Head of Operations

Overview

APM Terminals is seeking a Head of Operations responsible for the leadership and direction for staff and the day-to-day operations of the terminal. The role includes developing and maintaining an operational strategy that ensures a safe, efficient, and cost-effective terminal environment, and reporting to the Terminal Managing Director / CEO as part of the Senior Management Team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the terminal’s business strategy and drive key operational initiatives.
• Define and execute operational plans, objectives, and long-range goals.
• Continuously improve operational processes, methods, and quality standards.
• Provide leadership and ensure safety across all operational staff and activities.
• Lead supplier and customer negotiations, including Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Ensure all processes comply with HSSE policies and APM Terminals global standards.
• Liaise with customs, port authorities, trucking companies, and other partners to ensure compliance and alignment.
• Manage operational budgeting, cost control, and performance reporting.
• Foster a culture of coaching, motivation, and structured work execution within the operations teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and promote Lean practices.
• Where applicable, liaise with labor unions and support long-term negotiation processes.
• Monitor, report, and enhance operational KPIs and business targets.

Qualifications and Skills

• University degree in logistics, maritime/port management, or industrial/process engineering.
• (Preferred) Postgraduate studies in Port/Terminal Management or related fields.
• Minimum 7 years of container terminal operations management experience.
• Deep understanding of the container shipping industry end-to-end.
• Strong background in cost and productivity optimization, Lean improvements, and process implementation.
• Expertise in modern terminal operations and Terminal Operating Systems (TOS).
• Experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and operational strategy.
• 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.
• Conflict Management: the Head of Operations will deal with port authorities, contractors and vendors, shipping lines representatives, customs bodies and labour unions as needed.
• Effective Negotiation skills. Fluent English and Italian .

Location and Reporting

The Head of Operations reports to the Terminal Managing Director / CEO. This position is on-site, based in Vado Ligure (Italy).

If you’d like to contribute to shaping the future of global trade, driving operational excellence, and leading teams in a world-class terminal environment — we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of APM Terminals’ global journey.

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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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