Head of operations (savona)

OverviewAPM 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 r