Assistant Operations Manager

A.P. Moller - Maersk•Elizabeth, NJ

23h•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

At APM Terminals, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact—on global trade, on local communities, and on the people who keep supply chains moving. This role is for someone who thrives in fast‑paced, high‑accountability environments, cares deeply about people’s wellbeing, and is motivated by leading change in complex operations. The Opportunity APM Terminals is looking for an Assistant Manager, Operations who will play a central role in delivering safe, efficient, and customer‑focused terminal operations. This leader will manage ILA vessel gangs, stevedoring teams, and labor allocation across the terminal with the goal of maintaining a safe working environment, reducing turn‑time, and ensuring high‑quality service for every customer calling the port. This position is ideal for someone who is both people‑oriented and operationally strong—someone who enjoys solving problems in real time, adapting to shifting priorities, and collaborating closely with both union labor and terminal leadership. The Assistant Manager, Operations contributes directly to vessel productivity, yard efficiency, labor utilization, and the overall service outcomes that define the terminal’s performance. What the Assistant Manager, Operations Will Be Responsible For The Assistant Manager will oversee daily labor and stevedoring activities to ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and in compliance with operational plans. They will direct Foremen and Chief Supervisors to manage their teams effectively, set clear expectations, and support the safe execution of all vessel and yard activities. They will determine required labor for each shift, order additional labor when needed, and ensure accurate payroll records by monitoring arrival times, hours worked, and overtime approval. Their decisions will influence labor cost control, vessel turn‑time, and the productivity of the terminal’s operating units. This leader will also support equipment allocation and operational planning, including grounding operations, chassis management, and optimizing yard space to improve flow and vessel productivity. They will reallocate labor and machinery as business needs evolve—redirecting gangs, shifting Transtainers, assigning gate clerks, or adjusting operating units across import, export, rail, and breakbulk activities. The Assistant Manager will play an active role in enforcing safety and performance standards. They will support disciplinary processes in accordance with the CBA—coaching where possible, correcting when necessary, and removing individuals from work if safety is at risk. In addition, they will create and execute operating plans, make strategic decisions to enhance efficiency, and respond quickly to operational challenges. Flexibility is essential, as vessel schedules may require night, weekend, or holiday work. What We’re Looking For APM Terminals is seeking a collaborative, steady, and Lean‑minded operations leader who enjoys working with people, thrives under pressure, and leads with clarity and care. The ideal candidate brings:

Requirements

A high school diploma/GED (college degree preferred)
Experience working in a fast‑paced environment and navigating challenging work relationships
Strong communication skills and a calm, solutions‑oriented approach
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
A valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one)
A TWIC card (or ability to obtain one)
A self‑starter mindset, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
A collaborative, growth‑oriented approach to teamwork

Responsibilities

oversee daily labor and stevedoring activities to ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and in compliance with operational plans
direct Foremen and Chief Supervisors to manage their teams effectively, set clear expectations, and support the safe execution of all vessel and yard activities
determine required labor for each shift, order additional labor when needed, and ensure accurate payroll records by monitoring arrival times, hours worked, and overtime approval
support equipment allocation and operational planning, including grounding operations, chassis management, and optimizing yard space to improve flow and vessel productivity
reallocate labor and machinery as business needs evolve—redirecting gangs, shifting Transtainers, assigning gate clerks, or adjusting operating units across import, export, rail, and breakbulk activities
play an active role in enforcing safety and performance standards
support disciplinary processes in accordance with the CBA—coaching where possible, correcting when necessary, and removing individuals from work if safety is at risk
create and execute operating plans
make strategic decisions to enhance efficiency
respond quickly to operational challenges