Mgr, Marine HR & Payroll

American President Lines (APL), part of the CMA CGM Group, is the premier U.S.-flag carrier on the Transpacific proudly serving the American soldier and the U.S. Government for over 175 years. APL operates a network covering the United States, Asia, and the Middle East and provides global container transportation through our extensive international shipping network. With the combination of high-quality intermodal operations and advanced technology, equipment, and e-commerce, APL delivers world class logistics solutions. With proven knowledge and expertise, we help our customers navigate complexity and seize opportunities in the dynamic global marketplace.
 
As the U.S. maritime industry enters a new era of innovation and revitalization, APL is leading the way with bold investments designed to strengthen domestic capabilities and shape the future of American shipping.

The Marine Personnel, Process Performance, and Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing vessel manning, payroll operations, and operational performance management for the U.S. Flag fleet. This role ensures compliance with maritime regulations, collective bargaining agreements, payroll requirements, and company policies while leading continuous improvement initiatives across crewing and payroll functions. The position manages staffing, payroll administration, workforce analytics, KPI development, process optimization, and team performance to support operational excellence and cost-effective fleet operations.

Functions & Duties

•    Ensure compliance with the company’s Integrated Management System (IMS), as well as all relevant rules and regulations.
•    Perform duties in alignment with the company’s quality, health, safety, security, environmental, and ethics policies.
•    Provide support and coaching to departments to enhance root cause analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
•    Ensure proper application of problem-solving techniques across all relevant processes.
•    Schedule and conduct regular review meetings to monitor progress and address issues.
•    Lead working groups as assigned to address specific operational needs.
•    Define, track, and communicate relevant performance indicators associated with department operations.    
•    Oversee daily operations related to vessel manning, including direct supervision of company crewing specialists.    
•    Develop, manage, and implement policies and procedures for the crewing department.    
•    Ensure compliance with documentation and regulatory requirements for all seagoing staff.    
•    Maintain appropriate manning levels to meet operational needs, ensuring compliance with Safe Manning Requirements, collective bargaining agreements, licensing, and other necessary qualifications.    
•    Coordinate travel arrangements for assigned relief and departing crew, focusing on optimal costs and logistics.    
•    Review and verify seafarer qualifications, ensuring that all necessary copies are maintained in personnel files.    
•    Provide departmental support for crewing issues outside regular working hours.    
•    Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.    
•    Identify and recommend solutions for current and anticipated short-term workforce challenges.    
•    Function as the primary point of contact for all crewing-related matters.    
•    Manage rotation planning for senior management team (SMT) officers, in coordination with Fleet Superintendents and Crewing Specialists.    
•    Serve as the Designated Employee Representative (DER) under the Company’s Drug and Alcohol Policy program.    
•    Keep the Director of Labor Relations updated and fully informed about all exceptional cases.    
•    Submit exemption requests to the Director of Labor Relations in cases of procedural deviation.    
•    Administer the company’s online Computer Based Training platform and oversee evaluation processes according to IMS procedures.    
•    Conduct other tasks assigned by the Director of Labor Relations.    
•    CREW RECRUITMENT    
•    Maintain a long-term crew relief plan, including Top Four.    
•    Confirm proposed seafarers meet mandatory requirements—crew documentation and rank-specific training—before system approval.    
•    CREW PLANNING ANDLOGISTICS    
•    Oversee the planning and allocation of vessel crew assignments.    
•    Maintain the Ship’s Crew Management System by accurately inputting and updating crew information as required.    
•    Submit recommendations for SMT replacements to vessel Superintendents and the Fleet Director for review.    
•    Coordinate all crew logistics, including repatriation, ensuring they are executed correctly and in a cost-efficient manner.    
•    TRAINING ANDPROMOTIONPIPELINE    
•    Keep Fleet Superintendents and AML senior management informed of exceptional cases.    
•    MANAGEMENT    
•    Manage assigned projects and activities.    
•    Supervise the Crewing team (about three employees).    
•    Supervise the Payroll team (about three employees).    
•    PAYROLL OPERATIONS & COMPLIANCE    
•    Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for all US Flag seagoing personnel    
•    Ensure timely and accurate processing of wages, overtime, bonus payments, leave balances, travel-related compensation, and contractual entitlements.    
•    Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, payroll policies, labor regulations, and applicable tax requirements.    
•    Review and approve payroll transactions and resolve escalated payroll discrepancies.    

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 
•    2–5 years relevant experience in crewing or vessel operations required
•    2-5 years’ experience managing a team of employees.
•    Experience with shipboard officers and union environment required.
•    Proficiency in computer skills and Microsoft Office
•    English fluency required
•    Maritime experience and maritime legal background preferred.
•    Expertise in LEAN, RCA, Failure Mode, and Effects Analysis (FMEA); LEAN Six Sigma certification a plus
•    At least 3 years using LEAN and quality problem-solving techniques is preferred.
•    Knowledge of Coast Guard regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and vessel operations

Qualifications 

Education
Required    High School Diploma or GED    
Preferred    Bachelor’s Degree    Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or quality with an emphasis on continuous improvement

Work Experience
General Experience    10-15 years    
Industry Experience    3-5 years    

Pay Transparency

At American President Lines, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The expected salary range for this position is $76,326  - $127,210 per year. The actual salary offered will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and location.

In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for:

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition repayment and paid time off

Professional development opportunities

We believe in transparency and equity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

EEO Statement
The Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Discrimination or harassment based upon any protected characteristics as defined by state or federal law is wholly inconsistent with our company values and will not be tolerated.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.  Discrimination or harassment based upon any protected characteristics as defined by state or federal law is wholly inconsistent with our company values and will not be tolerated. Alternative application methods are available for individuals who are unable to use or access our online application system. For assistance, please contact us at Applicant_Assistance@apl.com.