Operations Manager, Marine

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

Job summary

APM Terminals Elizabeth seeks a Manager of Vessel Operations to lead vessel movements, coordinate berthing and sailing windows, and supervise crews under the Master Labor Agreement. The role is office-based in Elizabeth, NJ, with five days in the office per week and close collaboration with planning, stevedores, and unions.

The candidate will drive safe, efficient operations with a focus on productivity, safety, and cost control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field with 4–7 years of terminal operations experience.
• Experience with Navis N4/XPS and vessel stowage or planning modules; familiarity with TMS, WMS, and Power BI is a plus.
• Experience in an ILA or Longshore unionized environment preferred.
• Strong supervisory and collaboration skills; knowledge of vessel stowage, lashing, and safe terminal operations.

Responsibilities

• Organize and control vessel operations during shifts, directing crew to meet objectives.
• Coordinate with Planning to support berthing and sailing deadlines.
• Direct safe loading and discharging, maximize productivity and control costs.
• Execute stowage plans using Navis N4/XPS, ensure correct lashings.
• Supervise foremen, clerks, stevedores and ILA labor per Master Labor Agreement.
• Monitor counts, production and delays; use dashboards to improve performance.
• Lead safety talks, vessel inspections, incident follow-up and billing reports.

Skills

Continuous improvement mindset

Leadership

Operational leadership

Labor relations knowledge

DHS TWIC and Port Access Card

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management / Logistics / Maritime / related field

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

• 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].

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].

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!