Director, Strategic Planning

APM Terminals•Elizabeth, NJ

1d•$150,000 - $195,000

About The Position

APM Terminals PURPOSE: The purpose of the role is to lead the planning function to effectively support the uplifting of the efficiency level of the Operations department and achieve the terminal objectives while maintaining an engaged team: Accountable for the leadership of the planning department and establishing a highly motivating working atmosphere driving the best out of each staff. Accountable for the vessel, yard, berth, gate and rail planning activities with due regards to safety, quality, productivity and optimum use of staff, equipment, and space. Actively partake in maintaining a good working relationship with internal / external stakeholders and customers. Responsible for continuously improving planning processes to meet and exceed global standard PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Manage, motivate, and instruct all planning team members. Structure tasks and goals, establish efficient courses of action, set priorities, organize information with considerations to high productivity and efficient utilization of equipment and labor. Drive a constant improvement in the maturity of the planning process to support first class operations. Ensure, together with the IT team, an optimal configuration of N4/XPS to support the operational need. Actively promote industry best practices in terms of planning and support a thorough utilization of the TOS optimization modules. Accountable for the smooth running of the control room to provide best support to the operation execution function. Provide relevant operational input to establish strong SLA/contracts with shipping line customers. Drive a customer-centric approach and actively seek to maintain collaborative and trustful relationships with the shipping lines customers Continuously optimize the appointment system to meet landside & waterside customers requirements while ensuring the operations can run efficiently on the terminal Establish and maintain performance criteria for reporting personnel in conjunction with the COO. Ensure regular assessment of staff skills level is carried and adequate learning experiences provided to staff. Ensure effective personal performance review process is in place in accordance the company guidelines. Ensure personal development plans are created, reviewed, and carried out for all subordinates. Contribute to the development & implementation of strategic initiatives that will prepare the terminal for future. Work together with the Finance department on the close monitoring of various performance indicators as well as various forecasting/budgeting exercises Establish and maintain an effective rapport with the various labor union to create buy in for a smooth running and improving of the business

Requirements

Excellent command of the terminal operating system - N4/XPS - including optimization modules (Expert decking, Primeroute & Autostow)
Well versed in all aspects of modern container terminal operations – with emphasis on gateways
Conversant with automation in a container terminal (automated gate, crane OCR etc.)
Experience in a strong service oriented, stakeholder-management focused environment
Structured, self-motivating, result orientated
Highly disciplined – following through on actions and ensuring necessary documentation
High quality awareness and ability to work with constant care
Strong communication skills and ability to influence
Strong leadership, motivational and ability to coach and develop direct reports
Strong analytical skills – capable of handling large amount of data and derive relevant insights
Well versed with continuous improvement /lean tools & methodology.
Provides vision and empowers others to act.
Guides and inspires others to accomplish goals.
Establishes high standards for performance.
Commands attention and acts in a professional manner.
Anticipates problems, manages prevention, recognizes the key issues in problems and creates contingency plans and alternative solutions.
Evaluates solutions for both long and short-term benefit.
Exhibits sound judgement and measures results taking corrective action when needed.
Cost focused
Demonstrates cost consciousness in all areas of responsibility, strives to improve the company cost position.
Able to work within budget constraints.
Initiates change, educates and influences others to accept change.
Creates an environment where staff can communicate across functional boundaries.
Shares knowledge, ideas, and information openly.
Influences others.
Communicates in a clear and concise manner; conducts effective meetings, keeps people informed, solicits input from associates.
Able to sustain high level of activity and energy over long hours when necessary.
Keen eye for details while not losing sight of the bigger picture
Sensitive to cultural diversity and experience in a multicultural environment, with respect to employees, local authorities, and other stakeholders
University Degree in relevant industry related field.
Minimum 7 years’ experience in relevant functions in a container terminal with Gantry Cranes (STS & eRTG). (including leadership positions)
Excellent English written and verbal

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in both transshipment and gateway as well as semi-automated terminals is an advantage

Responsibilities

Manage, motivate, and instruct all planning team members.
Structure tasks and goals, establish efficient courses of action, set priorities, organize information with considerations to high productivity and efficient utilization of equipment and labor.
Drive a constant improvement in the maturity of the planning process to support first class operations.
Ensure, together with the IT team, an optimal configuration of N4/XPS to support the operational need.
Actively promote industry best practices in terms of planning and support a thorough utilization of the TOS optimization modules.
Accountable for the smooth running of the control room to provide best support to the operation execution function.
Provide relevant operational input to establish strong SLA/contracts with shipping line customers.
Drive a customer-centric approach and actively seek to maintain collaborative and trustful relationships with the shipping lines customers
Continuously optimize the appointment system to meet landside & waterside customers requirements while ensuring the operations can run efficiently on the terminal
Establish and maintain performance criteria for reporting personnel in conjunction with the COO.
Ensure regular assessment of staff skills level is carried and adequate learning experiences provided to staff.
Ensure effective personal performance review process is in place in accordance the company guidelines.
Ensure personal development plans are created, reviewed, and carried out for all subordinates.
Contribute to the development & implementation of strategic initiatives that will prepare the terminal for future.
Work together with the Finance department on the close monitoring of various performance indicators as well as various forecasting/budgeting exercises
Establish and maintain an effective rapport with the various labor union to create buy in for a smooth running and improving of the business