Head of operations

Ph3Overview /h3pAPM 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. /ph3Responsibilities /h3ulliContribute to the terminal’s business strategy and drive key operational initiatives. /liliDefine and execute operational plans, objectives, and long-range goals. /liliContinuously improve operational processes, methods, and quality standards. /liliProvide leadership and ensure safety across all operational staff and activities. /liliLead supplier and customer negotiations, including Service Level Agreements (SLAs). /liliEnsure all processes comply with HSSE policies and APM Terminals global standards. /liliLiaise with customs, port authorities, trucking companies, and other partners to ensure compliance and alignment. /liliManage operational budgeting, cost control, and performance reporting. /liliFoster a culture of coaching, motivation, and structured work execution within the operations teams. /liliSupport continuous improvement initiatives and promote Lean practices. /liliWhere applicable, liaise with labor unions and support long-term negotiation processes. /liliMonitor, report, and enhance operational KPIs and business targets. /li /ulh3Qualifications and Skills /h3ulliUniversity degree in logistics, maritime/port management, or industrial/process engineering. /lili(Preferred) Postgraduate studies in Port/Terminal Management or related fields. /liliMinimum 7 years of container terminal operations management experience. /liliDeep understanding of the container shipping industry end-to-end. /liliStrong background in cost and productivity optimization, Lean improvements, and process implementation. /liliExpertise in modern terminal operations and Terminal Operating Systems (TOS). /liliExperience with budgeting, financial reporting, and operational strategy. /liliStrong mindset of continuous improvement – someone who is naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, and driven to make things better every day. /liliConflict Management: the Head of Operations will deal with port authorities, contractors and vendors, shipping lines representatives, customs bodies and labour unions as needed. /liliEffective Negotiation skills. Fluent bEnglish /b and bItalian /b. /li /ulh3Location and Reporting /h3pThe Head of Operations reports to the Terminal Managing Director / CEO. This position is on-site, based in Vado Ligure (Italy). /ppIf 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. /pp#LI-POST /ppMaersk 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. /ppWe 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 /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr