Project People Partner

About APM Terminals

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customer's supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs roughly 100,000 people.

As part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, APM Terminals has been lifting standards for developing and operating advanced ports and container terminals for over half a century (as an independent division since January 2001). Now, with 60 strategically located ports and container terminals around the globe and several more in development APM Terminals is lifting the standard of efficiency, responsibility, connectivity, proactivity in our industry.

The Project of the Port of Elizabeth

APM Terminals and the Port of New York and New Jersey recently reached an agreement on the lease extension for APM Terminals Elizabeth through 2062. This extension paves the way for major infrastructure investments which will enhance capacity and transport velocity, create jobs and strengthen the economy.

APM Terminals will invest significantly in Port Elizabeth over the coming years to decarbonize its operations and enhance cargo-handling capacity at its 345-acre terminal. APM Terminals has also committed to the replacement and maintenance of all wharf and berth structures. This investment supports the Port Authority’s Port Master Plan 2050, which anticipates cargo volumes doubling or tripling by mid-century.

Looking to the future, APM Terminals Elizabeth envisions a larger, more efficient container terminal. Planned upgrades include the optimization of the terminal layout, electrification of container handling equipment, and future-proofing container berths.

In light of this development, APM Terminals Elizabeth is expecting to receive the sub-award of a Clean Ports Program Grant to partially fund these developments. This sub-award needs to be actively managed and sustained for compliance and project success.

Role Overview:

To oversee the local execution of the Annual HR Cycle, including performance management, compensation, training, and development. Provide tactical and operational guidance, coaching, and support to leaders on all human resources-related matters.

Key Responsibilities:

Talent acquisition

• Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements, sourcing strategies, and selection processes.
• Work closely with regional Talent Acquisition colleagues and co-lead end-to-end recruitment for all project roles, this includes niche engineering and large infrastructure development project management roles.
• Build and manage talent pipelines using proactive sourcing, networking, and employer branding.
• Together with regional TA colleagues, ensure a seamless candidate experience and efficient onboarding process.
• Collaborate with external recruitment partners and internal CoEs to meet hiring targets.
• Track and report recruitment metrics and hiring progress to leadership.

People Partnering

• Act as a People Partner to project  leaders and employees, providing direction, coaching, and support in all operational HR activities.
• Support leaders in managing performance cases and recommend corrective action plans.
• Drive key HR processes such as goal setting, engagement, and performance management.
• Advise on organizational design, job levelling, and structure optimization to align with business needs.
• Support and manage international assignments and mobility cases.
• Ensure HR processes and conversations are data-driven; support budgeting and forecasting when applicable.
• Track exit interview trends and address improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with local labor law and contribute to policy and process updates in coordination with global HR.
• Cooperate with Centers of Excellence (CoEs) to address training and capability gaps.
• Monitor local labor law landscape to ensure compliance and proactively update HR documentation.
• Drive delivery of the Annual HR Cycle in coordination with the regional HR team and CoEs.

HSSE Responsibilities

• Ensure integral care of personal health and safety.
• Comply with all HSSEQ policies and procedures, including those related to environment and port protection.
• Report any risks or hazards observed in the workplace.
• Participate in training and contribute to HSSEQ goals.

Key Interactions

• Project Leaders and employees
• Local HRBP
• BIM People function
• People Advisors and Delivery Teams
• Participate in training and contribute to HSSEQ goal