Lean Leader, Operations Enabler

The Lean Leader / Operations Enabler is responsible for enabling stable, predictable, and efficient operations across Vessel, Yard, Gate, and Rail by embedding Lean principles, Daily Management, and Lean Leader Standard Work at all operational levels.

This role builds Lean leadership capability within Operations—supervisors, dispatchers, planners, and job experts—so that flow, productivity, and safety are owned and sustained by the line organization.

Key Accountabilities

1. Operational Flow & Daily Management Enablement

• Stabilize Daily Management routines across OPS Tier 1–3 (SQDC, Tier meetings, escalation).

• Coach OPS leaders on Leader Standard Work and performance follow-up.

• Improve Lean efficiency across Vessel, Yard, Gate, and Rail operations.

• Reduce variability impacting CMPH, berth productivity, and TEU throughput.

2. Lean Leadership Capability Building

• Develop OPS supervisors, planners, and job experts in SQDC, Daily Management, Standard Work, and A3/PDCA.

• Coach leaders to own problems rather than escalate solutions.

• Reinforce consistency, accountability, and execution discipline across shifts.

• Enable and support Operations‑led Kaizens aligned with OPS DM & PD (LIPs and BTO) priorities.

• Ensure Kaizens are connected to SQDC gaps and flow improvement.

• Support impact validation (performance & financial) with Finance.

4. ABS & Lean Maturity Deployment (OPS)

• Support ABS maturity uplift within Operations (Daily Management, SW, problem solving).

• Reinforce Leader‑Led GEMBA and escalation discipline.

5. Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Asset Maintenance, Planning, HSSE, HR, and Finance to ensure Lean improvements translate into operational execution.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations, Logistics, Maintenance, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent practical experience in operational or maintenance leadership may be considered.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in:
  Operations, logistics, terminals, manufacturing, industrial maintenance, or high‑variability environments, in Asset Maintenance, Engineering, Reliability, or high‑variability industrial environment.
• Proven experience in:
  Enabling Daily Management systems, coaching frontline and middle management, working in 24/7 operational environments.
• Experience enabling Daily Management and maintenance execution routines.
• Experience coaching frontline and middle management.
• Familiarity with ports, terminals, logistics, manufacturing, transportation, industrial maintenance, or similarly complex, asset‑intensive environments strongly preferred.
• Exposure to unionized work environments is an advantage.
• Strong coaching and facilitation skills.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Structured, data‑driven problem‑solving mindset.
• Comfortable operating at GEMBA.
• English language native or fluent.

• Continuous Improvement Certification;
  Lean Practitioner Advance and Project Management (PMP or equivalent) certifications a plus.

Success Indicators (Annual)

• Stable OPS Tier routines.
• Reduced variability impacting CMPH / berth productivity.
• OPS leaders independently owning SQDC and problem solving.
• Kaizens with validated impact.
• ABS maturity uplift in Operations.
• This is an on‑site role based at APM Terminals Elizabeth.
• Work is primarily dayshift; however:
• Flexibility to support all shifts, including nights or weekends as needed, is expected.
• Regular presence at GEMBA (yard, equipment areas, workshops, control rooms) is required.

— The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

— While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk both short and long distances; use hands to handle or feel; speak to and hear others. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or…