Project Manager - (Freight Forwarding)

APM Terminals; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Maersk Project Logistics is seeking a proactive Project Logistics Manager for the Benelux region. You will lead design, planning, execution, and commercial management of complex logistics projects, coordinating with customers, engineering, carriers, terminals, and partners to deliver on time and within budget.

You will drive solution design, project execution plans, and financial control while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance across multimodal operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in project logistics, freight forwarding, 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.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute logistics projects from concept to completion.
• Coordinate road, rail, barge, ocean, air, and multimodal transport activities.
• Manage budgets, costs, and project profitability; monitor progress and adjust plans.
• Lead stakeholder communications and manage escalations with customers, carriers, and suppliers.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and risk controls across projects.

Skills

Project logistics

Freight forwarding

Multimodal logistics

Stakeholder management

English proficiency

Travel willingness

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

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

• 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 customer needs with safety, compliance, and profitability.
• Supports colleagues and contributes positively to team success.
• Has a practical, hands-on, "find a way" mentality.

Why Join Maersk Project Logistics?

Design and deliver complex logistics solutions for global customers. Take ownership from solution development through project execution. Work on high-profile heavy-lift, industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects. Collaborate with experienced logistics and engineering professionals. Develop your commercial, technical, and project management capabilities. Join a growing Benelux team where initiative, accountability, and innovation are valued.

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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. We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing [e-mail].

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. With simple end-to-end offering of products and digital services, seamless customer engagement and a superior end-to-end delivery network, Maersk enables its customers to trade and grow by transporting goods anywhere - all over the world. For more information click here. All the way.