Assistant Operations Manager

About this role

APM Terminals

Where global trade meets innovation

Step into the engine room of global commerce. At APM Terminals Elizabeth, you’ll be at the center of one of the busiest port complexes in North America. Every container you touch keeps freight moving through the Port of New York & New Jersey, supporting critical supply chains across the East Coast and beyond.

This is a place where speed, scale, and precision come together. You’ll collaborate with high-performing teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where safety and operational excellence are the top priorities. Here, your impact is immediate—and global.

Why you'll love it here • Be part of a major gateway on the U.S. East Coast • Experience high-volume, complex terminal operations • Work with driven teams in a fast-moving environment • Continuous improvement mindset – where curiosity is encouraged, root-cause problem solving is valued, and making things better every day is part of how we win

Appetizer At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. As part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, we connect economies and communities worldwide. Our success is driven by a strong commitment to LEAN methodologies, embedding continuous improvement into every aspect of our operations. Join us and be part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Join us as we continue to shape the future of global trade and make a meaningful impact on communities worldwide. Discover your potential with APM Terminals and become part of a team that's redefining the industry standards. Apply now and let's build a brighter future together! Assistant Manager, Operations

APM Terminals Elizabeth is seeking an Assistant Manager, Operations to help lead safe, efficient, and customer-focused terminal operations at one of North America's busiest container terminals. This role is ideal for a collaborative operations professional who enjoys working with people, making decisions in real time, and helping teams succeed in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

The Assistant Manager, Operations plays a vital role in coordinating vessel operations, labor allocation, stevedoring activities, and terminal resources to ensure exceptional service for customers while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. Working closely with ILA labor, terminal leadership, and frontline supervisors, this individual will help drive vessel productivity, efficient cargo movement, and continuous operational improvement. Success in this position requires a strong balance of leadership, communication, planning, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate is comfortable adapting to changing priorities, managing multiple operational demands simultaneously, and building positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.

What We Can Offer At APMT Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to continuous improvement is driven by LEAN principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Join us to be part of an innovative environment where your growth is our priority, and experience the numerous advantages of being a valued member of our team: • Competitive salary range of $85,000 - $95,000 • Learning, development, and leadership growth opportunities • Exposure to complex terminal and vessel operations • Career mobility within APM Terminals and the Maersk global network • Inclusive and collaborative team environment • A culture focused on innovation, safety, and continuous improvement • Meaningful work supporting global trade and supply chain connectivity

Key Responsibilities • Lead daily labor allocation and stevedoring activities to support safe and efficient vessel operations • Direct Foremen and Chief Supervisors to ensure operational plans are executed effectively • Determine labor requirements for each shift and coordinate additional labor resources when necessary • Monitor payroll accuracy, attendance, hours worked, and overtime approvals • Support vessel productivity goals while managing labor utilization and operational costs • Coordinate equipment and resource allocation across vessel, yard, rail, gate, and breakbulk operations • Optimize yard space, grounding activities, and chassis utilization to improve terminal flow • Reallocate labor and equipment in response to changing operational requirements • Promote and enforce safety standards while supporting a strong safety culture throughout the terminal • Support performance management and disciplinary processes in alignment with collective bargaining agreements • Develop and execute operating plans that improve service delivery and operational efficiency • Respond quickly and effectively to day-to-day operational challenges and changing vessel schedules

What We're Looking For • Lean-minded: 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 • High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred • Experience working within a fast-paced operational environment where priorities can shift quickly • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and influence others • Ability to lead with empathy, professionalism, and consistency in a unionized workforce environment • Proven problem-solving skills and sound operational decision-making abilities • Experience coordinating teams, resources, or labor in an operations-driven setting • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook • Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one • TWIC card or ability to obtain one • Self-starter who takes initiative, remains calm under pressure, and adapts effectively to change • Collaborative mi

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