Project Manager (Expansion Project)

HHLA PLT Italy; Friuli-Venezia Giulia; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HHLA PLT Italy is expanding its Operations Team, bringing together senior and junior profiles to drive the Expansion Project through advanced planning, design and execution for a modern container terminal in Trieste. You will work across internal departments and external partners to implement automation and optimize container operations.

We value candidates with terminal experience, strong data analysis, and proven project management capabilities, who communicate effectively, lead by example,

Qualifications

• English required; Italian and/or German a plus.
• Terminal operations experience with planning/execution focus.
• Familiarity with container handling equipment.
• Strong data analysis and continuous improvement mindset.
• Proven project management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure proportional to experience with growth opportunities.
• Collaborate in a highly motivated, cross-functional team.
• Receive on-the-job training from HHLA and subsidiaries.
• Engage in multi-disciplinary aspects of a complex terminal project.
• Manage operational project topics and drive automation initiatives.

Skills

Terminal operations experience

Project management

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication skills

Safety and security adherence

Willingness to relocate

Multilingual (English + Italian/German

Job description

HHLA PLT Italy is a multipurpose maritime terminal started in 2021, located in the middle of the fast-growing North Adriatic market. Here, the Expansion Project Team, carried out by the company Logistica Giuliana, is planning and executing a game changer phased project aiming to integrate the current facility into a state-of-the-art container terminal, making use of the most advanced technologies and expertise.

The vision for our growing Operations Team is a combination of senior and junior profiles bringing Project Management and Operational Planning/Execution know-how coming from specific terminal experiences.

The main activities of the team will be related to process design, business analysis and project management, with regular and frequent interfaces with both internal departments (mainly Civil Engineering, Equipment, IT & Automation), and external parties (vendors, consultants, HHLA support from the headquarters).

Scope of work and key responsibilities

• Level of exposure to challenges and responsibilities directly proportional to the relevant experience, and always oriented to your professional growth
• Strong collaborative environment
• Highly motivated and ambitious team
• Specific theoretical and on-the-ground training ensured by HHLA and its subsidiaries, based on actual needs
• Wide involvement in all the multidisciplinary aspects of a complex mixed brown-greenfield terminal project
• Direct exposure to business design and decision-making
• Responsibilities in project management of operational topics
• Implementation of advanced automation solutions
• Clear and measurable personal targets

What you bring

We are shaping a versatile and forward-thinking Operations Team (Expansion) and are seeking experienced professionals who can bring depth in key areas while remaining open to learning and collaboration. While no single person is expected to master the entire skillset, we value individuals who are curious, proactive in sharing their expertise, and ready to lead by example—mentoring others and continuously evolving themselves within a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

• Good English (Italian and/or German are a plus)
• Previous terminal experience (planning/execution of container operations is key; other experience in Rail-cargo, RoRo, General Cargo, or from non-operational departments of container terminals are highly valued), ideally in management roles
• Familiarity with various types of container handling equipment
• Proficient in identifying and analyzing operational gaps
• Skilled in data analysis with a focus on continuous improvement initiatives
• Proven project management capabilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage and engage stakeholders at all levels
• Demonstrating leadership by adhering to and promoting safety and security protocols
• Willingness to support departmental and broader business needs as required
• Adherence to corporate policies, including the authority matrix and contract compliance guidelines
• Proactively identifying and reporting opportunities for operational improvement
• The ideal candidate would have a valid EU working permit and would be willing to relocate to Trieste.

The ideal candidate would have a valid EU work permit and would be willing to relocate to Trieste in short notice.

We encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories under Law 68/99, including individuals with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

As an international logistics company with its roots in Hamburg, HHLA stands for cosmopolitanism and tolerance. We are convinced of the advantages of different perspectives, experiences and competences. Our aim is to create a working environment in which humanity, mutual respect and appreciation are the basis for the actions of all employees.

Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.