Yard Operations Manager

Job Description

APM Terminals

Job Description Summary
APM Terminals is a key part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, enabling global trade by operating some of the world’s most advanced ports and terminals. APM Terminals Elizabeth is one of the most strategically important terminals in North America and a centerpiece of APM Terminals’ and Maersk’s long‑term growth strategy. Located at the heart of the Port of New York and New Jersey, the terminal plays a critical role in supporting global trade across the U.S. East Coast.

Today, Terminal Elizabeth is undergoing a significant transformation and multi‑year modernization effort—one of the largest and most complex operational projects in the APM Terminals network. This includes major investments in infrastructure, systems, equipment, operating models, and workforce capability, all aimed at creating a safer, more resilient, and higher‑performing terminal.

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 APMT 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 operational insights directly influence how we work.

• Exposure to complex, high‑volume terminal operations where operational decisions directly impact safety, service, and productivity

• Opportunities to develop leadership capability through hands‑on operational ownership and structured training programs

• A collaborative environment that values problem‑solving, continuous learning, and shared accountability

• Support for professional growth through global and regional learning programs aligned to terminal operations leadership

Key Responsibilities

As a Manager of Yard Operations, you will be accountable for the safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution of all yard activities. You will work closely with operations, labor, and strategy partners to deliver daily results while driving continuous improvement.

• Lead all yard container handling activities, including OTR deliveries and pick‑ups, heavy lift operations, empty dispatch and returns, and internal yard grooming

• Set daily operational priorities with a focus on safety, productivity, cost control, and effective utilization of equipment and labor

• Monitor and manage yard performance related to safety, production, security, and operational efficiency

• Own end‑to‑end yard execution to maximize productivity while coordinating effectively with vessel and intermodal operations

• Ensure yard integrity through ongoing space utilization analysis in collaboration with strategy and optimization teams

• Maintain compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and safety standards while providing clear direction to frontline teams

• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, steamship lines, vendors, and labor partners

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a leader who brings operational discipline, a safety‑first mindset, and the ability to drive daily execution in a complex terminal environment.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent terminal operations experience with a minimum of five years in a yard or container operations environment

• Demonstrated experience leading frontline operations with accountability for safety, labor utilization, and equipment performance

• Ability to work effectively within a unionized environment, including adherence to collective bargaining agreements and participation in grievance processes when required

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work across functional teams and adapt quickly in a dynamic operating environment

You should be comfortable working variable shifts, including nights and weekends, and able to operate effectively in both indoor and outdoor terminal conditions.

Salary: $90K - $120K

Hours: Day Shift (Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed)

Location: Elizabeth, NJ

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform in 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. The employee is occasionally required to sit, 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 performed indoors and 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. Must be able to work variable shifts including evenings & weekends.

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.

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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.