Operations Manager

APM Terminals•Elizabeth, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

APM Terminals Safe, efficient vessel operations are central to meeting customer commitments, sailing deadlines, and terminal productivity. As the Manager of Vessel Operations at APM Terminals Elizabeth, you'll manage all vessel operations in accordance with stowage plans and within the parameters of customer requirements, management direction, and safe working practices, achieving maximum productivity and customer service through optimum utilization of labor and equipment. You'll provide effective organization and control of vessel operations during designated shift periods, coordinate with Planning to ensure effective ship-working programs are set and maintained so vessels meet sailing and berthing deadlines, and direct all stevedoring labor in the safe loading and discharging of vessels. Leveraging the Terminal Operating System (Navis N4/XPS) and its stowage and optimization modules along with related operational and reporting systems, you'll manage the efficient allocation of shift operational staff and cost-effective equipment utilization, oversee ILA labor and lead personnel, and ensure adherence to the Master Labor Agreement and grievance process. Leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives and advancing APM Business System (ABS) maturity through structured problem-solving, Kaizen, and daily management, you'll maintain vessel productivity, safety, and cost control while building strong relationships with steamship lines, vessel planners, and port partners — driving efficient, high-quality vessel operations that deliver value to the business. Appetizer: At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. What drives us forward is a mindset of always improving — observing how work happens, identifying what creates value, and removing what gets in the way. We constantly look for smarter, simpler, and safer ways of operating. If you thrive in environments where people value learning and are committed to continuously improving daily operations, join us and be a part of our journey. What We Can Offer: At APM Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to improvement is driven by Lean principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Experience a diverse, multinational workplace where your insights directly influence how we work. Full ownership of vessel operations on shift at one of the U.S.'s largest marine terminals, directly driving productivity and service Hands-on use of Navis N4/XPS stowage and optimization modules to execute plans and hit sailing deadlines The chance to lead vessel Lean initiatives and advance APM Business System maturity across the operation Competitive compensation, strong development pathways within a global organization, and a supportive approach to work-life balance

Requirements

A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college, preferably in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or a related field
4–7 years of terminal operations experience, preferably including vessel/stevedoring operations
Experience with Terminal Operating Systems (Navis N4/XPS) and vessel stowage/planning modules strongly preferred, with familiarity with related operational and reporting systems (e.g., TMS, WMS, Power BI) an advantage
Working knowledge of Lean and continuous improvement principles, with familiarity with the APM Business System (ABS) preferred, including for candidates coming from other terminals
Experience within unionized (ILA/Longshore) environments, including administration of a Master Labor Agreement and the grievance/performance process, strongly preferred
Ability to obtain a TWIC card and Port Access Card

Nice To Haves

Competent rigger qualification for out-of-gauge and heavy-lift operations is preferred

Responsibilities

Manage all vessel operations in accordance with stowage plans and within the parameters of customer requirements, management direction, and safe working practices, achieving maximum productivity and customer service through optimum utilization of labor and equipment.
Provide effective organization and control of vessel operations during designated shift periods.
Coordinate with Planning to ensure effective ship-working programs are set and maintained so vessels meet sailing and berthing deadlines.
Direct all stevedoring labor in the safe loading and discharging of vessels.
Manage the efficient allocation of shift operational staff and cost-effective equipment utilization.
Oversee ILA labor and lead personnel, and ensure adherence to the Master Labor Agreement and grievance process.
Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives and advancing APM Business System (ABS) maturity through structured problem-solving, Kaizen, and daily management.
Maintain vessel productivity, safety, and cost control while building strong relationships with steamship lines, vessel planners, and port partners — driving efficient, high-quality vessel operations that deliver value to the business.