Head of Human Resources - APMT Bahrain

Reports to: Regional Head of People Function

About APM Terminals:

APM Terminals is on a pathway to be the World’s Best Terminal Company. We will achieve this by constantly lifting the standard of our customers’ experience at each of our 60 strategic locations around the globe. On our decarbonization journey towards net zero by 2040, we will also lift the standard of responsibility.  APM Terminals is a global leader in port and terminal operations, committed to providing world-class logistics solutions that drive global trade. With a presence in over 70 countries, we aim to enable the seamless flow of goods while prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. APM Terminals' ambition is to be the World’s Best Terminal Company. We plan to achieve this by constantly lifting the standard of your experience at each of our 60 strategically located ports and container terminals around the globe. We serve shipping line and landside customers, seamlessly integrating land and sea to ensure supply chains are safe and undisrupted. 

About APM Terminals Bahrain:

APM Terminals Bahrain operates Khalifa Bin Salman Port and is a multi-purpose facility for domestic cargo, cruise traffic, and a trans-shipment hub for the growing Gulf shipping market. APM Terminals Bahrain is a key player in the region, facilitating trade and economic growth through state-of-the-art port operations. As part of our commitment to operational excellence, we focus on fostering a high-performance culture, developing talent, and creating a dynamic work environment that aligns with our global standards.

Through its multi-purpose and modern port facilities, APM Terminals Bahrain plays a key role in facilitating external trade and marine services through Container Terminal activities, General Cargo, RoRo, Cruise and related port services, thus contributing significantly to Bahrain’s economic growth.   

Managing one of the few multi-purpose ports in the region, APM Terminals Bahrain provides a wide range of services  at KBSP, including the provision of container operations, General Cargo, RORO, break bulk projects, and passenger terminal services alongside its Marine and logistical services that are comparable to the highest international standards.

APM Terminals Bahrain also offers a whole range of Value-Added Services, that have been built around customer needs. The objective is to ensure that customers receive a seamless experience by reducing complexity for them when purchasing different services in the market. 

Purpose :

The Head of Human Resources is a strategic leader responsible for shaping the people agenda at APM Terminals Bahrain. This role ensures that our values, culture, and business practices align with our people strategy, driving organizational capability and continuous improvement. The role will lead, manage, and oversee all HR functions, aligning HR strategies with APMT’s overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Define and Drive People Strategy

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the terminal’s business goals.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, driving a high-performance culture.

• Ensure the HR function operates at peak efficiency and delivers strategic impact.

• Drive effective change management and organizational development initiatives.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead workforce planning, job design, and talent acquisition to ensure optimal staffing.

• Oversee recruitment processes, ensuring the attraction and hiring of top talent.

• Implement strategies to maintain a strong talent pipeline for critical roles.

People Development & Performance Management

• Drive succession planning, leadership development, and career progression initiatives.

• Develop and oversee employee training and capability-building programs.

• Implement performance management frameworks that enhance productivity and engagement.

Compensation & Benefits Management

• Ensure competitive and equitable compensation structures aligned with APMT’s global philosophy.

• Develop and oversee reward and recognition programs that drive employee motivation.

Employee Relations & Workplace Culture

• Promote a positive workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, and well-being.

• Act as a coach to managers, fostering open communication and conflict resolution.

• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, union relations, and employment regulations.

• Engage with key external stakeholders, including labor ministries and employer associations.

HR Operations & Employee Services

• Oversee HR administration, including contracts, payroll, and compliance processes.

• Define and track HR metrics to assess the effectiveness of HR initiatives.

• Ensure smooth coordination and communication within the HR function and across the organization.

• Lead and mentor a team of HR professionals, fostering a high-performance HR function.

• Collaborate with APMT’s Centers of Excellence to leverage global best practices.

• Actively contribute to senior management meetings and decision-making processes.

• Direct Reports: HR Business Partners, HR Specialists, HR Administrators.

• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Regional Head of People Function with a dotted line to the Terminal Managing Director.

• Scope: Primarily focused on Bahrain with alignment to regional and global HR strategies.

• Internal: Terminal leadership, regional HR teams, global HR functions.

• External: Labor unions, training institutions, legal firms, regulatory authorities.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or Organizational Development.

• Significant experience in HR leadership roles, preferably within a multinational or industrial setting.

• Strong understanding of labor laws, employee relations, and workforce planning.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence senior leadership teams.

• Proven expertise in change management, performance management, and talent development.

• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to manage confidential information with integrity and discretion.

• Experience working in a unionized environment is an advantage.

This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, including:

• Exposure to strategic terminal management and corporate decision-making.

• Opportunities to advance to regional or global HR leadership roles.

• Development of leadership, strategy execution, and people management skills.

If you are a strategic HR leader looking to drive impactful people initiatives within a dynamic and fast-paced terminal environment, we invite you to apply and be part of APM Terminals Bahrain’s journey toward excellence.

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  [email protected].