Assistant Operations Manager at Maersk in Elizabeth, NJ

ASSISTANT OPERATIONS MANAGER Location: USA, New Jersey, Elizabeth, 07207 · Site Based APM Terminals 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: • 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 Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $85,000–$95,000 Full‑time employees are eligible for Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401(k) match. Working Conditions & Schedule This is a full‑time role that requires flexibility based on vessel schedules. Nights, weekends, and holidays may be required. The Assistant Manager will work in both office and terminal environments and must be comfortable engaging with teams across all operational areas. 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 and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Often required to work in tight spaces. The employee is occasionally required to sit, or 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. 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. 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 reasonableaccommodations@maersk.com. 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-JL3 #RPO 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  accommodationrequests@maersk.com.