Assistant Operations Manager

APM Terminals 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. Appetizer 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. What We Can Offer At APMT Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to improvement is driven by Lean principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Experience a diverse, multinational workplace where your operational insights directly influence how we work. • Exposure to end‑to‑end terminal operations in a highly system‑driven, data‑enabled environment • Structured leadership development supported by on‑the‑job learning, coaching, and operational rotations • A collaborative workplace that prioritizes safety, wellbeing, and sustainable work practices • Opportunities to build a long‑term operations leadership career within a global organization Purpose 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 [contact in the portal] . 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. #LI-PA2 Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.   We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing  [contact in the portal] .