Terminal Manager at APM Terminals

Job Title: Terminal Manager
Job Requisition ID: R163532
Location: Apapa Port, Lagos
Reporting to: Country CEO, Nigeria
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About 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.

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.