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Assistant Operations Manager Trainee

APM Terminals
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Assistant Operations Manager Trainee — APM Terminals Elizabeth, NJ

 

Summary:

APM Terminals Elizabeth is one of the most strategically important terminals in North America, undergoing a large-scale, multi-year modernization spanning infrastructure, systems, automation, operating models, and workforce capability. As the Assistant Operations Manager Trainee at APM Terminals Elizabeth, you'll be at the primary entry point for future Assistant Operations Managers, participating in a structured 24-month accelerated development program that prepares high-potential graduates to lead frontline terminal operations in a complex, unionized, 24/7 environment. Rotating through Yard, Vessel, Rail, and Strategic & Operational Planning functions, you'll build the foundational technical, analytical, and leadership skills required to succeed as an AOM — gaining hands-on responsibility in live operations, structured training in HSSE, Lean, systems, and leadership, and direct exposure to terminal and senior leadership. Under the guidance of experienced managers, you'll learn to safely direct union labor, leverage terminal operating systems and data to support real-time decisions, and apply continuous improvement at the frontline. By developing the capability to lead operations across all functional areas, you'll help build the terminal's future operational leadership and deliver lasting value to the business.

 

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 APM 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 insights directly influence how we work.

  • A structured 24-month trainee program designed as the entry point into frontline operational leadership at one of the U.S.'s largest marine terminals
  • Hands-on rotation across Yard, Vessel, Rail, and Planning, with real responsibility under experienced mentorship
  • Exclusive training in HSSE, Lean, systems, and leadership, plus visits to other terminals and direct senior-leadership exposure
  • Competitive compensation, strong development pathways within a global organization, and a supportive approach to work-life balance

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Rotate through core terminal functions — Yard, Vessel, Rail, and Strategic & Operational Planning — building hands-on experience and functional capability across all areas of terminal operations
  • Support the daily execution of terminal operations under the guidance of experienced managers, learning to ensure work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with HSSE requirements, operating plans, and business priorities
  • Develop the ability to direct and coordinate union labor (Foremen/Chief Supervisors and frontline staff), learning to execute assignments, resolve issues, and maintain consistent performance and safety standards
  • Learn to make real-time operational decisions that balance labor, equipment, and workflow demands, guided by business needs to maximize labor efficiency and minimize terminal turn-time
  • Build proficiency in the terminal's systems, learning to use the Terminal Operating System (Navis N4/XPS), gate and appointment systems (GOS/TAS), rail/intermodal planning tools, labor management tools, and dashboards (Power BI/Grafana)
  • Collect and analyze operational data, trends, and exceptions to identify constraints, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities, developing a data-based decision-making mindset
  • Participate in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives, including problem-solving at the source, waste elimination, and process standardization, in line with APMT's Way of Working (Lean) framework
  • Learn and apply safety standards, operating procedures, and security requirements in alignment with HSSE policies and regulatory obligations, including 33 CFR 105, modeling safe behaviors and intervening when unsafe conditions are observed
  • Become familiar with applicable labor agreements, the grievance process, and the unionized (ILA) environment, complete exclusive HSSE/Lean/systems/leadership training and terminal visits, and work across Planning, HSSE, Engineering, and Asset Management to build cross-functional understanding

 

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
  • A four-year bachelor's degree, with preferred fields including Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Economics, Data Analytics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
  • Demonstrated leadership experience (academic, internship, military, or extracurricular), with internship or hands-on operations experience preferred
  • A strong interest in operations, systems, and frontline leadership, with a data-based decision-making and continuous improvement mindset and comfort learning new technology and operating systems
  • Emerging leadership capability with strong accountability, agility, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills
  • Willingness to work in a 24/7 operational environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with a valid driver's license and ability to meet company insurability requirements
  • Ability to obtain a TWIC card and Port Access Card

 

Salary: $75,000 – $85,000

Hours: 12 Hour Shift

Location: Elizabeth, NJ

 

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 is made on a case-by-case basis pursuant to an interactive dialogue between the applicant and the Company.