About us
Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT) is a fully owned subsidiary of Hapag-Lloyd. Operating from Rotterdam, HGT manages a portfolio of stakes in 21 terminals and complementary logistics services across 11 countries across 5 continents: Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa - with plans to expand its stakes to over ~30 terminals by 2030.
Spanning key regions, its portfolio comprises port terminals and related logistics services operated by Hanseatic Global Terminals Latin America in Latin America and Florida (USA), and, in the booming Indian market, it is present through the container terminals, depots and rail business of J M Baxi, India’s largest integrated terminal and logistics provider. Additionally, HGT’s presence in strategic European hubs, such as Germany, France and the Mediterranean, enhances its global network and allows it to offer seamless, efficient logistics and supply chain solutions to customers worldwide.
At HGT, we are a highly motivated team of experienced international professionals who believe that growth in any partnership comes from trust and dedication. Our commitment to provide highly efficient terminal operations that are safe, sustainable, and reliable is rooted in a simple yet powerful vision: “offering exceptional service quality at all times.”
The project: Hanseatic Global Terminals Aracruz port terminal:
Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT) is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the development of Hanseatic Global Terminals Aracruz, a state-of-the-art container terminal created in partnership with the Imetame Group. Following HGT’s recent agreement to acquire 50% of the shares in Imetame Logística Porto (ILP), this joint venture marks a significant strategic investment in Brazil’s evolving port landscape and will play a key role in strengthening global supply chain connectivity.
Located in Aracruz, Espírito Santo, the new terminal is designed to be a modern transshipment and gateway hub for the region. Expected to launch operations by mid-2028, the facility will feature a capacity of approximately 1.2 million TEU, 750 meters of quay, advanced cargo-handling technology, and 17 meters of water depth, enabling the efficient handling of the industry’s largest vessels.
As HGT and the Imetame Group work together to build and operate this future-ready terminal, we are assembling a team of talented professionals who will help shape the next major milestone in Brazil’s port infrastructure development. The project represents an opportunity to be part of a transformational venture that will set new standards for performance, innovation, and operational excellence.
The position
The HR Mnager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing all HR functions from the ground up. This role plays a critical part in supporting the construction, commissioning, and operational phases of the terminal by ensuring the organization attracts, develops, and retains a skilled workforce while maintaining compliance with labor laws and industry standards.
The HR Manager will act as a strategic partner to leadership, aligning human capital strategies with project milestones and long-term operational goals.
Over time, the role evolves into overseeing steady-state HR operations, ensuring high availability, performance, and continuous improvement.
The HR Manager reports to the Project Director during the project phase, transitioning to the Terminal/Site Managing Director closer to go-live. The role also maintains a dotted-line to the Global Director of Human Resources of HGT.
The role is based in Brazil, site-based, with regional and occasional international travel.
Key Responsibilities
HR Strategy & Organizational Development
* Develop and implement the HR strategy aligned with project timelines (construction, commissioning and operations).
* Design the organizational structure, workforce plans, and staffing models for all phases of the terminal.
* Establish HR policies, procedures, and systems from scratch.
* Support leadership in building a high-performance, safety-driven organizational culture.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
* Lead end-to-end recruitment for all levels, including technical, operational, and administrative roles.
* Develop manpower plans in coordination with engineering, operations, and project teams.
* Manage recruitment campaigns locally and internationally as required.
* Establish relationships with recruitment agencies, technical institutes, and port-logistic academies.
Compensation, Benefits & Payroll
* Design competitive compensation and benefits structures aligned with industry benchmarks.
* Implement payroll systems and ensure accurate and timely salary processing.
* Manage employee benefits programs including health insurance, allowances, and incentives.
* Conduct periodic salary reviews and benchmarking
Training & Development
* Identify training needs across construction and operational teams.
* Develop onboarding programs for new hires.
* Implement technical and soft skills training programs.
* Establish leadership development and succession planning initiatives.
Employee Relations & Industrial Relations
* Develop and maintain positive employee relations across a diverse workforce.
* Manage labor relations, including engagement with unions (if applicable).
* Handle grievances, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
* Ensure compliance with local labor laws and international standards.
HR Systems & Processes
* Implement HR Information Systems (HRIS) suitable for a growing organization.
* Develop employee records management systems.
* Establish KPIs and HR analytics for workforce monitoring.
* Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and reporting accuracy.
Compliance & Governance
* Ensure full compliance with local labor laws, health and safety regulations, and environmental standards.
* Develop and enforce HR policies and procedures.
* Support audits and ensure proper documentation.
* Promote ethical practices and corporate governance.
Project Support
* Support mobilization and demobilization of project workforce.
* Manage expatriate employment, visas, and relocation processes.
* Adapt HR strategies to evolving project phases and operational readiness.
* Participate in commissioning readiness planning.
Job requirements
* Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
* Master’s degree or HR certificate is preferred.
* 8–12+ years of HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a managerial role.
* Proven experience in greenfield projects, preferably in ports, logistics, infrastructure, or heavy industry.
* Experience in construction and operational workforce environments.
* Familiarity with multinational and multicultural workforces.
* Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
* Strategic thinking with hands-on execution capability.
* Knowledge of labor laws and industrial relations in Brazil.
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
* Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced project environments.
* High level of integrity and professionalism.
* Ability to operate in greenfield or transformation environments.
* Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
* Fluent in English and Portuguese.
What we offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Opportunity to shape the HR foundation of a new world-class terminal.
* High-impact leadership role in a global, fast-growing organization.