(Senior) Employee Relations Specialist

APM Terminals (APMT) operates as one of the world’s most comprehensive port networks, present in 75 key locations around the globe. Uniquely positioned to help both shipping line and landside customers grow their business and achieve better supply chain efficiency, flexibility and dependability.

A team of more than 22,000 industry professionals is focused on delivering the operational excellence and solutions, which 10,000 customers require to reach their potential. The 67 terminals in the global network are operated exclusively by APM Terminals or together with a joint venture partner. In 2021 APM Terminals carried out 12.8 million container moves - 11.3% more than in 2020 (11.5m).

As part of A.P.Moller-Maersk, APM Terminals leverages more than a century of industry experience to design and build high-quality container terminals, and provide port and inland services for cargo handling and transportation between port facilities and inland locations.

APMT’s Maasvlakte II terminal (MV2), open since 2015, is a state-of-the-art automated facility with zero CO2 impact. It is one of the most advanced fully automated terminals in the APMT network, equipped to handle the largest container ships way into the future. With fully fenced-off automated areas, separating men and machines, it is also one of the safest terminals. At the terminal we are working with a professional and passionate group of colleagues (approximately 500 employees).

We offer a role as (Senior) Employee Relations Specialist at APMT located at our Maasvlakte 2 terminal in the harbor of Rotterdam. The objective of this role is to manage the employee relations at our MV2 terminal. You will be closely collaborating with the Head of HR and the Managing Director (MD) of the site. Together, you are responsible for all aspects of Employee Relations (ER), covering the relationship and processes with the trade unions, works council, industry associations, relevant municipal bodies and our wider employee base. You will be supported by our Global Employee Relations team.

• Manage all aspects of the law on works councils (in Dutch: WOR), such as preparing requests for advice & consent, collaborating with the works council and providing ER expertise to the Head of HR, MD and others involved in the information & consultation processes with the works council.

• Managing the relationship with the trade unions, including preparing and supporting the negotiations regarding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of the terminal.

• Developing the MV2 ER strategy and practices in close collaboration with the Global Employee Relations team.

• Contributing to the development and implementation of labour policies, tools and practices, with special attention for promoting a safety culture in the working environment of our operations.

Position in the company:

The (Senior) Employee Relations Specialist reports directly to the Head of HR at MV2. He/she will collaborate closely with the MD (and wider site management team).

• A colleague with a university (business) degree in (labour) law, human resources, business administration or other related discipline.

• 3 - 8 years of relevant working experience, preferably as a labour law practitioner and/or Employee Relations specialist.

• In depth knowledge of the WOR and applicable labour laws is a must. Knowledge of (international) labour conventions, human rights codes and health and safety legislation is an advantage.

• Must be able to work effectively with all levels of employees, including top, middle and supervisory levels of management.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to convince/ influence others.

• A trustful advisor who can build credibility by providing professional advice to support in complex initiatives and situations, in a challenging labour environment.

• Must be able to exercise discretion and good judgment, with an ability to understand the effect of decisions overall in the company and the group.

• Must be able to handle confidential company and employee information with complete discretion.

• Native Dutch speaker and fluency in English language.

• A challenging role in a state-of-the-art terminal with great colleagues.

• Excellent remuneration package, including 13th month and bonus.

• 28 vacation days.

• A wealth of training, development and growth opportunities being part of the wider APMT and Maersk organization.