HSSE Permit Controller Lead

APM Terminals; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

APM Terminals is looking for an HSSE Permit Controller Lead in Elizabeth, NJ. This role involves overseeing the Permit to Work system and authorizing high-risk work permits to ensure safe construction operations. The ideal candidate will have 3–10 years of HSSE experience, strong communication skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

The position offers a salary between $95K and $120K and operates Monday to Friday from 7am to 3pm. APM Terminals is committed to equal employment opportunity and values diversity.

Qualifications

• 3–10 years of HSSE experience in construction, industrial, or infrastructure environments.
• Experience with Permit to Work systems.
• Relevant OSHA certifications (e.g., OSHA 30, Confined Space, LOTO) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Permit to Work (PTW) system across all construction activities.
• Review and authorize high-risk work permits.
• Conduct field audits and intervene in unsafe work situations.

Skills

Continuous improvement mindset

OSHA regulations knowledge

Risk assessment review

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

HSSE Permit Controller Lead

APM Terminals seeks an experienced HSSE Permit Controller Lead to oversee the full lifecycle of high‑risk work permits in our active terminal construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the Permit to Work (PTW) system across all construction activities within the project
• Review, validate, and authorize high‑risk work permits including hot work, confined space entry, work at height, lifting operations, LOTO, excavation, and SIMOPS
• Conduct pre‑job reviews and field verifications to ensure controls are implemented effectively prior to work authorization
• Maintain oversight of simultaneous operations (SIMOPS), ensuring safe coordination of overlapping work activities
• Operate the on‑site Permit to Work Office, maintaining permit registers, tracking systems, and documentation compliance
• Partner with contractors, supervisors, and operations teams to ensure adherence to APM Terminals standards and regulatory requirements
• Perform field audits, spot checks, and intervene to stop or suspend unsafe work when necessary

What We Are Looking For

• Continuous improvement mindset: naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, and driven to make things better every day
• 3–10 years of HSSE experience in construction, industrial, or infrastructure environments, with direct involvement in Permit to Work systems
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, safe systems of work, and high‑risk activity controls in operational environments
• Demonstrated ability to review and validate risk assessments (JHA/TRA), method statements, and lift plans
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage contractors and enforce compliance, including stopping unsafe work when required
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or a related field preferred; relevant OSHA certifications (e.g., OSHA 30, Confined Space, LOTO) considered an advantage

Location, Compensation and Schedule

Location: Elizabeth, NJ – Salary: $95K – $120K – Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7am – 3pm

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

APM Terminals is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. 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 need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact the applicable Human Resources Department.