Operations Manager, Marine

APM Terminals • Elizabeth, NJ

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager, Marine oversees vessel operations at APM Terminals Elizabeth, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable service that meets customer commitments, sailing deadlines, and terminal productivity goals. The role is primarily office-based and also involves working across operational areas, including vessels and the berth.

The position leads and coordinates vessel work, directs operational teams, and collaborates with Planning, steamship lines, affiliated business units, local unions, and port partners. It is responsible for safe loading and discharging, execution of vessel stowage plans, productivity and cost control, operational reporting, labor matters, and compliance with OSHA requirements and the Longshore contract. The role also supports continuous improvement through structured problem-solving, Kaizen, and daily management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; a degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or a related field is preferred.
• 4–7 years of terminal operations experience, preferably including vessel or stevedoring operations.
• Experience with Terminal Operating Systems; vessel stowage or planning modules are relevant.
• Strong supervisory, team-building, decision-making, and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of vessel stowage, lashing, stevedoring, and safe terminal operations.
• Ability to receive DHS approval to acquire or renew a TWIC card and approval to acquire or renew a Port Access Card.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Navis N4/XPS and vessel stowage or planning modules.
• Familiarity with TMS, WMS, Power BI, or related reporting systems.
• Experience in an ILA or Longshore unionized environment, including administration of a Master Labor Agreement and grievance or performance processes.
• Competent rigger qualification.
• A degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Organize and control vessel operations during designated shifts, set priorities, and direct operational team members to achieve planned objectives.
• Coordinate with Planning to establish and maintain ship-working programs that support berthing and sailing deadlines.
• Direct the safe loading and discharging of vessels, maximizing productivity, controlling costs, and complying with OSHA requirements and the Longshore contract.
• Execute stowage plans through Navis N4/XPS, preventing mis-stows and ensuring containers are loaded and lashed according to vessel requirements.
• Supervise Foremen, the Head Clerk, stevedores, and other ILA labor, ensuring assignments are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the Master Labor Agreement.
• Monitor hourly counts, production, delays, equipment use, and staffing, and use operational reports and dashboards to address constraints and improve performance.
• Manage safety talks, vessel inspections, incident follow-up, labor issues, shift reporting, and accurate Operational Statements for billing.
• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving, Kaizen, and daily management.

Benefits

• Dynamic learning and training culture.
• Opportunities to develop skills and advance careers through continuous improvement.
• Training and practical experience in a complex terminal environment.

What This Job Offers

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