Assistant Operations Manager - Asset Execution

APM Terminals•Elizabeth, NJ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

APM Terminals Are you ready to build a career at the heart of terminal operations? APM Terminals is a global leader in port and terminal management and part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group. We operate advanced terminals around the world, enabling global trade through safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. At APM Terminals, we believe our people are our competitive advantage. We foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement—offering meaningful opportunities to grow in a fast-paced, operational environment. The Assistant Operations Manager - Asset Execution plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective terminal operations. This role provides operational leadership across labor, equipment, and yard activities, balancing real-time decision-making with disciplined execution to maximize productivity and minimize terminal turn-time. Key Responsibilities As an Operations Superintendent, you will be accountable for overseeing daily terminal operations and labor execution. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for a hands-on operational leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and can make sound decisions under pressure. You bring a strong safety mindset, operational discipline, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions while keeping people and performance front and center. You are comfortable leading union labor environments, communicating clearly, and taking ownership of outcomes. You balance structure with flexibility and remain calm, focused, and decisive when it matters most. Why Join APM Terminals APM Terminals offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and the opportunity to work in a critical role supporting global trade. You’ll be part of a team that values safety, teamwork, and operational excellence, with opportunities to grow your career within a global organization. If you’re looking for a challenging, hands-on leadership role where your decisions make a real impact every day, we encourage you to apply. 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 [email protected]. 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!

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred
Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience
At least 3 years of experience in transportation, supply chain, warehousing, stevedoring, or equivalent military experience
Experience working with unionized labor environments
Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one
TWIC card or ability to obtain one

Nice To Haves

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to respond quickly and effectively to operational changes
Team-oriented mindset with a strong sense of accountability
Willingness to learn, adapt, and continuously improve

Responsibilities

Ensuring all daily work assignments are completed safely and effectively by Foremen/Chief Supervisors and hourly union labor
Directing Foremen/Chief Supervisors to optimize labor utilization, control costs, and maximize terminal efficiency
Ordering and adjusting labor resources, including authorizing additional labor and overtime based on operational needs
Monitoring labor arrival times and ensuring accurate payroll reporting and adjustments based on actual hours worked
Establishing equipment and yard requirements to maximize yard space, secure chassis availability, and improve vessel productivity
Making real-time operational decisions, including reallocating labor, equipment, vessel gangs, rail units, and gate resources to meet business priorities
Developing and executing operating plans across the terminal facility
Managing labor relations activities, including executing disciplinary actions for union labor when required, in line with safety and operational standards
Directing Foremen/Chief Supervisors to take appropriate action to maintain safe, efficient operations, including coaching, warning, or replacing labor as needed
Issuing discipline to Foremen/Chief Supervisors when necessary, in accordance with established processes
Working nights, weekends, and holidays as required to support terminal operations