Head of People Function APM Terminals Aarhus

Job Description

APM Terminals

Head of People Function – APM Terminals Denmark Aarhus

At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. As part of the A.P. Moller‑Maersk Group, we connect economies and communities around the world. Our success is built on a strong commitment to LEAN methodology, where continuous improvement is embedded in everything we do. Join a team that values quality, collaboration, and innovation.

What do we offer?

At APM Terminals, we foster a dynamic culture of learning and development, giving you the opportunity to grow professionally. With LEAN as a core methodology, we create a work environment where continuous improvement, proactive problem‑solving, and operational excellence are part of everyday life. You will join an international and innovative organisation where you can make a significant impact on both the business and our people.

The Head of People Function is together with the team responsible for:

You balance strategic leadership with operational presence and work closely with both local and regional leaders. The role is central in ensuring that our organisation has the right capabilities, a strong culture, and a sustainable long‑term people agenda.

As Head of People Function, you will be responsible for:

• Leading and developing the People Function team, including indirect reports, and serving as an active member of the Regional People Leadership Team for Africa and Europe.
• Owning the full Hire‑to‑Retire lifecycle and associated KPIs, ensuring accurate and relevant reporting as well as compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as People Business Partner to the Managing Director and the Senior Management Team.
• Serving as the People and labour‑law subject‑matter expert for Denmark, in close collaboration with the Senior People Business Partner and Maersk specialists.
• Serving as the main point of contact for strategic labour relations—both internal and external—and holding overall responsibility for strategic union collaboration.
• Driving the implementation of regional and global initiatives at terminal level, such as pay transparency, Third‑Party Labour initiatives, and other strategic programmes.
• Planning, delivering, and following up on initiatives related to Engagement, Well‑being, Diversity & Inclusion, as well as leading Talent Management and Succession Planning.
• Embedding and progressively integrating our global Culture Journey into People Function processes.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has senior People/HR leadership experience in labour‑intensive, legally complex, international environments—preferably with exposure to operational or industrial settings, including labour law, social dialogue, and union relations.
• Is a trusted and credible strategic partner to leadership, with experience influencing strategic decisions and translating business needs into effective People solutions.
• Brings experience across the full Hire‑to‑Retire lifecycle, including talent management, succession planning, diversity & inclusion, employee relations, and regulatory compliance.
• Has documented experience leading and developing People teams, including through indirect reporting lines, and can influence across functions, geographies, and stakeholder groups.
• Has strong capability in driving change, implementing initiatives, using data and KPIs to guide decisions, and ensuring disciplined and structured execution.
• Fluency in Danish is a requirement, as well as a willingness to be present onsite at the Aarhus terminal in line with local hybrid work policies.

Application & Recruitment Process

If this role excites you and you believe you can make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly with all criteria. Please note that applications will be assessed continuously, and the recruitment process may close before the final application deadline.

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 accommodationrequests@maersk.com.