Operations Manager, Marine

A.P. Moller - Maersk; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

APM Terminals Elizabeth is hiring a Manager of Vessel Operations to lead lean and continuous improvement initiatives across vessel operations. You will work with vessel planners, steamship lines, and local partners to optimize berthing, loading, and safety while improving service quality and cost efficiency.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 4–7 years of terminal operations experience, including familiarity with Navis N4/XPS and reporting systems. This is an on-site role in Elizabeth, NJ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 4–7 years of terminal operations experience.
• Experience with vessel or stevedoring operations and unions is preferred.
• Knowledge of Navis N4/XPS and related reporting systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Organize and control vessel operations during designated shifts and direct the team.
• Coordinate with Planning to maintain ship-working programs for berthing and sailing deadlines.
• Direct safe loading and discharging of vessels, maximizing productivity and controlling costs.
• Execute stowage plans using Navis N4/XPS and ensure proper lashings per vessel needs.
• Supervise Foremen, clerks, stevedores, and ILA labor under Master Labor Agreement.
• Monitor metrics and use dashboards to address constraints and improve performance.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Collaboration

Team-building

Operational leadership

Labor relations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Tools

Navis N4/XPS

TMS

WMS

Power BI

Job description

APM Terminals

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 a part of our journey.

Manager of Vessel Operations

About APM Terminals Elizabeth

At APM Terminals Elizabeth, safe and efficient vessel operations are central to meeting customer commitments, sailing deadlines, and terminal productivity. In this office-based role, you will also work across operational areas, including vessels and the berth, to help deliver reliable, high-quality service.

What We Can Offer

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

• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving, Kaizen, and daily management.
• Develop your operational and leadership capabilities through training and practical experience in a complex terminal environment.
• Collaborate with vessel planners, steamship lines, affiliated business units, local unions, and port partners.
• Influence vessel productivity, safety, service quality, and cost control through data-informed operational decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and control vessel operations during designated shifts, setting priorities and directing operational team members to achieve planned objectives.
• Coordinate with Planning to establish and maintain effective ship-working programs that support berthing and sailing deadlines.
• Direct the safe loading and discharging of vessels, maximizing productivity, controlling costs, and complying with OSHA requirements and the Longshore contract.
• Execute stowage plans through Navis N4/XPS, preventing mis-stows and ensuring containers are loaded and lashed according to vessel requirements.
• Supervise Foremen, the Head Clerk, stevedores, and other ILA labor, ensuring work assignments are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the Master Labor Agreement.
• Monitor hourly counts, production, delays, equipment use, and staffing, using operational reports and dashboards to address constraints and improve performance.
• Manage safety talks, vessel inspections, incident follow-up, labor issues, shift reporting, and accurate Operational Statements for billing.

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.
• Leadership expectation: We are looking for people who consistently put customers first, lead by example with respect for people, deliver results with integrity, and drive continuous improvement by solving problems at the root, developing people, and raising standards every day.
• Education and experience: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, preferably in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or a related field, with 4–7 years of terminal operations experience, preferably including vessel or stevedoring operations.
• Systems expertise: Experience with Terminal Operating Systems, preferably Navis N4/XPS and vessel stowage or planning modules; familiarity with TMS, WMS, Power BI, or related reporting systems is an advantage.
• Labor relations knowledge: Experience in an ILA or Longshore unionized environment, including administration of a Master Labor Agreement and grievance or performance processes, is strongly preferred.
• Operational leadership: Strong supervisory, team-building, decision-making, and collaboration skills, supported by knowledge of vessel stowage, lashing, stevedoring, and safe terminal operations.
• Required access: Ability to receive DHS approval to acquire or renew a TWIC card and approval to acquire or renew a Port Access Card. Competent rigger qualification is preferred

Salary:

$110K - $120K

Location:

Elizabeth, NJ (5 days in office)

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 the 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].