Yard Planner

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 Title: Yard Planner

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers

Description

• As our Yard Planner, you will plan yard operations and support the preparation and communication of terminal berthing plans in close cooperation with vessel operators.
• You will balance vessel connections, operational deadlines, yard capacity and required productivity levels to support safe and efficient terminal operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain yard plans for import, export, empty, reefer, hazardous, out-of-gauge and other special cargo in line with approved strategies.
• Allocate suitable yard locations for vessel discharge containers based on cargo type, service requirements, available capacity and operational priorities.
• Plan export-container positioning to support efficient vessel loading, quick retrieval and minimal rehandling.
• Monitor live vessel, yard and gate activities using Navis N4, XPS and other approved operational applications.
• Coordinate with Vessel Planning, Dispatch, Equipment Control, Gate Operations and frontline teams to align operational plans with execution.
• Identify, manage and escalate planning exceptions, congestion risks, invalid yard positions and special-cargo discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate planning information, contribute to shift handovers and support root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

• Continuous improvement mindset:  we are looking for someone who brings a thoughtful improvement mindset—curious about how work gets done and motivated to make meaningful, sustainable improvements over time.
• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Maritime Studies, Transport Management, Engineering, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Bring relevant experience in container-terminal operations, yard or vessel planning, dispatching, equipment control or a closely related operational function.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of container-terminal vessel, yard, gate and equipment operations, including yard allocation, stacking principles and container flow management.
• Apply working knowledge of terminal operating systems, preferably Navis N4, XPS or equivalent applications, alongside Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Work effectively under pressure, respond constructively to changing priorities and remain available for rotational shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

What We Can Offer

• At APM Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to improvement is driven by Lean principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Experience a diverse, multinational workplace where your operational insights directly influence how we work.

• Gain in-depth exposure to container terminal operations and vessel-planning activities.
• Develop expertise in vessel operations, operational planning and execution coordination.
• Work closely with planning, equipment control and frontline operational teams to support safe and efficient vessel operations.
• Build skills and experience that can support future progression towards a Shift Planning Supervisor role.