredged material placement needs of the USACE, Private users and Port Houston, as required as local sponsor of the Houston Ship ChannelObtain and maintain permits from the USACE and others as required for Port Houston construction projects and maintenance dredging of Port Houston's berthing areas andchannels including the necessary dredge pipeline route permits, easements and rights-of-way; ensure all permits meet needed requirements to accomplish these projects including extension of time and conditions. • Ensure continuing compliance with required marine environmental permits from federal, state, and local agencies, acting as lead point of contact with such agencies including USACE, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental QualityLead the preparation and review of applications for marine permits, and the modification of active permits, for all Port Houston in-water activities. Review and comment to USACE on permit applications that may possibly affect navigation on the HSC and its tributaries.Execute dredged material disposal agreements for the various terminal operators for the placement of dredged material in the Port Houston's dredged material areas; verify quantities and ensure proper invoicing and collection of funds by the accounting department.Work with USACE, USCG and Houston Pilots to ensure the HSC and other federal project channels are dredged in a timely manner and maintained at the required project depth for safe navigationAssist the other departments to the extent responsibilities overlap, in regard to engineering, planning, legislative initiatives, operations, and budgeting.Liaises with Marine Regulatory Development Director and staff to monitor environmental compliance for all Channel Infrastructure projects; coordinate compliance with Environmental Affairs departmentCoordinate work with Port Houston staff (within and outside Channel Infrastructure) to guide junior staff and technical personnel; responsible for maintaining quality standards and quality control; oversees and coordinates the design and construction phase navigation and dredging projectsServe as the advocate and principal Port Houston official representing Port Houston to the federal government; develop and maintain positive relationships with elected officials and federal, state and local agencies related to Channel Infrastructure and channel use.Liaise with internal colleagues for project advocacy and financing to align with project roadmap and implementationReview invoices and verify expenses prior to approvalAct in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)Perform other duties as requiredBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Environmental or Natural Sciences, Planning, or related major obtained through a formal 4-year degree public or accredited private academic institution requiredMaster’s degree preferred15+ years of related engineering, environmental, regulatory, or project management experience requiredPrevious experience developing and leading projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersPrevious supervisory experience requiredP.E., engineering board accreditation and/or project management certification preferredKnowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:Knowledge of the principles of project and program managementKnowledge of laws, regulations, policies and guidelines that affect the planning for submerged land and adjacent industrial property uses, riparian rights, NEPA, permits, departmental manuals and special legislationKnowledge of dredging and dredged material placement area processesKnowledge of strategic planningKnowledge of methods, practices and processes of surveying, remote sensing and CADD/GISKnowledge of professional mechanical, electrical and civil engineering conceptsKnowledge of construction methods and techniquesKnowledge of capital budget formulation, development and executionProject management skillsLeadership and coordination skillsComputer literacy skillsSkill in analytical writing, technical report writing and public speaking.Ability to develop and communicate sophisticated business cases.Ability to assess work requirements and prioritize tasks.Ability to implement and execute proper staff procedures.Ability to supervise and lead a diverse staff of professional, technical personnel.Ability to develop scope of work, contract conditions and requirements for projects.Ability to interpret and apply engineering instructions, specifications and other technical reference materials.Key Competencies Required:AnalyticalChange ManagementContinual ImprovementFlexibilityInfluencing OthersLeadershipNetworkingPlanning & OrganizingProject ManagementRisk TakingWork Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to /careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.Disclaimer:The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job.It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06