Operations Manager – Terminal Operations (Oil & Gas)
Bellingham, WA

Our client, a leading operator in the oil & gas sector, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead terminal operations at a key Pacific Northwest facility. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for safe, reliable, and efficient operations across a complex asset that includes rail, marine, and processing activities.

This position is ideal for a hands-on operations leader with deep industry experience, strong business acumen, and a passion for developing high-performing teams. You’ll play a critical role in driving operational excellence, shaping culture, and aligning cross-functional teams to support both current performance and future growth.

Operations Manager Responsibilities:

• Lead all day-to-day terminal operations with full accountability for safety, performance, and reliability.
• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing operations and maintenance team, including frontline leaders.
• Foster a strong safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all environmental, regulatory, and process safety standards.
• Drive operational performance through KPI development, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cost control while identifying risks and opportunities impacting performance.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Commercial, Finance, and EHS to ensure alignment and execution.
• Lead risk management efforts, including ownership of process safety and incident response protocols.
• Support capital planning, turnaround activities, and project execution to improve asset reliability and performance.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, regulators, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure consistency in policies, procedures, and operational standards across the facility.
• Act as a key escalation point for operational challenges and emergency response situations.

Scope & Leadership:

• Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams across operations, maintenance, and support functions.
• Direct oversight of terminal leadership team (Superintendents, Supervisors, and support staff).
• Total span of control across a large, unionized workforce.
• Responsibility for operational budgets, capital input, and performance outcomes.

Operations Manager Background Profile:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in oil & gas, midstream, or related industrial operations.
• Strong background in terminal operations, gas processing, or similar complex facilities.
• Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams and develop frontline leadership.
• Experience managing P&L, operating budgets, and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of rail and/or marine logistics operations strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with union environments and labor relations is a plus.
• Experience with safety systems, incident command, and risk management frameworks.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align operations with broader commercial goals.

Leadership Profile:

• People-first leader with a track record of building engaged, accountable teams.
• Decisive and action-oriented with the ability to lead through complexity.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic mindset balanced with hands-on operational leadership.
• High level of ownership, accountability, and integrity.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with performance-based short-term and long-term incentive structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, dental, and vehicle allowance.
• 401K with company match.
• PTO and flex time off.

Compensation: $180K - $200K+ (DOE), plus incentive bonuses