Chief Operations Officer - APM Terminals
At 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.
About APM Terminals MedPort Tangier
APM Terminals MedPort Tangier is one of the world’s most advanced and efficient container terminals, strategically located on the primary East/West shipping route through the Mediterranean. Launched in 2019 and expanded through 2024, the terminal now offers cutting-edge automation, including remote-controlled super post-Panamax cranes and automated yard operations, supporting an annual capacity of 9 million TEUs.
The Role - Chief Operations Officer
As Chief Operations Officer at APM Terminals MedPort Tangier, you’ll provide strategic leadership across all operational, technical, and IT functions of the terminal. Your mission? Drive maximum productivity while delivering outstanding service to shipping lines and stakeholders. This is a pivotal role in shaping the terminal’s growth and ensuring operational excellence in a fast-paced, complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Governance
Ensures end-to-end delivery, productivity, efficiency, cost leadership and continuous improvement across all areas. Ensures that terminal is on par with or exceeding benchmarks.
Define and implement operational standards, procedures, and long-term goals for sustainable growth.
Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Drives full compliance with HSE requirements and ensures a safety culture and environment.
Champion technology adoption to enhance operational performance.
Drives and proactively follow up on performance management metrics. Ensures delivery within or under budget, and role models cost leadership.
Stakeholder & Commercial Management
Build strong relationships with government authorities, port stakeholders, customers, and community representatives.
Represent the terminal in public forums and during critical negotiations or inspections.
Act as the key liaison between MedPorts’ operations and regional/global APM Terminals leadership teams.
Has deep understanding of financials, including the impact of any decision on the customer and overall business results.
Operational excellence powered by Lean
Upholds our Lean operating system, driving SQDC and operating model with relentless discipline and rigour.
Drives continuous improvement in all aspects, ensuring incremental improvement on an ongoing basis, in addition to transformation.
Drives full compliance with HSE requirements and ensures a safety culture and environment.
People Leadership & Talent Development
Provide inspirational leadership to the MedPort’s team, fostering a high-performance culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and safety.
Fosters collaboration and teamwork to identify and implement the best solutions, and drive required business results
Is well connected with frontline employees and leads and empowers people to leverage potential and performance.
Actively coaches, develops and grows people, including ensuring succession for own position and team.
What We’re Looking For
A senior leader with a proven track record in container or port operations, logistics, or infrastructure management.
Demonstrated ability to lead large, multicultural teams and drive change in challenging environments.
Strong business acumen and experience managing complex P&L responsibilities.
Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
Lean-minded: We are looking for someone who brings a strong mindset of continuous improvement – someone who is naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, and driven to make things better every day.
Is excited by ongoing, difficult work, and enjoys the process. Thrives on solving complex problems and situations.
Has a natural curiosity and interest in innovation.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Logistics, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent qualification is preferred.
Fluency in English; French and/or Arabic is a plus.
Why Join Us?
This role offers exposure to complex operational challenges and strategic decision-making at one of the world’s most advanced terminals. You’ll gain experience in general management, strategy development, and large-scale project leadership—opening doors to senior roles such as Head of Terminal or Regional Operations.
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Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.
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A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated transport and logistics company; going all the way, together, for our customers and society. ALL THE WAY is our commitment to connect the world so that everyone has both the possibility and the ability to trade, grow and thrive.
The company employs roughly 110.000 employees across operations in 130 countries.
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