Terminal Operations Designer

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.

Terminal Operations Design department is developer and auditor of APMT’s operational guidelines, best practices, terminal design development and improvements and operational functional requirements. Having a main role at the development of Greenfields and improvements in existing terminal concessions, the leadership and strategic guidance provided the Designer influences the business at its core.

Terminal Operations Designer will be responsible for building and facilitating designs, operational models and terminal simulations with the purpose of demonstrating the best utilization of assets, complying with the APMT Way of Working and standardization of processes. The solutions provided by the Designer support the company’s strategy.

At APMT Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to continuous improvement is driven by LEAN principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Join us to be part of an innovative environment where your growth is our priority, and experience the numerous advantages of being a valued member of our team.

A dynamic position with good employment terms and attractive benefits.

Exposure to multinational environment/culture.

Location: Flexible between Barcelona, Spain & The Hague, Netherlands ( Short-term travel as needed to support project and APMT Project Execution requirements)

Global accountability on review of all operational investment proposals related to productivity increase, layout improvements, asset replacement and asset acquisition (> USD 200m annually). Challenging the entity to raise the bar and to use and improve APMT way of working.

Accountable for operational improvement analysis from sense check (ad hoc requests), through systemized workflow (Investment Proposals; Business cases and A3-Problem Solving). On yearly basis, the Designer reviews over USD 200m of planned investment plans, taking ownership to challenge and improve the Investment Proposals if deemed necessary.

Leading by Example: Standards in Way of Working are recorded in the Design Handbook and functional requirements for equipment, installations, and systems.

Continuous Improvement by leading the terminals to show the symptoms and (root) causes. Supporting business to close gaps, by showing the potentials of alternative designs and way of operation.

Lead operational modeling, terminal simulation, analyzing and designing of terminal operational processes. Prioritize on the improvements and problem-solving on layouts, terminal capacity, equipment quantity, buildings, operations principles, gate and rail operations.

Support Project Execution to deliver projects throughout the portfolio by providing leadership towards improved design solutions which have operational impact, throughout the project until completion.

Coordinate deliverables between terminals on one side, versus consultants and CAD-designers on other side.

Initiate site visits to evaluate/improve designs, listen, show respect, provide leadership and guidance while observing Kaizen points.

Lead the operational assumptions on Greenfields, defining the level of automation applicable according to automation maturity and value added.

Lead and deploy terminal simulation throughout the portfolio, in support of terminals TTI’s and in close collaboration with the Regional Operations Managers.

Coordinate integration of Asset Digitization and TOS databases into simulation software and other global operation tools – Maximize automation/integration capabilities.

• Solid experience working in ports and terminals (Containers & General Cargo).

• Extensive experience in simulation and a strong background in mechanical, Industrial or electrical engineering, particularly as it relates to terminal equipment and operational systems.

• Ability to influence and engage with all levels of management – maturity in engaging with executives is key.

• Terminal design & solution driven mindset.

• Comfortable with setting direction in complexity and ambiguity, finds solutions to tough problems, highly curious (never satisfied) while actively managing resistance to change.

• Strong ability to consume complex and technical knowledge up/ down across processes/ functions, simplify and communicate the information effectively (communicated at the right level of detail and the right level).

• Integrating personality – ability to spot and address misalignment between work streams.

• Excellent English written and verbal communication, presentation and facilitation skills.

• ‘Hands on’ ability to Lead execution and facilitate workshops. Strong understanding of project management.

• Willingness to travel on regular basis (approx. 1 week / month).

• Ability to apply analytical thinking and creative problem solving from simple to complex tasks.

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.