Project Manager - (Freight Forwarding)

maersk; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Maersk Project Logistics in the Benelux region seeks a proactive Project Logistics Manager to lead design, planning, and commercial management of complex logistics projects from concept through completion.

You will collaborate with customers, engineering teams, carriers, and service partners to create practical transport solutions, drive schedules, manage budgets, and monitor progress to ensure on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience in project logistics, freight forwarding, or supply chain operations.
• Experience managing complex domestic or international logistics projects.
• Strong transport planning and multimodal logistics knowledge.
• Ability to develop transport concepts and execution plans.
• Excellent organizational, commercial, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, planning, execution, and commercial management of logistics projects.
• Coordinate with customers, engineering teams, carriers, terminals, customs brokers, and partners to deliver solutions on time and within budget.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, milestones, and contingency measures.
• Manage heavy-lift, breakbulk, oversized, high-value, and specialized cargo movements.
• Monitor progress, report performance, and control project documentation.

Skills

Project logistics

Stakeholder management

Multimodal planning

Budgeting & finance

English proficiency

Travel readiness

Tools

CargoWise

Portbase

Job description

Join a Team That Finds a Way At Maersk Project Logistics, we manage cargo movements that go beyond standard transportation. From heavy-lift and oversized cargo to complex multimodal projects, we develop and deliver tailored logistics solutions safely, efficiently, and reliably. We are looking for a proactive and solutions-focused Project Logistics Manager to join our Benelux team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking ownership, developing transport solutions, managing stakeholders, and delivering complex logistics projects from concept through completion.

The Role

As a Project Logistics Manager, you will be responsible for the design, planning, execution, and commercial management of logistics projects.

You will work alongside customers, engineering teams, solution designers, carriers, terminals, customs brokers, and operational partners to develop practical transport solutions and ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.

This is a hands-on role that combines project management, operational execution, solution design, and commercial awareness.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Design & Business Development

• Develop practical and cost-effective transport solutions for complex logistics projects.
• Support RFQs, tenders, and customer proposals.
• Assess transport feasibility, route restrictions, equipment requirements, permits, and operational risks.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and commercial teams to create project execution strategies.
• Prepare budgets, cost estimates, and operational plans for new business opportunities.
• Participate in customer meetings, site surveys, and technical solution reviews.

Project Management & Execution

• Manage projects from award through completion.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, milestones, and contingency plans.
• Coordinate road, rail, barge, ocean, air, and multimodal transport activities.
• Manage heavy-lift, breakbulk, oversized, high-value, and specialized cargo movements.
• Monitor project progress and implement corrective actions where required.
• Attend and oversee critical cargo operations when necessary.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, reporting, and records.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary operational contact for assigned projects.
• Coordinate internal teams and external service providers.
• Communicate project status, risks, and key decisions clearly and proactively.
• Build strong working relationships with customers, carriers, terminals, contractors, and suppliers.
• Lead operational discussions and manage escalations professionally.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Own project financial performance and profitability.
• Review budgets, costs, supplier quotations, invoices, and project margins.
• Identify commercial risks, cost impacts, and opportunities early.
• Manage project variations and additional scope.
• Support customer invoicing and project financial closeout.

Safety, Risk & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety-first culture.
• Identify and mitigate operational, commercial, and regulatory risks.
• Ensure permits, lifting plans, risk assessments, and operational controls are in place.
• Maintain compliance with customs, dangerous goods, export controls, and transport regulations.
• Support incident reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with operations, procurement, engineering, finance, and commercial teams.
• Share knowledge and mentor junior team members.
• Contribute to process improvements and operational excellence.
• Support a collaborative and accountable team culture.

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

• Experience in project logistics, freight forwarding, specialized transportation, or supply chain operations.
• Experience managing complex domestic or international logistics projects.
• Strong understanding of transport planning and multimodal logistics solutions.
• Ability to develop transport concepts and practical project execution plans.
• Strong organizational, commercial, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Professional proficiency in English.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel within the Benelux and across Europe when required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with heavy-lift, breakbulk, oversized, or project cargo.
• Experience supporting bids, tenders, or solution design activities.
• Knowledge of route surveys, permits, lifting operations, and specialist transport equipment.
• Familiarity with Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, and other European logistics gateways.
• Knowledge of customs, dangerous goods, and special cargo requirements.
• Experience with CargoWise, Portbase, and related logistics systems.

The Person

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership and delivers results.
• Thinks commercially as well as operationally.
• Enjoys designing solutions as much as executing them.
• Remains calm under pressure and solves problems effectively.
• Communicates clearly and professionally.
• Balances custo