Strategic Operation Manager

APM Terminals

Who We Are @ 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.

We are hiring for a Strategic Operations Manager in our Mobile, AL Terminal. Could this person be you?

The Terminal Strategic Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the future vision and operational roadmap of the terminal. This role combines strategic foresight with hands on operational support, driving innovation through technology, enhancing commercial performance, and continuously improving terminal processes. The ideal candidate will bridge high level planning with day-to-day execution, ensuring alignment between strategic goals and operational realities.

As a Strategic Operations Manager you will:

 Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop and lead multi-year strategic plans to enhance terminal capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• Align strategic initiatives with corporate goals, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability targets.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to inform investment priorities and service differentiation.
• Lead feasibility studies and business cases for operational efficiencies, modernization, and digital transformation.
• Track and report progress of strategic initiatives using structured governance frameworks and milestone reviews
• Exercise decision making authority in the selection, prioritization, and execution of strategic initiatives.

 Technology & Innovation

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies (e.g, AI, IoT, digital twins) for terminal application.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to pilot, implement, and scale smart terminal solutions.
• Monitor global trends in port technology and recommend adoption strategies tailored to local operations.
• Develop technology roadmaps and digital transformation blueprints aligned with operational needs.
• Propose technology pilots and recommend go/no-go decisions for scaling innovations.

 Commercial Interaction

• Support commercial teams in customer engagement, pricing strategy, and service development.
• Analyze customer behavior, cargo flows, and market dynamics to identify growth opportunities.
• Partner with commercial team on contract negotiations and strategic partnerships to enhance terminal value proposition.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Contribute to commercial decision making by advising on service offerings, pricing models, and partnership strategies.

Operational Support & Process Improvement

• Work closely with daily operations teams to align strategic initiatives with frontline execution.
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in terminal processes; lead cross-functional improvement projects.
• Develop and implement KPIs and dashboards to monitor operational performance and strategic progress.
• Facilitate workshops and continuous improvement programs to foster a culture of operational excellence.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions for recurring operational issues.
• Standardize processes and develop SOPs to ensure consistency and compliance across shifts and teams.
• Support change management efforts during the rollout of new systems, tools, or workflows.
• The ability to make decisions on process redesign, resource allocation for improvement projects, and implementation timelines.

 Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Coordinate with internal departments (operations, asset management, finance, IT) to ensure strategic alignment.
• Prepare high-impact presentations, reports, and strategic updates for executive leadership.
• Develop stakeholder communication plans to ensure transparency and alignment throughout project lifecycles.
• Engage with external stakeholders including port authorities, regulators, and technology vendors.
• Represent the terminal in strategic forums and make recommendations that influence stakeholder decisions.

What Does APMT Terminals look for in a Qualified candidate?

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Logistics, Maritime Studies, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in container terminal operations, logistics, or strategic planning.
• Proven track record in leading strategic initiatives and operat