Assistant Operations Manager at APM Terminals

Wayne State University; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured leadership development

Global/multinational workplace

Safety and wellbeing emphasis

Job summary

APM Terminals seeks an Assistant Operations Manager to lead frontline execution across the terminal, manage union labor, and drive Lean-based improvements. You will use data and systems to ensure safe, reliable and disciplined performance in a high‑stakes environment.

The role emphasizes cross‑functional leadership, real‑time decision making, and adherence to HSSE standards within a global, 12‑hour rotating shift operation.

Qualifications

• Continuous improvement mindset and problem-solving focus.
• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, or related field.
• 1–3 years in operations, logistics, or supply chain roles.
• Experience with unionized labor preferred.
• Strong data interpretation and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with scheduling, workforce, and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily terminal operations to ensure safe, efficient execution and HSSE compliance.
• Direct union supervisors and frontline teams to meet performance targets.
• Make real-time decisions balancing labor, equipment and workflow.
• Plan labor resources, control costs and ensure accurate timekeeping.
• Utilize terminal systems and dashboards to guide decisions.
• Identify constraints and opportunities through data analysis.

Skills

Continuous improvement mindset

Analytical thinking

Union labor experience

Leadership in operations

MS Excel/Office proficiency

Clear communication

System-heavy environments

Adaptability under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics / Supply Chain or related field

Job description

At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. What drives us forward is a mindset of always improving — observing how work happens, identifying what creates value, and removing what gets in the way. We constantly look for smarter, simpler, and safer ways of operating. If you thrive in environments where people value learning and are committed to continuously improve daily operations, join us and be apart of our journey.

What We Can Offer

At APMT Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to improvement is driven by Lean principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Experience a diverse, multinational workplace where your operational insights directly influence how we work.

Structured leadership development supported by on‑the‑job learning, coaching, and operational rotations

A collaborative workplace that prioritizes safety, wellbeing, and sustainable work practices

Opportunities to build a long‑term operations leadership career within a global organization

Purpose

As an Assistant Operations Manager (AOM) at APM Terminals, you are a terminal‑wide operational leader responsible for driving frontline execution across the entire operation. You will lead union labor, manage resources in real time, and leverage operational systems and data to drive safe, reliable, and consistent performance. In this role, you play a critical part in championing HSSE standards and continuous improvement (Lean) principles, ensuring standardized execution and operational discipline across the terminal.

The AOM role is intentionally cross‑functional, systems‑heavy, and analytical. You are expected to move fluidly across all operational environments, apply consistent leadership and safety standards, and make sound, timely decisions that keep the terminal running safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business priorities—regardless of where operational leadership support is needed most.

Key Responsibilities

Lead daily terminal operations to ensure safe, efficient execution aligned with HSSE requirements, operating plans, and business priorities

Direct union supervisors and frontline teams to execute work assignments, resolve operational issues, and maintain consistent safety and performance standards

Make real‑time decisions to balance labor, equipment, and workflow demands in response to changing conditions

Plan, allocate, and adjust labor resources while controlling cost, maintaining service levels, and ensuring accurate timekeeping

Leverage terminal operating systems, labor management tools, and performance dashboards to guide operational decisions

Analyze operational data and trends to identify constraints, risks, and improvement opportunities

Reinforce standard work, safety discipline, and compliance while partnering with cross‑functional teams to maintain terminal flow

What We Are Looking For

Continuous improvement mindset: we are looking for someone who brings a strong mindset of continuous improvement – someone who is naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, and driven to make things better every day

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field

1–3 years of experience in operations, logistics, transportation, or supply chain environments

Demonstrated ability to lead in fast‑moving, high‑accountability operational settings

Experience working with unionized labor or large frontline workforces, preferred

Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret data, assess tradeoffs, and make timely decisions

Comfort operating in system‑heavy environments, including scheduling, workforce, and reporting platforms

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; ability to learn terminal‑specific systems quickly

Clear, confident communicator who can lead across roles, levels, and functions

Calm, adaptable leader who maintains sound judgment under pressure

Hours: Rotating Shift (12 hours)

Dimensions:

Thephysicaldemandsandworkenvironmentcharacteristicsdescribedherearerepresentativeofthose thatmustbemetbyanemployeetosuccessfullyperformtheessentialfunctionsofthisjob.Reasonableaccommodationmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employeeis regularly required tostand; walk; use hands to handle orfeel; speak to and hear others.Theemployeeisfrequentlyrequiredtoreachwithhandsandarms;climbor balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employeeis occasionally required tosit and work at a computer terminal. The employee mustregularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds,frequentlylift and/or move up to 25poundsand occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depthperceptionand ability to adjust focus.

Work is mostly performed outdoors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will have to withstand exposure to outdoor/adverse working conditions.Required todrive within the terminal yard to work with labor,stand forlong periodsof time and be able to sit forlong periodsof time to patrol trucks.The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee isfrequentlyexposed towet and/or humid conditions; extremecold.The employeeisoccasionallyexposedtohigh,precariousplaces;fumesorairborneparticles;extremeheatand vibration.The noise level in the work environment is occasionally noisy.

Due to peakperiodsmay berequiredto worknights,holidays,andweekends asrequired.Attimesmayberequiredto worksignificantlyextendedshifthoursbasedonbusinessneeds.

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.