Head of Operational Technology

Job Description

APM Terminals

About APM Terminals

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs roughly 100,000 people.

As part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, APM Terminals has been lifting standards for developing and operating advanced ports and container terminals for over half a century (as an independent division since January 2001). Now, with 60 strategically located ports and container terminals around the globe and several more in development, APM Terminals is lifting the standard of efficiency, responsibility, connectivity, productivity in our industry.

For more than a century, A.P. Moller-Maersk has had close ties with the Port of New York and New Jersey. Maersk made its first vessel call in New York in 1915 and opened its first international office in Manhattan shortly after. In 1928, Maersk Line started, and soon the piers in Brooklyn became home. By 1975, it had established the first dedicated container terminal at Pier 51 through the work with the Port of New York and New Jersey.

APM Terminals Elizabeth currently handles over 25% of the annual container throughput in the port complex, supported by more than 1,100 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).

The Port Elizabeth Upgrade Project

APM Terminals and the Port of New York and New Jersey recently reached an agreement on the lease extension for APM Terminals Elizabeth though 2062. This extension paves the way for major infrastructure investments which will enhance capacity and transport velocity, create jobs and strengthen the economy.

APM Terminals will invest significantly in Port Elizabeth over the coming years to enhance cargo-handling capacity at its 345-acre terminal. APM Terminals has also committed to the replacement and maintenance of all wharf and berth structures. This investment supports the Port Authority’s Port Master Plan 2050, which anticipates cargo volumes doubling or tripling by mid-century.

Looking to the future, APM Terminals Elizabeth envisions a larger, more efficient container terminal. Planned upgrades include the optimization of the terminal layout, electrification of container handling equipment, and future-proofing container berths.

Role Overview:

The Head of Operational Technology (OT) is accountable for the end-to-end strategy, performance, governance and lifecycle management of all Operational Technology systems of the terminal. The role establishes clear business ownership for OT across process systems and terminal OT platforms, ensuring measurable operational value through improved reliability, resilience, safety, standardization and productivity.

This role also plays a pivotal role in delivering all integrated technology solutions across the Elizabeth Upgrade Project scope. As APM Terminals transitions into a modernized setup a future proof system landscape is to be defined and rolled out in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders, creating minimal disruption to day-to-day operations and in time and within budget for the asset delivery to be uninterrupted.

This role combines strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, technical oversight and detailed understanding of union related rules & regulations to ensure successful leverage of technology to drive efficiency in the running business combined with the seamless deployment of systems and integrated solutions as part of the overall Elizabeth Upgrade Project plan. Connecting Asset Delivery, change management and Operations is central to this role, requiring close collaboration with project, terminal staff, cross-functional teams, and external partners, while also managing a (in)direct team with Operational Technology staff.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Running the business

OT Strategy & Governance

• Define and own the OT strategy aligned with global OT framework.

• Translate business priorities into structured OT roadmaps.

• Enforce OT architecture standards and reduce system variation.

• Establish governance for interfaces, change management and integration.

• Accountable for the OT budget planning and execution and strive to implement cost efficient ways of working.

Operational Performance & Reliability

• Define reliability and resilience targets for all critical systems.

• Drive improvement in system reliability. Ensure structured root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Partner with Heads of functions to leverage technology to support the terminal business objectives

Digital Transformation

• Drive data-driven and intelligent terminal operations.

• Ensure integration between OT systems and analytics platforms.

Stakeholder & Global Collaboration

• Lead vendor management, including OEM governance, performance monitoring, contract alignment, escalation management and strategic supplier development.

• Liaise closely with Labor Relations to ensure compliance with labor union jurisdictions and requirements from local/master contracts with the International Longshoremen Association (ILA)

• Act as primary interface with Global OT Product Owners.

• Ensure compliance with enterprise IT standards and cybersecurity policies.

Transforming the business – Modernization Project

• Define and own the future solution landscape

• Own the end-to-end deployment of new OT products within E-UP, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, product integrity, and site-specific requirements. In scope are (non-exhaustive), Crane operator support features, Terminal Operating System, AD, AIL, Glass Support and Quality Assurance,

• Support the development and maintaining comprehensive Project Management Plans (PMPs), including scope, timelines, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and compliance.

• Support and guide the Product deployment approach and plan, including assurance of product integrity, integration and testing

• Ensure the operational technology /operational performance ramp-up is setting/keeping up with the overall Project delivery pace, switch over from conventional to digital assets and yard to be linked to the performance of remote-controlled equipment.

• To work closely with other Operational Technology Managers and Project Execution globally to establish a common deployment approach and continuously improve same, make use of the best practices and ensure the relevant framework is implemented / followed as applicable

• To work with suppliers’ deployment teams to proactively ensure their delivery is meeting the APM Terminals plans/targets and drive the local product integration and related alignment process between suppliers within the boundaries of product integrity

• To oversee the first line of support for the deployment given at the terminal(s) until go-live and remain involved until Operations stability

• To oversee the definition of and participate in all testing milestones and approve the outcomes

• To contribute to local product adoption by facilitating capability building/knowledge transfer to terminal staff as part of the deployment

People & Organization Leadership

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary OT organization.

• Manage and lead a team of operational technology experts, ensuring they stay engaged, motivated, and aligned with project goals

• Establish accountability and performance management frameworks.

• Support structured technical and leadership career paths.

• Implement and own the deployment of the APM Terminals Business System within the OT department

CRITICAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Necessary to fulfil the requirements of the position:

• Master’s degree in industrial engineering, Industry 4.0, Electrical Engineering or a related field

• Project Management Certification preferred (or equivalent)

• Professional expertise and deep knowledge in the context of Container Terminal Operations and relevant experience in port digitization / modernization

• Proven experience in project management, particularly in container terminal industry or related fields.

• Strong IT / Software programming background

• Ability to develop and maintain comprehensive Project Management Plans (PMPs)

• Strong understanding of technology systems (Terminal Operating System, Equipment Control System, PLC/SCADA, API/Middleware, OPC UA, 5G, cybersecurity).

• High familiarity and proven proficiency of delivering results within project/product deployment environment

• Versatile resource management and planning skills

• Strong prioritization abilities and can-do mindset

• Methodological know-how to lead iterative design, development and testing cycles from end-to-end throughout the deployment

• Ability to balance short-term deliverables and long-term business objectives

• Ability to solve complex problems on a daily basis and in a structured manner

• People leadership skills for driving success of deployment teams

• Strong stakeholder management & communication skills

• Continuous focus to drive change management as key enabler for stakeholder buy-in and successful deployment outcomes

• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a high degree of autonomy.

EXTENT OF THE ROLE:

• This position has direct reports and multiple contractors and 3rd party vendors to monitor and supervise

• This position works with both internal and external stakeholders

• This is a position based in Elizabeth, NJ, USA

REPORTING:

• The direct reporting line will be to the Chief Operations Officer (on site).

• The functional reporting line is to the Global Head of Operations Technology & Analytics

Job Type:

Full Time

Salary:

$170,000.00 - $190,000.00

Benefits:

Full time employees are eligible for Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401k Match.

The above stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such as location. The Company will work directly with the selected candidate(s) on the final starting salary in accordance with all applicable laws.

Notice to applicants applying to positions in the United States

You must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

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