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APM Terminals • Costa Rica, Limon, 70101 | Costa Rica

Shift Manager

Employment type:  Full time
8.2

/10

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Job Description

APM Terminals

At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. As part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, we connect economies and communities worldwide. Our success is driven by a strong commitment to LEAN methodologies, embedding continuous improvement into every aspect of our operations.

Join us and be part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and innovation.Join us as we continue to shape the future of global trade and make a meaningful impact on communities worldwide. Discover your potential with APM Terminals and become part of a team that's redefining the industry standards. Apply now and let's build a brighter future together!

What We Can Offer

At APMT Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to continuous improvement is driven by LEAN principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Join us to be part of an innovative environment where your growth is our priority, and experience the numerous advantages of being a valued member of our team:

  • Opportunities to lead large operational teams while enhancing supervisory and leadership capabilities

  • A culture that prioritizes psychological safety, collaboration, and shared problem‑solving

  • Exposure to global best practices in operations, planning, and performance management

  • Continuous learning through on‑the‑job training, coaching, and cross‑functional interaction

  • A supportive workplace committed to work‑life balance and long‑term career development

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinating operational execution and ensuring work schedules, vessel plans, and deadlines are achieved.

  • Acting as the primary point of contact for operational planning, with advanced use of TOS/N4 systems.

  • Reviewing shift plans, anticipating risks, and aligning the operational team on goals and adjustments.

  • Identifying improvement opportunities, documenting best practices, and supporting ongoing lean initiatives.

  • Monitoring KPIs—productivity, vessel turnaround times, and resource utilization—to identify gaps and drive improvements.

  • Ensuring all terminal operations follow safety standards, operational guidelines, and quality practices (including SQDC, deviation management, and post‑mortem reviews).

  • Leading and supporting operators through coaching, feedback, and performance improvement plans.

  • Allocating resources efficiently, ensuring optimal use of equipment and workforce across the shift.

  • Maintaining close collaboration with Maintenance to secure equipment readiness and availability.

  • Responding to emergencies, asset damage, or operational disruptions as the first line of escalation.

  • Maintaining high visibility across the terminal, ensuring active oversight of quay, yard, and support operations.

  • Preparing accurate operational reports and conducting structured shift handovers (hot‑seat process).

  • Building strong working relationships with Customer Service, Maintenance, vessel agents, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless operations.

What We Are Looking For

  • Lean‑minded: 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.

  • University degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related fields (Mandatory).

  • Minimum 1 year of proven experience in container terminal operations (as Shift Manager, Supervisor, or Planning Manager).

  • Advanced knowledge of the N4 operating system at Super User level (Preferred).

  • Minimum 1 year of experience implementing international safety standards in port operations (Mandatory).

  • Strong knowledge of port logistics: vessel loading, dangerous cargo, special cargo, and break‑bulk handling.

  • Ability to anticipate operational issues, work under pressure, and meet performance targets.

  • Analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven mindset.

  • Strategic thinking with a focus on continuous improvement and process optimization.

  • Excellent leadership, teamwork, negotiation, and conflict‑management skills.

  • Customer‑oriented mindset and effective communication skills.

  • Advanced Spanish (Mandatory).

  • Intermediate–advanced English (written and spoken) (Mandatory).

  • Experience in multicultural or international environments is desirable.

  • Valid B1 category driver’s license (Mandatory).

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.

Company benefits

Open to part time work for some roles
Open to compressed hours
In house training
Health insurance
Dental coverage
Mental health platform access
Compassionate leave
Life assurance
Annual bonus
Referral bonus
Employee assistance programme
Employee discounts
Adoption leave
Private GP service
Buy or sell annual leave
Religious celebration leave
401K
Annual pay rises
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Learning platform
Mentoring
Enhanced maternity leave
Shared parental leave
Women’s health leave
L&D budget
Professional subscriptions
Lunch and learns

Working at APM Terminals

Company employees:

22,000+

Gender diversity (m:f):

65:35

Hiring in countries

Argentina

Bangladesh

Brazil

Costa Rica

Croatia

Denmark

Guatemala

India

Italy

Mexico

Morocco

Netherlands

Panama

Peru

Poland

Portugal

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

United States

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