Head of HSSE

About us

Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT) is a fully owned subsidiary of Hapag-Lloyd. Operating from Rotterdam, HGT manages a portfolio of stakes in 23 terminals and complementary logistics services across 13 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 Head of HSSE is responsible for ensuring full compliance with both local and international HSSE standards throughout the construction phase of the terminal. The role oversees contractor safety performance, including audits, permits-to-work, and regular site inspections, while proactively managing risks associated with heavy civil works, marine construction, hazardous materials, cranes, machinery, and vehicles. The position also involves developing and implementing emergency response plans tailored specifically to construction activities, as well as managing environmental impacts arising from dredging, piling, and terminal build-out. This includes ensuring compliance with environmental permits related to air emissions, water quality, and waste management. In addition, the role is responsible for site access control, contractor vetting, and the protection of critical assets, while ensuring adherence to the ISPS Code and local port security requirements in close coordination with relevant local authorities. The Head of HSSE reports directly to the Terminal/Site Managing Director and maintains a dotted-line reporting relationship with the Global Director of HSSE.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as a core member of the project team, aligning HSSE with construction milestones.
• Develop and implement HSSE policies and lead HSSE integration into construction planning and execution, applying Lean practices to optimize processes.
• Champion a culture of safety and efficiency, influencing contractors and project teams to adopt best practices.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses.
• Conduct risk assessments, hazard identification, and mitigation planning.
• Liaise with engineering, project management, and operations teams to integrate HSSE into design and execution.
• Prepare the site for transition from construction to operational safety standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits and facilitate workshops, toolbox talks, and leadership sessions that embed Lean thinking into daily operations.
• Function as a change agent, ensuring HSSE is seen not as a compliance requirement but as a driver of project success.
• Report on HSSE performance with clarity and impact, influencing decision-making at board and executive levels.
• Track, analyze and report the HSSE leading and lagging indicators.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans and conduct drills and training for workers and contractors.
• Ensure firefighting equipment and evacuation routes are in place and functional.
• Must balance expectations of investors, regulators, contractors, and future operators.
• Use influential communication to drive behavioral change and embed safety as a shared value 

Job requirements

• 8+ years in HSSE roles within major infrastructure or port/marine construction projects, with at least 5 years of Leadership roles.
• Strong grasp of international HSSE frameworks (ISO, OSHA, ISPS Code, MARPOL).
• Environmental compliance expertise, especially in port/marine construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of: Incident and risk management, Contractor management and stakeholder engagement, Crisis communication and leadership under pressure, NEBOSH, OSHA, ISO 45001 and other certifications.
• Ability to apply Lean principles to HSSE processes, ensuring efficiency without compromising safety.
• Ability to inspire contractors, engineers, and executives to embrace safety culture.
• Fluent in English and Portuguese.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the global footprint of a fast-growing terminal operator.
• High-impact leadership role in a dynamic, global, and collaborative organization.