Watco

Terminal Manager (Rail / Lumber Terminal) - North Bergen, NJ

Job Location:

North Bergen, New Jersey, 7047 United States

Office Location: Onsite

Employment Type: Salary

Job Type: Full Time

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs.

Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco.

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

• Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000

Location Overview

The North Bergen Transload Terminal is a strategically positioned rail-to-truck facility serving the Metropolitan New York area. Located in the heart of northern New Jersey, the terminal offers convenient access to virtually all major highways in northeastern New Jersey, making it an ideal distribution hub. The facility connects with Class I railroads Norfolk Southern and CSX and is a key station on the New York, Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W) Railway network. Covering 13.8 acres, the terminal includes five enclosed buildings and extensive outside laydown space dedicated to transloading operations—primarily focused on lumber but adaptable for other commodities. Situated off Secaucus Road near the New Jersey Turnpike, the property is within close proximity to Manhattan and several key industrial centers. The terminal operates Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Position Overview

The Terminal Manager is responsible for the leadership, operational management, and financial performance of the North Bergen Terminal. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient terminal operations while fostering a high-performance team culture and delivering exceptional customer service. The Terminal Manager oversees all facets of terminal operations including safety, environmental compliance, personnel development, maintenance, and customer engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Read, write, and communicate effectively in English, with basic math skills.
• Follow written and verbal instructions to complete tasks on schedule.
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and consistently meet performance standards.
• Learn from guidance and apply procedures using sound judgment.
• Acquire a working knowledge of Watco Safety and Operating principles.
• Support the Customer First Foundation Principles, coaching staff on their importance and relevance to individual team members.
• Lead large teams, demonstrating professionalism and effective leadership.
• Plan and schedule operations based on customer needs and available resources.
• Monitor facility and equipment maintenance needs, scheduling repairs and utilizing in-house personnel when possible.
• Foster understanding and application of Watco Foundation Principles within the team.
• Enforce Watco safety rules through consistent observations, efficiency testing, SOP reviews, and safety meetings.
• Conduct monthly safety meetings with all shifts and ensure participation from the TS&IC team and leadership.
• Empower team members to stop unsafe actions and ensure proper resolution.
• Regularly review and assess operational KPIs to maintain performance.
• Prioritize safety, environmental considerations, and financial stewardship in all operations.
• Lead, train, and develop team members to ensure operational excellence.
• Be flexible to work all shifts as needed by business demands.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through operational excellence and relationship-building.
• Promote a strong safety culture within the team.
• Ensure proper training for all team members to perform their duties effectively.
• Communicate and coordinate with other corporate departments.
• Maintain accurate documentation and compliance records.
• Ensure training and performance records are current, addressing performance issues as needed.
• Inspect equipment, railcars, and trucks as required.
• Participate in safety and job briefings, and communicate essential information.
• Ability to work outdoors and handle extreme weather conditions.
• Collaborate within a team, follow work rules, and take on additional responsibilities when needed.
• Oversee revenue and expense tracking, ensuring adherence to financial processes.
• Control costs within the Annual Operating Plan and manage unplanned expenses.
• Ensure quality and efficiency of maintenance, tracking time and expenses accurately.
• Maintain an understanding of all key functional areas affecting facility performance.
• Continuously improve operations, administration, safety, financials, and team development.
• Conduct fair and timely performance reviews for all team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Actively engage with team members and support the “TEAM” philosophy.
• Learn and utilize Watco support software (inventory management, billing systems).
• Understand customer contracts, billing terms, and service requirements.
• Manage financials effectively within budget constraints.
• Approve expenditures and participate in the budgeting process.
• Regularly review invoicing to ensure accuracy and compliance with contractual terms.
• Evaluate the profitability of operations and services.
• Build and maintain positive customer relationships.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Conduct inspections, complete reports, and ensure team training and compliance with safety programs.

Position Requirements

• Strong organizational and leadership skills for managing a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to lead and participate in all operational functions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and customer-focused with a proactive approach to resolving issues.
• Preferred: Business degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in operational leadership.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel by vehicle or air as needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to quickly learn new software systems.

Machines, Tools, Special Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment Used

• Familiarity with operating equipment, maintenance requirements, and procedures.
• Required PPE: Hi-Viz clothing, hard hat, gloves, steel-toe metatarsal boots, safety glasses, radio, and PFD (as required).