Chief Operating Officer, Port Houston

ABOUT PORT HOUSTON:

Port Houston is one of the nation’s premier maritime gateways and a cornerstone of global commerce, serving as the non-federal sponsor of the Houston Ship Channel and operator of eight public marine terminals. As a powerful regional economic engine, the Port generates over $439 billion in statewide economic impact and supports more than 1.5 million jobs across Texas. Guided by its 2050 Long Range Plan, Port Houston is advancing a bold vision for sustainable growth and operational excellence, grounded in its Seven Cs strategic framework: Channel, Cargo, Change, Community, Connection, Culture, and Capital. With over $10 billion in projected investment needs and an evolving trade, energy, and infrastructure landscape, Port Houston is uniquely positioned for transformative expansion.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key strategic member of the executive team, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at Port Houston, including oversight of Operations, Commercial, Maintenance, Channel Infrastructure, and Port Infrastructure divisions. The COO is also responsible for:

Managing the division for proper controls, procedures, and systems in place to maintain financial strength through safe and efficient operations

Expanding and maintaining all port facilities in advance of market demand and in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.

LOCATION: Houston, TX (On-site required)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Maritime Administration, Engineering, Economics, or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required; professional experience may be substituted for the above educational requirements on a year for year basis.

Master’s degree preferred.

15+ years of related maritime or port related experience required, with container terminal operations strongly preferred.

10+ years in a senior leadership maritime operations role. The ideal candidate will have executive level container terminal operations experience in a private sector (terminal operator, shipping line) or public sector (port) environment.

Proven track record in managing large-scale operations and infrastructure projects.

Current or recent management of a substantially sized team is required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Competitive base salary + executive benefits. Relocation assistance will be available.

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE

TO APPLY: Please submit cover letter and resume to Jeff Dvonch () at Shey-Harding Executive Search by Friday, June 20, 2025. Port Houston reserves the right to accept additional submissions after the close date. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Susan Shey Dvonch, Managing Partner,, .

OTHER:

To be considered, candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without restrictions.

Port Houston is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.