APM Terminals Elizabeth
Manager of Vessel OperationsAt APM Terminals Elizabeth, safe and efficient vessel operations are central to meeting customer commitments, sailing deadlines, and terminal productivity. In this office-based role, you will also work across operational areas, including vessels and the berth, to help deliver reliable, high-quality service.
What We Can OfferAt APM Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to improvement means every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers by continuously refining how we work. Experience a diverse, multinational workplace where your operational insights directly influence how we work.
- Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving, Kaizen, and daily management.
- Develop your operational and leadership capabilities through training and practical experience in a complex terminal environment.
- Collaborate with vessel planners, steamship lines, affiliated business units, local unions, and port partners.
- Influence vessel productivity, safety, service quality, and cost control through data-informed operational decisions.
Key Responsibilities- Organize and control vessel operations during designated shifts, setting priorities and directing operational team members to achieve planned objectives.
- Coordinate with Planning to establish and maintain effective 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 work assignments are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the Master Labor Agreement.
- Monitor hourly counts, production, delays, equipment use, and staffing, using 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.
What We Are Looking For- Continuous improvement mindset: we are looking for someone who brings a thoughtful improvement mindset-curious about how work gets done and motivated to make meaningful, sustainable improvements over time.
- Leadership expectation: We are looking for people who consistently put customers first, lead by example with respect for people, deliver results with integrity, and drive continuous improvement by solving problems at the root, developing people, and raising standards every day.
- Education and experience: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college, preferably in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or a related field, with 4-7 years of terminal operations experience, preferably including vessel or stevedoring operations.
- Systems expertise: Experience with Terminal Operating Systems, preferably Navis N4/XPS and vessel stowage or planning modules; familiarity with TMS, WMS, Power BI, or related reporting systems is an advantage.
- Labor relations knowledge: Experience in an ILA or Longshore unionized environment, including administration of a Master Labor Agreement and grievance or performance processes, is strongly preferred.
- Operational leadership: Strong supervisory, team-building, decision-making, and collaboration skills, supported by knowledge of vessel stowage, lashing, stevedoring, and safe terminal operations.
- Required access: Ability to receive DHS approval to acquire or renew a TWIC card and approval to acquire or renew a Port Access Card. Competent rigger qualification is preferred
Salary: $110K - $120K
Location: Elizabeth, NJ (5 days in office)
