HSSE Director

APM Terminals•Elizabeth, NJ

2d•$150 - $180•Onsite

About The Position

At APM Terminals, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact—on global trade, on local communities, and on the people who keep supply chains moving. This role is for someone who thrives in fast‑paced, high‑accountability environments, cares deeply about people’s wellbeing, and is motivated by leading change in complex operations. APM Terminals is seeking a forward‑thinking HSSE Director to lead the health, safety, security, and environmental agenda at one of the most dynamic marine terminals in the United States. This leader will shape strategy, strengthen risk management, and build a culture where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to raise the bar every day. As a key member of the terminal leadership team, this role directly influences operational decision‑making, compliance readiness, critical‑risk performance, and safety culture across a 24/7/365 high‑risk environment. It is suited for someone who is both strategic and hands‑on—comfortable partnering with regulatory agencies, coaching leaders, responding to emergencies, and mentoring a multidisciplinary HSSE team. What the HSSE Director Will Be Responsible For The HSSE Director will develop, implement, and continuously refine the terminal’s HSSE strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate standards, U.S. regulatory requirements, and Port Authority obligations. They will translate strategy into actionable plans, measurable objectives, and KPIs that drive safe, reliable, and compliant operations. This leader will maintain strong relationships with OSHA, EPA, the US Coast Guard, DHS/CBP, and other regulatory bodies, serving as the primary interface during inspections, audits, investigations, and enforcement actions. They will ensure accurate reporting, oversee ISO‑aligned management systems, and strengthen the terminal’s readiness across environmental, safety, and security domains. They will lead critical‑risk management across vessel operations, crane and lifting activities, powered industrial vehicles, hazardous materials, and contractor work. When incidents occur, they will guide or act as Incident Commander—ensuring rapid response, thorough investigation, and effective corrective action. The HSSE Director will also own emergency preparedness, including emergency response plans, facility security plans, business‑continuity programs, and required MTSA/USCG compliance activities. They will oversee drills, exercises, and response readiness across a range of scenarios. Environmental stewardship will be a core element of their work, including air emissions, stormwater, wastewater, hazardous waste, spill prevention, and broader sustainability initiatives. Finally, they will play a vital role in shaping people and culture—coaching a team of HSSE professionals, engaging with union labor and contractors, and advocating for safety leadership across all shifts and functions.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
At least 10 years of progressive HSSE experience, including leadership roles in marine terminals, ports, heavy industry, or similar high‑risk environments
Strong knowledge of U.S. OSHA regulations, environmental permitting, maritime safety, and security requirements
Experience leading regulatory inspections, audits, and enforcement responses
Demonstrated capability in incident investigation, critical‑risk management, and emergency response leadership
Key competencies include strategic leadership, risk‑based decision‑making, stakeholder management, safety‑culture development, crisis leadership, and strong analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

A NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent (OSHA, environmental, or maritime security certifications—and USCG FSO—are a strong plus)

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and continuously refine the terminal’s HSSE strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate standards, U.S. regulatory requirements, and Port Authority obligations.
Translate strategy into actionable plans, measurable objectives, and KPIs that drive safe, reliable, and compliant operations.
Maintain strong relationships with OSHA, EPA, the US Coast Guard, DHS/CBP, and other regulatory bodies, serving as the primary interface during inspections, audits, investigations, and enforcement actions.
Ensure accurate reporting, oversee ISO‑aligned management systems, and strengthen the terminal’s readiness across environmental, safety, and security domains.
Lead critical‑risk management across vessel operations, crane and lifting activities, powered industrial vehicles, hazardous materials, and contractor work.
When incidents occur, they will guide or act as Incident Commander—ensuring rapid response, thorough investigation, and effective corrective action.
Own emergency preparedness, including emergency response plans, facility security plans, business‑continuity programs, and required MTSA/USCG compliance activities.
Oversee drills, exercises, and response readiness across a range of scenarios.
Environmental stewardship will be a core element of their work, including air emissions, stormwater, wastewater, hazardous waste, spill prevention, and broader sustainability initiatives.
Play a vital role in shaping people and culture—coaching a team of HSSE professionals, engaging with union labor and contractors, and advocating for safety leadership across all shifts and functions.