Assistant Operations Manager

Assistant Operations Manager

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 part 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 include:

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

What we are looking for:

• A 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