Head of Operational Technology

A.P. Moller - Maersk • Elizabeth, NJ

1d • $170,000 - $190,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Operational Technology (OT) is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the end-to-end strategy, governance, and performance of all OT systems within the terminal. The role ensures strong business ownership of OT platforms, driving measurable operational value through improved system reliability, resilience, safety, standardization, and productivity. This position plays a critical role in delivering integrated technology solutions as part of the Elizabeth Upgrade Project as well as our Elizabeth Terminal, helping to design and implement a future-ready OT landscape. The role requires close collaboration with stakeholders to ensure seamless deployment of systems with minimal disruption to live operations, while maintaining alignment with project timelines and budget commitments. Combining strategic leadership with deep technical expertise, the Head of OT partners across operations, asset delivery, and change management to enable efficient, technology-driven terminal performance. The role also requires strong stakeholder engagement—including labor relations—to ensure compliance with union agreements, while leading internal teams and external partners to successfully deliver modernization initiatives and sustain long-term operational excellence.

Requirements

• Continuous improvement mindset: we are looking for someone who brings a strong mindset of continuous improvement – someone who is naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, and driven to make things better every day
• Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industry 4.0, or a related field, with strong technical and analytical foundation
• Proven experience in container terminal operations, port digitization, or large-scale industrial environments with hands-on OT leadership
• Deep knowledge of OT systems including Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), PLC/SCADA, APIs, middleware, OPC UA, and cybersecurity frameworks
• Strong project management expertise, including development and execution of Project Management Plans (PMPs) in complex deployment environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders, and balance operational priorities with long-term transformation objectives

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the Operational Technology (OT) strategy, ensuring alignment with global frameworks and terminal business priorities
• Drive system reliability, resilience, and performance through structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
• Oversee end-to-end deployment of OT solutions as part of the Elizabeth Upgrade Project, ensuring integration, testing, and operational readiness
• Manage vendor relationships, including OEMs and system integrators, ensuring delivery against performance, cost, and timeline expectations
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to leverage technology in achieving productivity, safety, and operational efficiency targets
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, enterprise IT standards, and labor union agreements, including ILA requirements
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary OT team while establishing performance management, governance, and capability-building frameworks

Benefits

• dynamic learning and training culture
• Lean principles
• diverse, multinational workplace
• Exposure to large-scale infrastructure modernization through the Elizabeth Upgrade Project
• Opportunities to lead digital transformation initiatives and implement advanced OT systems in a complex, real-time environment
• Competitive compensation
• benefits
• structured career development within a global organization
• collaborative environment supporting work-life balance and continuous professional growth

What This Job Offers

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