Strategic Planning Manager

APM Terminals; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

401K Match

Job summary

APM Terminals is seeking a Terminal Planning Manager in Elizabeth, NJ, to lead terminal planning operations and enhance efficiency and safety. The role involves strategic development and operational planning for a terminal undergoing modernization to increase capacity and integrate new technologies.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of operational planning experience in complex environments, a degree in a relevant field, and a commitment to continuous improvement. A competitive salary and benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in operational planning within complex, asset-intensive environments.
• Ability to develop strategies that enhance safety, customer experience, and profitability.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder alignment and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead terminal planning activities supporting 1.4 million annual container lifts.
• Optimize berth planning, yard layout, and capacity planning.
• Coach and develop Assistant Managers for operational leadership.

Skills

Operational planning

People leadership

Analytical capability

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder alignment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Advanced education

Job description

Overview

APM Terminals is part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, operating advanced ports and terminals worldwide. The Terminal Elizabeth in New York/New Jersey is undergoing a large modernization program, expanding capacity by 40% and integrating new technologies and systems. APT is looking for a Terminal Planning Manager to help lead this transformation.

The Role

As Terminal Planning Manager you will play a central role in shaping day‑to‑day operations and future strategy. You will develop and execute operational planning strategies that improve safety, efficiency, customer experience, and profitability, supporting a significant modernization journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead high‑volume terminal planning activities, supporting more than 1.4million annual container lifts and 12+ weekly vessel calls through advanced operational planning.
• Own and optimize berth planning, yard layout, appointment strategies, capacity planning, and ocean carrier SLA performance.
• Develop short‑term and long‑term operational strategies that integrate safety, productivity, and technology optimization across terminal operations.
• Use TOS‑driven insights and data analytics to model, simulate, and optimize operational scenarios, asset utilization, and throughput.
• Govern standardized processes by maintaining planning documentation, process maps, validations, and operational performance reviews.
• Strengthen customer relationships by leading operational review meetings focused on service reliability, improvement initiatives, and long‑term partnership value.
• Coach and develop Assistant Managers, building strong operational leadership capability and a sustainable talent pipeline.

What We Are Looking For

• Continuous improvement mindset: naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, driven to make things better every day.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced education is an advantage.
• 5+ years of experience in operational planning and people leadership within complex, asset‑intensive environments; port or terminal experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical capability with experience using data, KPIs, and systems to drive operational decisions.
• Clear, collaborative communicator who can align stakeholders, influence decisions, and lead teams through change.

Job Details

Job Location: Elizabeth, NJ

Salary: $115,000 – $130,000

Benefits: Full‑time employees are eligible for Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K Match, and more.

Physical Demands

Work is primarily office‑based with occasional outdoor work on Terminal. Responsibilities include short breaks or lunch periods, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level, walking, standing, and carrying items up to 25pounds. Ability to drive, navigate Terminal, and travel across the US, Canada, and occasionally overseas is required. Variable shifts, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations

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. If you need special assistance or an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department by emailing [e-mail].