Terminal Transformation Manager

APM Terminals

Join us as we continue to shape the future of global trade and make a significant impact in communities around the world. Discover your potential with APM Terminals and become part of a team that is redefining industry standards. Apply now and let’s build a brighter future together!

The Lean Director for Mexico is a senior, hands-on leadership role focused on leading and sustaining measurable Lean transformation across terminal operations and support functions (including procurement, finance, commercial, and asset maintenance).

This individual acts as the anchor of change, blending GEMBA presence with strategic execution and people development to embed Lean culture and capabilities throughout the organization—from senior leadership to frontline operators.

We are seeking a forward-thinking, values-driven leader who is passionate about teaching and coaching others, unafraid to challenge the status quo, and capable of fostering a culture rooted in performance, trust, and continuous improvement. Experience in logistics is welcome, but we also encourage applications from high-performance industries like automotive (Toyota, Honda), aerospace, GE, or Danaher, bringing a fresh external perspective to accelerate innovation.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Lean Leadership Across Operations and Support Functions

• Lead the execution of the Operational Excellence roadmap across both operational and support areas (e.g. finance, procurement, maintenance).

• Ensure alignment with the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and regional Lean strategy.

• Drive standardization, performance cycles (I-cycles), and Lean routines to deliver sustainable results.

2. Capability Building & Culture Anchoring

• Develop internal Lean talent at all levels—senior managers, line leaders, and unionized frontline teams.

• Actively teach, coach, and mentor with patience and a clear vocación para enseñar.

• Foster a safe, curious, and feedback-driven environment anchored in humility, ethics, and care for people.

3. Operational Execution & Process Optimization

• Be consistently present at the GEMBA to identify waste and coach problem-solving in real time.

• Apply Lean tools like VSM, SMED, TWI, SQDC, A3 Problem Solving, Takt Time, and Standard Work.

• Lead workshops and Kaizens that deliver visible impact across operations and support areas.

4. Bold and Influential Leadership

• Serve as a credible voice and constructive challenger to senior leadership.

• Be willing to confront inertia and guide the organization through difficult conversations that lead to growth.

• Promote inclusive leadership and high-performance team development.

5. Data-Driven Insights and Visualization

• Promote analytical discipline in performance tracking and decision-making.

• Use dashboards and visualization tools (e.g. Power BI) to drive transparency and accountability.

• Lead KPI development and use data to coach teams through structured improvement.

6. Regional and Global Integration

• Customize global Lean standards to local needs while contributing learnings back to the network.

• Represent the terminal in regional forums, assessments, and best practice exchanges.

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Operations, or related fields (preferred)

• Lean Six Sigma, TPM, or Project Management certification (desirable)

• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.

Experience:

• 5–7+ years of proven Lean transformation leadership

• Hands-on experience in industrial sectors (e.g. logistics, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing)

• Demonstrated success implementing Lean across both operations and support functions

• Comfortable leading transformation across hierarchies and cultural contexts

Skills & Competencies:

• Native Spanish speaker preferred; fluent in Spanish and English

• Deep experience with Lean methodologies (VSM, SMED, TWI, SQDC, A3, Takt Time, etc.)

• Strong analytical and data visualization skills (preferably with Power BI)

• Inspirational leadership with a teaching mindset

• Skilled in listening, facilitation, and guiding diverse learning styles

• Unafraid of constructive conflict and cultural transformation

• High ethical standards, humility, and people-centered leadership

Travel Requirements:

• Full-time, on-site in Lázaro Cárdenas

• Frequent presence at GEMBA required

• Occasional regional and international travel

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Terminal Manager

• Functionally aligned with the Regional Operations Lean Leader

Considerations for Role Clarity:

• Role spans operations and support functions

• Focused on measurable, hands-on improvement and internal capability development

• Combines Lean depth with change leadership and teaching vocation.

Authority:

• Empowered to stop unsafe or non-compliant practices

• Authorized to drive alignment and accountability in process design and Lean execution across functions.

If you've read this far, we're glad to know you're interested in this opportunity. And if you want to use your skills to make a difference, we hope you'll apply for our vacancy. Apply now!

Join a world-leading company as we embark on a digital transformation that will define the industry and revolutionize trade.

If you enjoy taking on big challenges, now is the time to join APM Terminals!

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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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