Area Head of HSE, NEC

Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics and have been industry pioneers for over a century. Through innovation and transformation, we are redefining the boundaries of possibility, continuously setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and excellence.

About the Role

Maersk is seeking a seasoned, self-driven leader to head Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) across our landside operations across the Northern Europe Continent (NEC) Area, and includes warehouses, depots, and transportation activities. This strategic leadership role combines operational oversight and risk management to protect our people, assets, and supply chain integrity.

In this role, you will establish the Area HSE structure and framework for identifying and implementing controls to mitigate risks affecting employees and customers, while leading the development and execution of strategies that drive continuous improvement in Health, Safety & Environment (HSE). You will ensure compliance with regulatory and customer standards, strengthen preparedness through training, audits, and risk mitigation, and align all efforts with Maersk’s broader business goals. Operating in a matrixed environment, you’ll foster cross-functional collaboration and play a key role in strategic problem-solving.

We’re looking for a strong people leader who thrives in a dynamic and complex environment, ready to make a lasting impact on HSE across the Area. This role reports to the Regional Head of Safety & Resilience (S&R), Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of HSE functional experts across the Area, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous growth.
• Maintain and enhance the Area’s HSE structure and framework to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks, safeguarding people, assets, and operations from serious harm.
• Ensure strong alignment between business and functional priorities, creating cohesive strategies that support both operational excellence and HSE objectives.
• Drive implementation and compliance with APMM’s Global HSE Standards across Area L&S Operations, while accommodating country-specific regulations and international best practices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with S&R and APMM teams to deliver practical tools, expert guidance, and assurance programs that effectively address frontline risks and close compliance gaps.
• Build capability within the HSE function, ensuring teams are appropriately skilled, qualified, and continuously upskilled through close collaboration with Centres of Excellence and the People Function.
• Inspire and engage teams, both directly and indirectly managed, to elevate HSE standards across all operations, promoting a culture of care, psychological safety, inclusion, and openness.
• Partner with global S&R leaders to exchange insights, challenge norms, and co-create best-in-class practices that raise the safety bar across the Maersk organization.
• Stay ahead of industry trends by actively seeking external inspiration, bringing innovative and context-relevant ideas into the HSE strategy.
• Ensure robust HSE impact and risk assessments are conducted during periods of growth, integration, or transformation, embedding safety into every stage of change.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive progressive leadership experience in senior HSE roles, with a proven track record of managing high-performing specialist teams across complex, large-scale geographies.
• Deep expertise in logistics and supply chain operations is essential, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• A relevant university degree in Health & Safety or related fields is desirable; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, capable of building trust, influence, and alignment across all levels of the organization and operating locations.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics for both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Highly self-driven and accountable, with a demonstrated ability to lead initiatives independently while balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution.
• Executive presence and confidence, with the ability to represent the function at a senior level and drive meaningful conversations around risk, resilience, and performance.
• Solid understanding of HSE governance and operational excellence, with experience applying best practices in general management and compliance.
• Strong strategic and organizational acumen, combined with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide cross-functional teams.
• Analytical thinker with a results-oriented mindset, and able to leverage data to derive insights, drive decision-making, and implement sustainable process improvements.
• A values-driven people leader, who cultivates a culture of safety, integrity, inclusiveness, and resilience.

Additional Information

• Travel within NEC required, as needed, to support operations and initiatives.

This role is open for local employment in Germany only.

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 [email protected]

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].