Assistant Operations Manager

Assistant Operations Manager (AOM)

APM Terminals is a key part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, enabling global trade by operating some of the world's most advanced ports and terminals. APM Terminals Elizabeth is one of the most strategically important terminals in North America and a centerpiece of APM Terminals' and Maersk's long-term growth strategy. Located at the heart of the Port of New York and New Jersey, the terminal plays a critical role in supporting global trade across the U.S. East Coast. Today, Terminal Elizabeth is undergoing a significant transformation and multi-year modernization effort—one of the largest and most complex operational projects in the APM Terminals network. This includes major investments in infrastructure, systems, equipment, operating models, and workforce capability, all aimed at creating a safer, more resilient, and higher-performing terminal.

At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. What drives us forward is a mindset of always improving — observing how work happens, identifying what creates value, and removing what gets in the way. We constantly look for smarter, simpler, and safer ways of operating. If you thrive in environments where people value learning and are committed to continuously improve daily operations, join us and be apart of our journey.

As an Assistant Operations Manager (AOM) at APM Terminals, you are a terminal-wide operational leader responsible for driving frontline execution across the entire operation. You will lead union labor, manage resources in real time, and leverage operational systems and data to drive safe, reliable, and consistent performance. In this role, you play a critical part in championing HSSE standards and continuous improvement (Lean) principles, ensuring standardized execution and operational discipline across the terminal.

The AOM role is intentionally cross-functional, systems-heavy, and analytical. You are expected to move fluidly across all operational environments, apply consistent leadership and safety standards, and make sound, timely decisions that keep the terminal running safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business priorities—regardless of where operational leadership support is needed most.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily terminal operations to ensure safe, efficient execution aligned with HSSE requirements, operating plans, and business priorities
• Direct union supervisors and frontline teams to execute work assignments, resolve operational issues, and maintain consistent safety and performance standards
• Make real-time decisions to balance labor, equipment, and workflow demands in response to changing conditions
• Plan, allocate, and adjust labor resources while controlling cost, maintaining service levels, and ensuring accurate timekeeping
• Leverage terminal operating systems, labor management tools, and performance dashboards to guide operational decisions
• Analyze operational data and trends to identify constraints, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Reinforce standard work, safety discipline, and compliance while partnering with cross-functional teams to maintain terminal flow

What We Are Looking For

• Continuous improvement mindset: 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
• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• 1–3 years of experience in operations, logistics, transportation, or supply chain environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead in fast-moving, high-accountability operational settings
• Experience working with unionized labor or large frontline workforces, preferred
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret data, assess tradeoffs, and make timely decisions
• Comfort operating in system-heavy environments, including scheduling, workforce, and reporting platforms
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; ability to learn terminal-specific systems quickly
• Clear, confident communicator who can lead across roles, levels, and functions
• Calm, adaptable leader who maintains sound judgment under pressure

Salary: $80K - $90K

Hours: Rotating Shift (12 hours)

Location: Elizabeth, NJ

Dimensions:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; speak to and hear others. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and work at a computer terminal. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work is mostly performed outdoors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will have to withstand exposure to outdoor/adverse working conditions. Required to drive within the terminal yard to work with labor, stand for long periods of time and be able to sit for long periods of time to patrol trucks. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; extreme cold. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally noisy.

Due to peak periods may be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends as required. At times may be required to work significantly extended shift hours based on business needs.

Notice to applicants applying to positions in the United States

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

APM Terminals is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities who are applying for positions in the U.S. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you are interested in applying for employment with APM Terminals in the U.S. and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to perform a job, please contact the applicable Human Resources Department by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis pursuant to an interactive dialogue between the applicant and the Company.