Strategic Planning Manager

APM Terminals • Elizabeth, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

APM Terminals is a key part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, operating advanced ports and terminals globally to enable global trade through safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. APM Terminals Elizabeth, located in the Port of New York and New Jersey, is undergoing a significant multi-year modernization effort, including major investments in infrastructure, systems, equipment, operating models, and workforce capability, to become a safer, more resilient, and higher-performing terminal. This modernization program will increase terminal capacity by 40%. The company fosters a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for growth in a fast-paced operational environment. The Terminal Planning Manager will play a central role in shaping the terminal's current operations and future evolution. This position is responsible for developing and executing operational planning strategies to improve safety, efficiency, customer experience, and profitability, supporting the modernization journey and integration of new technologies. The role involves leading a team of 3-4 Assistant Managers and reporting directly to the Strategy and Planning Director. The manager will collaborate with operations, technology, and commercial stakeholders to translate strategy into executable, data-driven operational plans that enhance the company's competitive position.

Requirements

• Strong mindset of continuous improvement – naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, and driven to make things better every day
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 5+ years of experience in operational planning and people leadership within complex, asset-intensive environments
• Strong analytical capability with experience using data, KPIs, and systems to drive operational decisions
• Clear, collaborative communicator who can align stakeholders, influence decisions, and lead teams through change

Nice To Haves

• Advanced education
• Port or terminal experience

Responsibilities

• Lead high-volume terminal planning activities, supporting more than 1.4 million annual container lifts and 12+ weekly vessel calls through advanced operational planning
• Own and optimize berth planning, yard layout, appointment strategies, capacity planning, and ocean carrier SLA performance
• Develop short- and long-term operational strategies that integrate safety, productivity, and technology optimization across terminal operations
• Use TOS-driven insights and data analytics to model, simulate, and optimize operational scenarios, asset utilization, and throughput
• Govern standardized processes by maintaining planning documentation, process maps, validations, and operational performance reviews
• Strengthen customer relationships by leading operational review meetings focused on service reliability, improvement initiatives, and long-term partnership value
• Coach and develop Assistant Managers, building strong operational leadership capability and a sustainable talent pipeline

Benefits

• Dynamic learning and training culture that empowers employees to excel
• Commitment to improvement driven by Lean principles, ensuring opportunities to develop skills and advance careers
• Diverse, multinational workplace where operational insights directly influence how we work
• Access to structured Lean and continuous improvement programs that strengthen problem-solving, planning, and leadership capability
• A balanced environment that supports sustainable performance, accountability, and long-term career growth
• Opportunities to grow through internal mobility, short-term assignments, and cross-functional exposure
• Competitive, market-aligned compensation with attractive secondary benefits
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401K Match

What This Job Offers

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