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!
The Role
APM Terminals Moín is looking for a Head of Operations to lead the execution of all terminal operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and seamless flow of container cargo across vessel operations, yard, gate, and value-added services. This role plays a critical part in translating operational plans into flawless day-to-day execution, with a strong focus on performance, safety, service delivery, and continuous improvement. Reporting directly to the COO, the Head of Operations works closely with operations teams, asset management, support functions, and the Shared Planning Center to ensure end-to-end operational excellence in a 24/7 environment.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Operations has full accountability for the real-time execution of terminal operations, including vessel berthing, loading and unloading, yard movements, gate activities, and coordination of value-added services. The role ensures optimal deployment of people and equipment to meet daily throughput, productivity, and service targets, while acting as the primary decision-maker during shifts to resolve operational challenges as they arise.
This position leads workforce and resource management in close collaboration with shift managers and supervisors, ensuring adequate staffing, strong productivity, and efficient utilization of quay cranes, yard equipment, trucks, and supporting assets. Continuous monitoring of KPIs such as vessel turnaround time, crane productivity, yard utilization, and gate transaction times is essential, along with leading daily operational reviews and driving corrective actions where needed.
Safety, health, and environmental compliance are central to this role. The Head of Operations ensures strict adherence to terminal safety standards, conducts audits, leads incident investigations, and reinforces a strong safety culture throughout the operation. The role also involves close collaboration with shipping lines, port authorities, unions, customs, and internal stakeholders to maintain smooth cargo flow and transparent communication.
A key focus is continuous improvement—identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce delays, integrate new technologies, and enhance operational workflows using LEAN tools and data-driven insights. During disruptions such as equipment failures, labor shortages, or adverse weather, the role leads contingency execution and ensures rapid, safe recovery of operations.
What We Can Offer
At APM 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.
This role offers exposure to a world-class terminal, strong collaboration within the global APM Terminals network, and opportunities for future career progression into senior operational or strategic roles at terminal, regional, or global level. The company emphasizes innovation, professional development, collaboration, and a sustainable approach to operations and people leadership.
What We’re Looking For
The position requires a degree in logistics, maritime, port management or minimum 5 years in operations management roles in container terminals.
Understanding of the container shipping industry and an ability to relate with shipping company and other associated industry managers.
Good communication skills with the ability to communicate across the organization.
Extensive understanding of modern terminal operations including computer terminal management systems, preferably NAVIS 4 TOS and all its modules.
Extensive knowledge of APM Terminals operational practices. (internal candidates)
Fluent in Spanish and English.
Some exposure to finance related matters and reporting against financial objectives.
Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
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
LEARNING & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Relevant next career steps might be:
Business process management role.
COO at a small terminal.
Regional or global operational related strategy positions.
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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.
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