Terminal Manager Job at APM Terminals

APM Terminals is the global terminal operating arm of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group. APM Terminals operates a Global Terminal Network of 76 operating port and terminal facilities and 117 Inland Services operations in 59 countries around the globe.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Terminal Manager

Job Requisition ID: R163532
Job Location: Apapa Port, Lagos
Reporting to: Country CEO, Nigeria

Role Overview

• As Terminal Manager at Apapa, you will lead the end-to-end operations of the terminal, ensuring seamless, safe, and efficient performance.
• You will drive operational excellence through Lean principles, empower teams to achieve high performance, and deliver sustainable business results.
• This role requires a combination of leadership, operational expertise, and business acumen to manage complex terminal operations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence & Lean Leadership:

• Lead day-to-day terminal operations, ensuring seamless performance even amidst disruptions or challenges.
• Uphold and embed our Lean Operating System, driving SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost) metrics with discipline and rigor.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture, ensuring full HSE compliance and continuous improvement in safety performance.
• Identify and manage operational bottlenecks, applying Lean tools to drive sustainable efficiency.
• Continuously improve processes, systems, and routines to elevate performance across all areas.

Performance Management:

• Translate organizational and terminal strategies into clear, actionable plans.
• Use data-driven decision-making to maintain consistently high operational performance.
• Implement and maintain operational standards, processes, and KPIs aligned with terminal and organizational goals.
• Ensure end-to-end delivery of productivity, efficiency, and cost leadership initiatives while exceeding industry benchmarks.
• Focus on system-wide results rather than isolated KPIs.

Leadership & People Development:

• Lead by example, living the Lean operating system and a value-based culture.
• Build and guide high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, engagement, and empowerment.
• Coach and develop talent, ensuring succession planning for key positions.
• Connect with frontline employees to inspire and drive performance across the terminal.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a complex, matrixed organisation - ideally in ports, terminals, or logistics.
• Strong understanding of Lean methodologies and a track record of applying them to drive business improvement.
• Demonstrated leadership in safety, cost optimisation, and performance management.
• Experience managing large teams and complex labour environments, including union negotiations.
• Strong business acumen with an ability to balance operational priorities, cost, and customer value.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Resilience, curiosity, and a relentless drive for continuous improvement.

Why This Role Matters:

• The Terminal Manager at Apapa plays a critical role in ensuring the terminal runs safely, efficiently, and profitably.
• By leading people, processes, and systems, you will directly influence operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and APM Terminals’ long-term success in West Africa.

Ideal Profile:

• You’re a courageous, results-driven leader who thrives on challenges. You see problems as opportunities to improve, and you lead with empathy, discipline, and humility.
• You’re energised by working with diverse teams, driving change, and building something better every day.