Assistant Manager, Operations

APM Terminals; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

APM Terminals Elizabeth is hiring an Assistant Manager, Gate Operations to lead daily inbound and outbound gate activities. You will coordinate ILA labor to maintain safe, productive, and customer-focused operations across a high-volume port environment.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in operations-related field and 1–3 years in related operations, with strong data interpretation and leadership skills. Rotating shifts in Elizabeth, NJ are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in operations, logistics, transportation, supply chain, terminal, or related environments.
• Experience with Terminal Operating Systems such as Navis N4/XPS, appointment systems like TERMPoint, and ORBITA is strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret operational data, reports, and Power BI dashboards to support data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Direct Head Clerks and hourly union clerks in daily gate operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Deploy labor and gate resources to maximize productivity and meet service objectives.
• Monitor attendance, authorize overtime, and manage payroll records and adjustments.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or Logistics

Tools

Navis N4/XPS

TERMPoint

ORBITA

Power BI

Job description

APM Terminals Step into the engine room of global commerce. At APM Terminals Elizabeth, you’ll be at the center of one of the busiest port complexes in North America. Every container you touch keeps freight moving through the Port of New York C New Jersey, supporting critical supply chains across the East Coast and beyond. This is a place where speed, scale, and precision come together. You’ll collaborate with high- performing teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where safety and operational excellence are the top priorities. Here, your impact is immediate—and global.

Why you’ll love it here

• Be part of a major gateway on the U.S. East Coast
• Experience high-volume, complex terminal operations
• Work with driven teams in a fast-moving environment
• Continuous improvement mindset – where curiosity is encouraged, root-cause problem solving is valued, and making things better every day is part of how we win

Appetizer

Based at APM Terminals Elizabeth, the Assistant Manager, Gate Operations plays a critical role in ensuring efficient gate operations within one of the world's most integrated port and terminal networks. In this position, you will support the management of all inbound and outbound gate activities while leading and coordinating the daily efforts of ILA labor to maintain safe, productive, and customer-focused operations.

What We Can Offer

• Opportunity to support gate modernization initiatives and the implementation of new operational technologies.
• Exposure to a complex terminal environment with collaboration across gate, yard, vessel, rail, planning, and support functions.
• Ongoing learning through participation in Lean, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• A dynamic operational role where data, customer service, safety, and workforce leadership directly impact business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Head Clerks and hourly union clerks in daily inbound and outbound gate operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with terminal procedures.
• Deploy labor and gate resources to maximize productivity, minimize turn‑time, and support customer service objectives.
• Monitor labor attendance, authorize overtime and meal hours when required, and ensure payroll records and adjustments are completed accurately.
• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of gate transactions while maintaining data integrity within Navis N4/XPS, TERMPoint, and related operational systems.
• Make real‑time operational decisions regarding labor allocation, lane assignments, workflow priorities, and gate performance management.
• Administer discipline, support grievance resolution processes, and work within applicable labor agreements to address workforce issues effectively.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, transaction throughput, and turn‑time targets using reporting tools and dashboards to support continuous improvement initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

• Continuous improvement mindset: we are looking for someone who brings a thoughtful improvement mindset, curious about how work gets done and motivated to make meaningful, sustainable improvements over time.
• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience within operations, logistics, transportation, supply chain, terminal, or related operational environments.
• Experience with Terminal Operating Systems such as Navis N4/XPS, appointment systems such as TERMPoint, and ORBITA is strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret operational data, reports, and Power BI dashboards to support data‑driven decision‑making and operational improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to supervise labor in a unionized environment.
• Experience working with labor relations, grievance processes, or unionized workforces is preferred.
• High attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy across gate transactions, payroll records, and operational system updates.
• Ability to balance customer service, operational priorities, and workforce needs in a fast‑paced terminal environment.
• Must be able to obtain or renew a TWIC card and Port Access Card as required.

Salary: $80K - 90K Location: Elizabeth, NJ (Rotating Shifts)

Notice to applicants applying to positions in the United States Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. APM Terminals is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities who are applying for positions in the U.S. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. If you are interested in applying for employment with APM Terminals in the U.S. and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to perform a job, please contact the applicable Human Resources Department by emailing [e-mail]. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on a case‑by‑case basis pursuant to an interactive dialogue between the applicant and the Company.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements. We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing [e-mail].

At APM Terminals, we are a team of over 20,000 employees spread across more than 60 countries united by a passion to provide our expertise in port operations and container management services. By providing the expertise and port infrastructure essential to world trade, we actively support the advancement of the societies around us, enabling local economies to unlock their potential and build an even stronger global community. Working with a team of talented professionals you will get a chance to experience different cultures and make friends all over the world. You’ll find a culturally diverse, stimulating environment at any of our offices, terminals or depots. When you join APM Terminals, the world is your workplace.

APM Terminals is an independent business unit within the Danish Maersk Group – a Global Fortune 500 company with about 89,000 employees and offices in 130 countries with global growth opportunities in a range of fields from shipping and energy to our offshore and manufacturing industries – Join us to achieve even your most ambitious career goals!