Assistant Operations Planning Manager

Job Description

APM Terminals

As an Assistant Operations Manager – Planning, you will support the execution of daily and short-term operational planning activities that drive terminal efficiency, safety, and service delivery. Working under the guidance of the Terminal Planning Manager, you will play a key role in coordinating vessel, yard, and resource planning while leveraging data and systems to optimize performance.

This role is ideal for someone looking to build expertise in terminal operations planning, analytics, and continuous improvement within a complex logistics environment.

Appetizer

At APM Terminals, we enable global trade through safe, efficient, and continuously improving operations. We believe in observing how work happens, identifying value, and removing inefficiencies. If you are analytical, operationally curious, and energized by fast-paced environments where improvement is constant—this is your opportunity to grow your career in terminal planning.

What We Can Offer

At APM Terminals, we foster a strong learning and continuous improvement culture grounded in Lean principles. As an Assistant Operations Manager within Planning, you will play a hands-on role in shaping daily operations while building the foundation for future leadership growth.

• Exposure to end-to-end terminal planning operations in a high-volume, asset-intensive environment

• Structured training in Lean, problem solving, and operational planning tools

• Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with operations, engineering, and commercial teams

• A dynamic, multinational workplace where your ideas directly impact performance

• Competitive compensation and strong career development pathways

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily vessel, berth, and yard planning activities to ensure efficient terminal operations and resource utilization

• Assist in developing and maintaining short-term operational plans aligned with volume forecasts and service requirements

• Monitor terminal KPIs (productivity, yard density, berth performance, SLA adherence) and escalate gaps or risks proactively

• Utilize Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and data tools to analyze operational performance and identify improvement opportunities

• Coordinate closely with marine, yard, gate, and equipment teams to ensure plan execution and operational alignment

• Contribute to capacity planning, yard strategy, and appointment system optimization

• Maintain accurate planning documentation, process flows, and standard operating procedures

• Support customer and internal operational review preparation through data analysis and reporting

• Participate in Lean initiatives, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement projects

• Ensure all planning activities align with safety standards and operational best practices

What We Are Looking For

• Continuous improvement mindset: Curious, proactive, and driven to identify and solve operational challenges

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or a related field

• 2–4 years of experience in operations, planning, logistics, or a related environment (port/terminal experience is a plus)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and drive insights

• Familiarity with planning systems, TOS, Excel, or data visualization tools preferred

• Strong communication and coordination skills across cross-functional teams

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-volume operational environment with attention to detail

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Reliable execution of daily planning activities with minimal disruptions

• Strong visibility into operational risks with proactive mitigation

• Measurable improvements in productivity, yard utilization, or service performance

• Growing confidence in decision-making and stakeholder coordination

• Development toward future leadership roles within terminal operations

Salary: $87K - $90K

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

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.