Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime/Transportation, or related field.
4-7 years of terminal operations experience, ideally in vessel or stevedoring operations.
Experience with Terminal Operating Systems, preferably Navis N4/XPS; familiarity with TMS, WMS, Power BI is a plus.
Knowledge of labor relations in an ILA or Longshore unionized environment, including Master Labor Agreement administration.
Strong supervisory, team-building, decision-making, and collaboration skills.
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on sustainable operational enhancements.
Ability to obtain DHS approval for TWIC and Port Access Cards.
Responsibilities
Organize and control vessel operations during shifts, directing team members to meet objectives.
Coordinate with Planning to maintain effective ship-working programs for berthing and sailing deadlines.
Direct safe loading and discharging of vessels, maximizing productivity and ensuring OSHA compliance.
Execute stowage plans via Navis N4/XPS, preventing mis-stows and ensuring proper container loading.
Supervise Foremen, Head Clerk, stevedores, and ILA labor to ensure safe and efficient work completion.
Monitor production metrics, delays, and equipment use to identify constraints and enhance performance.
Manage safety talks, vessel inspections, and accurate operational reporting for billing.
Benefits
Dynamic learning and training culture fostering skill development.
Opportunities for career advancement through continuous improvement initiatives.
Influence operational practices in a diverse, multinational workplace.
Full Job Description
APM Terminals Elizabeth
Manager of Vessel Operations
At 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 Offer
At 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)
About MaerskSealand
Maersk Sealand is a Danish shipping company that provides container shipping services. The company was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Maersk Sealand is a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, a global conglomerate that operates in various industries including shipping, logistics, and energy. Maersk Sealand has a fleet of over 700 vessels and serves clients in various industries including retail, automotive, and healthcare.
