Senior Operations Expert (Expansion Project)

HHLA PLT Italy; Trieste/Trst; In loco; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading international logistics company is looking for experienced professionals to join their growing Operations Team in Trieste. The role involves project management, operational planning, and the implementation of automation solutions. Candidates should have terminal experience, excellent communication skills, and a strong proactive approach to operations. A valid EU working permit and willingness to relocate to Trieste are required.

Competenze

• Previous experience in planning or executing container operations is key.
• Experience in management roles preferred.
• Proficiency in English; Italian and/or German are a plus.
• Demonstrated project management capabilities.

Mansioni

• Process design and business analysis for terminal operations.
• Project management responsibilities for operational topics.
• Implementation of advanced automation solutions.
• Managing stakeholder engagement at all levels.

Conoscenze

Good English

Previous terminal experience

Familiarity with container handling equipment

Proficient in identifying operational gaps

Ability to map operational processes

Experience with terminal IT systems

Skilled in data analysis

Experience in industrial automation

Knowledge of simulation techniques

Understanding of AI technologies

Project management capabilities

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership skills

Proactive identification of improvements

Descrizione del lavoro

Overview

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.

Vision for our growing Operations Team

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.

Main Activities

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).

What you can expect

• 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 to the table

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
• Ability to map and design operational processes
• Experience with requirements engineering for terminal IT systems
• Skilled in data analysis with a focus on continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience in industrial automation and related safety regulation
• Knowledge of simulation techniques for operational modeling and optimization
• Understanding of AI technologies and their application in industrial settings
• 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.

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.

If you would like to shape the future of HHLA PLT Italy & Logistica Giuliana together with us, we look forward to receiving your detailed application.