Join Maersk as an MPL Project Manager – Project Cargo Japan in Tokyo, Japan. This full-time role involves leading local project logistics operations, managing cross-functional collaborations, and ensuring high-quality execution of complex transport solutions for customers.
Requirements
At least 3–5 years of experience in a freight forwarding or logistics company.
Proven experience in project cargo handling and execution.
In-depth knowledge of the Japan logistics market.
Fluent in both Japanese and English (verbal and written).
Knowledge of CargoWise is an advantage.
Skills & Responsibilities
Project Logistics Operations: Oversee local project logistics across all transport modes to meet customer deliverables and KPIs.
Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement efforts to optimize cost, service quality, and efficiency.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with Commercial, QHSE, and Procurement teams to support customer solution development.
Client Relationship Management: Build data-driven client relationships and provide proactive support for issue resolution.
Potential transition routes: People from freight forwarding, logistics operations, or supply chain management roles may bring strong transport execution skills and market knowledge, alongside meeting the language and project cargo requirements.
Job description
MPL Project Manager – Project Cargo Japan
Project Logistics is a specialized area within the logistics industry that demands an integrated, end-to-end approach to managing the global movement of materials. This includes order management and shipment execution from multiple origins to designated site locations. The scope includes transportation of standard cargo, out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo, and sensitive materials across Ocean, Air, and Land modes—all delivered in full, on time, and in the correct sequence according to the customer’s project schedule.
At Maersk, our Project Logistics team combines traditional freight forwarding with specialized skills in complex project planning, transport engineering, procurement, and QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment) compliance. Our experts are highly experienced in designing project transport solutions, managing special cargo, and executing end-to-end project management for deliveries to remote and logistically challenging destinations.
By leveraging Maersk’s global network, operational control, and advanced logistics capabilities, we provide customers with reliable, resilient, and efficient project logistics outcomes.
As an MPL Project Manager – Project Cargo Japan, you will lead and optimize local operational processes to ensure compliance, quality execution, and delivery of customer projects. You’ll manage resources, and act as a vital bridge between local operations and senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee and manage local project logistics operations across the full MPL product family and all transport modes to meet customer deliverables, contractual obligations, and operational KPIs.
Lead operational excellence initiatives and continuous improvement efforts to optimize cost, service quality, and efficiency.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Commercial, QHSE, Business development and Procurement—to support the strategic development of customer solutions.
Establish and track success metrics for MPL projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and customer satisfaction.
Serve as the key point of contact during customer solution implementation and onboarding of new Maersk product offerings.
Identify and drive value-added solutions for both the customer and Maersk, aligned with strategic objectives and global MPL growth.
Build and maintain data-driven relationships with clients, fostering shared goals, joint initiatives, and long-term collaboration.
Provide proactive support for customer and vendor issue resolution, with a strong focus on ownership and timely communication.
Represent Maersk on-site when required to support project delivery, vendor onboarding, and ensure adherence to operational processes and QHSE standards.
Utilize independent judgment to prioritize tasks and manage responsibilities autonomously while holding the wider team accountable for customer program outcomes.
We are looking for:
At least 3–5 years of experience in a freight forwarding or logistics company.
In-depth knowledge of the Japan logistics market, including local vendors and operational landscape.
Proven experience in project cargo handling and execution.
Strong customer-centric mindset with a passion for service excellence.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership, work independently, and drive results.
Innovative and solution-oriented, with a proactive approach to challenges.
Strong entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and contribute to business growth.
Effective communicator with strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
High level of integrity, adaptability, and team collaboration.
Fluent in both Japanese and English (verbal and written).
Willing to travel to ports for supervision of project cargos.
Knowledge of CargoWise will be an advantage.
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 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.
