Head of People Function

Job Title: Head of People Function

Job Location: Chittagong (This is a site-based role and requires full-time presence in Chattogram (Chittagong), Bangladesh)

At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and support local economies to unlock their potential. Following the signing of a landmark concession agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority, APM Terminals will design, finance, build and operate the new Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram, Bangladesh — a first-of-its-kind, fully electrified and highly modernized greenfield container handling facility for the region. This is a unique opportunity to help establish the People function for a major infrastructure project from the ground up, building the workforce, culture, leadership capability and operating foundations needed to support both the project phase and future terminal operations. What drives us forward is a mindset of always improving — observing how work happens, identifying what creates value, and removing what gets in the way. If you thrive in a dynamic start-up environment where people value learning, safety, inclusion and continuous improvement, join us and be part of our journey.

What We Can Offer

At APMT 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.

• Opportunity to shape and build the People function for a landmark greenfield terminal project

• Exposure to a global leadership environment with cross-regional collaboration

• A role combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational impact

• Professional growth in a complex, high-investment infrastructure environment

• Opportunity to support the establishment of a fully electrified, highly modernized container terminal following a landmark concession agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the end-to-end People strategy aligned with Laldia Container Terminal project milestones from construction through to operations

• Lead large-scale talent acquisition and workforce mobilization, including development of local talent pipelines and expatriate deployment

• Establish HR governance frameworks, policies, systems, and processes in line with local regulations and APM Terminals’ global standards

• Build and embed a high-performance, inclusive, safety-first and Lean culture from the ground up

• Partner closely with the Managing Director, Project Director, and leadership team as a strategic advisor on all People-related matters

• Design and implement industrial relations, employee engagement, and retention strategies within the Bangladesh context

• Set up core HR infrastructure including HRIS, payroll, benefits, compensation frameworks, and People service delivery models

• Ensure compliance with Bangladesh labour laws, international labour standards, APM Terminals and Maersk compliance standards, including third-party labour-related policies

• Drive Diversity & Inclusion, employee engagement, wellbeing and retention initiatives to build a stable, values-led workforce

What We Are Looking For:

Leadership expectation: We are looking for people who consistently puts customers first, leads by example with respect for people, delivers results with integrity, and drives continuous improvement by solving problems at the root, developing people, and raising standards every day.

• 12–15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within infrastructure, logistics, ports, or industrial environments

• Proven experience in greenfield/start-up projects or leading large-scale organizational transformations

• Strong industrial relations expertise and deep understanding of labour law, workforce dynamics, and regulatory environments

• Demonstrated ability to build organizations and scale People functions in complex, multicultural, matrixed settings

• Experience with HR systems, preferably Workday, strong business acumen, and the ability to balance strategic and operational priorities

• Proven ability to design and implement workforce strategies in emerging markets, balancing global standards with local context and cultural considerations

• Strong project management and execution discipline, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across construction and operational phases in a fast-paced environment

• Comfortable working full-time at the Chattogram terminal during the construction and start-up phase, with a hands-on and pragmatic leadership approach

• Strong stakeholder influence, cultural awareness, financial acumen, communication skills, integrity and English proficiency

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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