Operations Manager

APM Terminals; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ownership of vessel operations on one–

Navis N4/XPS experience

Lean initiative leadership

Competitive compensation

Global development pathways

Work-life balance support

Job summary

APM Terminals Elizabeth seeks a Manager of Vessel Operations to run all vessel operations on shift, ensuring plans are followed for sailing and berthing deadlines. You will lead stevedoring labor and use Navis N4/XPS for stowage and optimization, while coordinating with planning and ensuring safety and productivity.

The role requires a four-year degree in a related field and 4–7 years of terminal operations experience, with Lean, ABS, and union environment familiarity valued.

Qualifications

• Four-year bachelor's degree in related field.
• 4-7 years of terminal operations experience, preferably vessel/stevedoring.
• Experience with Navis N4/XPS and vessel stowage/planning modules.
• Familiarity with TMS, WMS, Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vessel operations on shift, ensuring schedule adherence and optimal utilization of labor and equipment.
• Coordinate with Planning to set and maintain ship-working programs to meet sailing and berthing deadlines.
• Direct stevedoring labor and ensure safe loading/discharging of vessels.
• Lead Lean initiatives and advance ABS maturity across the operation.
• Maintain vessel productivity, safety, and cost control while building relationships with lines and port partners.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Labor management

Stakeholder coordination

Maritime/port operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Bachelor's degree in Logistics

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Maritime/Transportation

Tools

Navis N4/XPS

TMS

WMS

Power BI

Job description

APM Terminals Safe, efficient vessel operations are central to meeting customer commitments, sailing deadlines, and terminal productivity. As the Manager of Vessel Operations at APM Terminals Elizabeth, you'll manage all vessel operations in accordance with stowage plans and within the parameters of customer requirements, management direction, and safe working practices, achieving maximum productivity and customer service through optimum utilization of labor and equipment. You'll provide effective organization and control of vessel operations during designated shift periods, coordinate with Planning to ensure effective ship-working programs are set and maintained so vessels meet sailing and berthing deadlines, and direct all stevedoring labor in the safe loading and discharging of vessels. Leveraging the Terminal Operating System (Navis N4/XPS) and its stowage and optimization modules along with related operational and reporting systems, you'll manage the efficient allocation of shift operational staff and cost-effective equipment utilization, oversee ILA labor and lead personnel, and ensure adherence to the Master Labor Agreement and grievance process. Leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives and advancing APM Business System (ABS) maturity through structured problem-solving, Kaizen, and daily management, you'll maintain vessel productivity, safety, and cost control while building strong relationships with steamship lines, vessel planners, and port partners - driving efficient, high-quality vessel operations that deliver value to the business.

Appetizer: 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 improving daily operations, join us and be a part of our journey.

What We Can Offer

• Full ownership of vessel operations on shift at one of the U.S.'s largest marine terminals, directly driving productivity and service
• Hands-on use of Navis N4/XPS stowage and optimization modules to execute plans and hit sailing deadlines
• The chance to lead vessel Lean initiatives and advance APM Business System maturity across the operation
• Competitive compensation, strong development pathways within a global organization, and a supportive approach to work-life balance

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college, preferably in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or a related field.
• 4-7 years of terminal operations experience, preferably including vessel/stevedoring operations.
• Experience with Terminal Operating Systems (Navis N4/XPS) and vessel stowage/planning modules strongly preferred, with familiarity with related operational and reporting systems (e.g., TMS, WMS, Power BI) an advantage.
• Working knowledge of Lean and continuous improvement principles, with familiarity with the APM Business System (ABS) preferred, including for candidates coming from other terminals.
• Experience within unionized (ILA/Longshore) environments, including administration of a Master Labor Agreement and the grievance/performance process, strongly preferred; a competent rigger qualification for out-of-gauge and heavy-lift operations is preferred.
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card and Port Access Card.

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.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college, preferably in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or a related field.
• 4-7 years of terminal operations experience, preferably including vessel/stevedoring operations.
• Experience with Terminal Operating Systems (Navis N4/XPS) and vessel stowage/planning modules strongly preferred; familiarity with related operational and reporting systems (TMS, WMS, and business-intelligence reporting such as Power BI) an advantage.
• Working knowledge of Lean and continuous improvement; familiarity with the APM Business System (ABS) preferred, including for candidates coming from other terminals.
• Experience in unionized (ILA/Longshore) environments including Master Labor Agreement administration and the grievance process; competent rigger qualification for out-of-gauge and heavy-lift operations preferred.
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card and Port Access Card.

Job Type/FLSA Status: Full Time/Exempt Salary: $110,000 - $120,000 Location: Elizabeth, NJ

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.

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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!