HSSE Director

Job Description

APM Terminals

At APM Terminals, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact—on global trade, on local communities, and on the people who keep supply chains moving. This role is for someone who thrives in fast‑paced, high‑accountability environments, cares deeply about people’s wellbeing, and is motivated by leading change in complex operations.

APM Terminals is seeking a forward‑thinking HSSE Director to lead the health, safety, security, and environmental agenda at one of the most dynamic marine terminals in the United States. This leader will shape strategy, strengthen risk management, and build a culture where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to raise the bar every day.

As a key member of the terminal leadership team, this role directly influences operational decision‑making, compliance readiness, critical‑risk performance, and safety culture across a 24/7/365 high‑risk environment. It is suited for someone who is both strategic and hands‑on—comfortable partnering with regulatory agencies, coaching leaders, responding to emergencies, and mentoring a multidisciplinary HSSE team.

What the HSSE Director Will Be Responsible For

The HSSE Director will develop, implement, and continuously refine the terminal’s HSSE strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate standards, U.S. regulatory requirements, and Port Authority obligations. They will translate strategy into actionable plans, measurable objectives, and KPIs that drive safe, reliable, and compliant operations.

This leader will maintain strong relationships with OSHA, EPA, the US Coast Guard, DHS/CBP, and other regulatory bodies, serving as the primary interface during inspections, audits, investigations, and enforcement actions. They will ensure accurate reporting, oversee ISO‑aligned management systems, and strengthen the terminal’s readiness across environmental, safety, and security domains.

They will lead critical‑risk management across vessel operations, crane and lifting activities, powered industrial vehicles, hazardous materials, and contractor work. When incidents occur, they will guide or act as Incident Commander—ensuring rapid response, thorough investigation, and effective corrective action.

The HSSE Director will also own emergency preparedness, including emergency response plans, facility security plans, business‑continuity programs, and required MTSA/USCG compliance activities. They will oversee drills, exercises, and response readiness across a range of scenarios.

Environmental stewardship will be a core element of their work, including air emissions, stormwater, wastewater, hazardous waste, spill prevention, and broader sustainability initiatives.

Finally, they will play a vital role in shaping people and culture—coaching a team of HSSE professionals, engaging with union labor and contractors, and advocating for safety leadership across all shifts and functions.

What We’re Looking For
APM Terminals is looking for a resilient, collaborative, and Lean‑minded HSSE leader who thrives in a complex operational environment and stays calm under pressure.

The ideal candidate brings:

• A bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• At least 10 years of progressive HSSE experience, including leadership roles in marine terminals, ports, heavy industry, or similar high‑risk environments
• Strong knowledge of U.S. OSHA regulations, environmental permitting, maritime safety, and security requirements
• Experience leading regulatory inspections, audits, and enforcement responses
• Demonstrated capability in incident investigation, critical‑risk management, and emergency response leadership
• A NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent (OSHA, environmental, or maritime security certifications—and USCG FSO—are a strong plus)

Key competencies include strategic leadership, risk‑based decision‑making, stakeholder management, safety‑culture development, crisis leadership, and strong analytical skills.

Reporting Line:

Reports to: Managing Director (Terminal)

Functional reporting to: Regional / Global Head of HSSE

Working Conditions
This role blends office work with regular time in the terminal’s operational areas. The HSSE Director must be available to respond to emergencies, regulatory engagements, and operational events outside of standard business hours. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Salary: $150-180K

Notice to applicants applying to positions in the United States

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

APM Terminals is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities who are applying for positions in the U.S. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you are interested in applying for employment with APM Terminals in the U.S. and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to perform a job, please contact the applicable Human Resources Department by emailing reasonableaccommodations@maersk.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis pursuant to an interactive dialogue between the applicant and the Company.

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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 accommodationrequests@maersk.com.