Assistant Manager, Operations

APM Terminals • Elizabeth, NJ

1d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Based at APM Terminals Elizabeth, the Assistant Manager, Gate Operations plays a critical role in ensuring efficient gate operations within one of the world's most integrated port and terminal networks. In this position, you will support the management of all inbound and outbound gate activities while leading and coordinating the daily efforts of ILA labor to maintain safe, productive, and customer-focused operations. 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. This role offers the opportunity to support gate modernization initiatives and the implementation of new operational technologies. You will gain exposure to a complex terminal environment with collaboration across gate, yard, vessel, rail, planning, and support functions. There will be ongoing learning through participation in Lean, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives. This is a dynamic operational role where data, customer service, safety, and workforce leadership directly impact business performance.

Requirements

• Continuous improvement mindset: someone who brings a thoughtful improvement mindset, curious about how work gets done and motivated to make meaningful, sustainable improvements over time.
• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience within operations, logistics, transportation, supply chain, terminal, or related operational environments.
• Ability to interpret operational data, reports, and Power BI dashboards to support data-driven decision-making and operational improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to supervise labor in a unionized environment.
• High attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy across gate transactions, payroll records, and operational system updates.
• Ability to balance customer service, operational priorities, and workforce needs in a fast-paced terminal environment.
• Must be able to obtain or renew a TWIC card and Port Access Card as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Terminal Operating Systems such as Navis N4/XPS, appointment systems such as TERMPoint, and ORBITA is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with labor relations, grievance processes, or unionized workforces is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct Head Clerks and hourly union clerks in daily inbound and outbound gate operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with terminal procedures.
• Deploy labor and gate resources to maximize productivity, minimize turn-time, and support customer service objectives.
• Monitor labor attendance, authorize overtime and meal hours when required, and ensure payroll records and adjustments are completed accurately.
• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of gate transactions while maintaining data integrity within Navis N4/XPS, TERMPoint, and related operational systems.
• Make real-time operational decisions regarding labor allocation, lane assignments, workflow priorities, and gate performance management.
• Administer discipline, support grievance resolution processes, and work within applicable labor agreements to address workforce issues effectively.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, transaction throughput, and turn-time targets using reporting tools and dashboards to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Opportunity to support gate modernization initiatives and the implementation of new operational technologies.
• Exposure to a complex terminal environment with collaboration across gate, yard, vessel, rail, planning, and support functions.
• Ongoing learning through participation in Lean, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• A dynamic operational role where data, customer service, safety, and workforce leadership directly impact business performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level