Head of Project Control

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 Project Control is responsible for creating a clear and trusted view of project performance by ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent communication across internal teams and external stakeholders. This role brings project management excellence to the forefront by applying best practices, and tools, to support strong decision making and maintain focus on customer value as it evolves. At the same time, the Head of Project Controls cultivates a proactive, insight-driven project environment by using leading and lagging indicators to anticipate risks early, highlight improvement opportunities, and guide the project consistently toward successful outcomes.

Success requires transparency, deep expertise, and a forward-looking mindset that continuously predicts, improves, and strengthens project performance.

Key ResponsibilitiesThe Head of Project Controls is expected to perform the following responsibilities throughout the project:

General:

• Implement, maintain, and champion the transparent use of HGT project management and control tools across the project team, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Establish and maintain the project’s scope, schedule, quality, and budget baselines.
• Facilitate:
  • Effective application of core project governance processes, including change management, scope, schedule, requirements, and budget changes. 
  • Risk management, ensuring timely input and ownership from the project team.
  • Document Management and correspondence registration system

• Monitor progress against approved baselines and ensure that deviations are identified early, addressed promptly, and escalated or reported when necessary.
• Ensure correct and timely project performance reporting:
  • within the project and team.
  • to Project Director and other relevant project leaders.
  • to Head Office.
  • to other corporate counterparts (as required). 

Communication:

• Function as primary point of contact for all project control systems and be responsible for the user rights administration.
• Liaise with the functional counterpart on project control system issues and improvements.
• Hold regular touchpoints with construction, equipment, IT and finance teams to stay ahead of potential project control issues.
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with head office counterparts, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.

Interfaces:

• Work closely with all project disciplines to ensure consistent, accurate, and coordinated project controls.
• Liaise with relevant HGT global departments to maintain alignment with company standards and best practices.

Job requirements

• Relevant professional experience: 10 years overall, including a minimum of 5 years within a project controls functional discipline.
• Holding a bachelor’s degree (or relevant).
• Working in a cultural and technical diverse team and environment, internally and externally to your organization.
• Confidently present and communicate with internal project teams and external HQ stakeholders in both written and spoken English and Portuguese.
• Coach, mentor, and support others across the project team or wider functional areas.
• Demonstrate relevant, practical technical experience and knowledge in project controls and project management disciplines.
• Delivering a high-level of accuracy and quality.
• Hold an advanced project management qualification, such as APM PMQ, PMI PMP, or an equivalent certification.
• Proficient in project management platforms and systems used for document control, contract management, change control, cost management, communications, and milestone tracking (e.g., Aconex, PMWeb, PCM, Skire, or similar).
• Skilled in project management and scheduling tools such as Primavera Cloud, Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent.
• Experience supervising or line-managing others in project controls or project management roles.

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.