Operations Manager, Rail

About the role

Lead daily rail operations at APM Terminals Elizabeth, ensuring safety, service, production and efficiency targets are met while supporting one of the busiest port complexes in North America.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily rail operations to achieve zero accidents, zero service failures and rail productivity goals.
• Coordinate over 200,000 rail moves annually and represent the company within the Millennium Marine Rail LLP team supporting more than 400,000 rail lifts.
• Manage rail operating budgets through labor ordering, workforce planning and man‑per‑hour performance objectives.
• Maintain accuracy of operational systems such as Navis N4/XPS and rail planning tools for real‑time visibility.
• Monitor performance using reporting tools and dashboards to identify constraints and improve productivity.
• Build strong relationships with internal departments, steamship lines, customers, vendors, truckers and labor representatives.
• Oversee compliance with ILA labor agreements, support grievance processes and promote safe work practices.

Required profile

• Continuous‑improvement mindset with curiosity and problem‑solving orientation.
• Leadership focused on customer service, integrity and raising standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum five years of terminal operations experience, preferably in rail or intermodal environments.
• Experience working in a unionized environment and handling labor relations.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for TWIC and Port Access credentials.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Navis N4/XPS terminal operating system.
• Experience using rail/intermodal planning tools.
• Familiarity with gate or appointment systems such as GOS/TAS.
• Ability to analyze operational data and translate insights into productivity improvements.