Finance Business Partner - Elizabeth upgrade project

About APM Terminals

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customer's supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs roughly 100,000 people.

As part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, APM Terminals has been lifting standards for developing and operating advanced ports and container terminals for over half a century (as an independent division since January 2001). Now, with 60 strategically located ports and container terminals around the globe and several more in development APM Terminals is lifting the standard of efficiency, responsibility, connectivity, proactivity in our industry.

For more than a century, A.P. Moller-Maersk has had close ties with the Port of New York and New Jersey. We made our first vessel call in New York in 1915 and opened our first international office in Manhattan shortly after. In 1928, we started Maersk Line, and soon the piers in Brooklyn became home. By 1975, we had established our first dedicated container terminal at Pier 51 through our work with the Port of New York and New Jersey.

APM Terminals Elizabeth currently handles over 25% of the annual container throughput in the port complex, supported by more than 1,100 members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA).

The Port Elizabeth Upgrade Project

APM Terminals and the Port of New York and New Jersey recently reached an agreement on the lease extension for APM Terminals Elizabeth though 2062. This extension paves the way for major infrastructure investments which will enhance capacity and transport velocity, create jobs and strengthen the economy.

APM Terminals will invest significantly in Port Elizabeth over the coming years to enhance cargo-handling capacity at its 345-acre terminal. APM Terminals has also committed to the replacement and maintenance of all wharf and berth structures. This investment supports the Port Authority's Port Master Plan 2050, which anticipates cargo volumes doubling or tripling by mid-century.

Looking to the future, APM Terminals Elizabeth envisions a larger, more efficient container terminal. Planned upgrades include the optimization of the terminal layout, electrification of container handling equipment, and future-proofing container berths.

Role Overview:

As Finance Business Partner for the Port Elizabeth Upgrade Project, you will be the financial lead and responsible for the financial aspects of the project execution. This means that you are driving, recommending and making the right data based forward looking decisions to optimize the return of the approved investments in close coordination with the Project Director. To succeed, you need a solid understand of the accounting (US GAAP (for local requirements) and IFRS (for APM Terminals requirements)) and reporting, financial planning and forecasting making you able to lead the CAPEX controller in the project finance team. Beyond that, we look for a profile having solid analytical ability and an efficient approach to problem-solving combined with a strong grasp of valuation and cash flow dynamics.

Since this role involves expanding and modernizing an existing terminal, you'll need strong collaboration and people skills to achieve project objectives while maintaining excellent relationships with both terminal and HQ teams.

Final quality and plausibility of reporting data overseeing the work from the CAPEX controller ensuring that required periodic reporting is in accordance with APMT Reporting Guidelines. The Finance Business Partner is accountable for ensuring the quality of this process.

For target setting, consider relevant economic framework conditions and set ambitious but realistic goals. For forecast setting, consider forecast accuracy and follow up on own performance. Support simulations for different business scenarios.

Work closely with the functions to understand the business and the business need in the form of reporting and KPIs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities encompass all financial aspects of the project, including:

• Leading monthly reporting processes.

• Monitoring change management from a finance and governance perspective, supporting the project and ensuring that expenditures align with the project's approved scope. Overseeing budgeting, rolling forecast and project reporting.

• Leading Investment Follow-Up (IFU) optimizing for project NPV/IRR

• Creating good governance around the project in relation to cost (both Capex and Opex), reporting, highlighting risks, etc.

• Support terminal CFO with funding discussion and cash flow projections

• Laise with local/ global tax teams for refunds, grants and optimizing tax structure

• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses as requested by the Project Director during execution.

Key drivers

• Securing and driving optimized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) grounded in commercial realities. This involves optimizing Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) by considering commercial needs and the implications for the terminal's future operational costs post-project completion.

• Ensuring transparent and predictable financial performance. This includes the early identification of deviations from targets and the implementation of appropriate corrective measures.

• Assuring that the key drivers and levers for achieving business targets are well understood and effectively utilized.

Reporting and team

• The role will report to the Project Director and have a dotted line to the Head of BIM Finance.

• The Finance Business Partner will have two direct reports:

  • a Dedicated project CAPEX Controller

  • Grant Manager

• The Finance Business Partner will be embedded in the BIM Finance team and participate in the standard meetings

Interactions

• The Finance Business Partner will work closely with the Port Elizabeth Terminal Finance team, the Regional Finance team, APMT Investment Analysis

• Internal stakeholders: APMT CFO, APMT Regional MD Americas, Head of BIM, Head of PE, Terminal MD.

• External: As required by the project

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Background in the container terminal business working with investments

• Analytical thinking - ability to understand value drivers, drive balanced business cases and scenarios based on critical scenarios

• Strategic thinking and ability to develop, assess and challenge narrative and strategic conviction for new investments

• Quality awareness - Driven 0 mistake culture on the numbers and technical performance of the models in the team

• Flexibility - the ability to live and act in a climate of change and get the job done even with a tight timetable. Handle stress and demands in a calm, thoughtful manner with the ability to prioritize, monitor, and control operations.

• Initiative and responsibility - Willingness to act proactively by identifying opportunities and anticipating changes.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

• Communicative competence and assertiveness to senior management and other team members

• Is inquisitive, proactive, builds relationships quickly, pays attention to detail and executes with speed, integrity and compliance. Finally has a hands-on approach while getting things done

• Integrity and Compliance at highest levels

• MS package expert (excel and ppt)

Education

• MBA or Master with 8+ years of prior experience working with container terminals or similar business as a finance business partner or valuation specialist

Disclaimer

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Company Benefits:

Medical
Dental
Vision
401k + Company Match
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Flexible Work Schedules (when possible)
And more!

Pay Range:

$156,300.00 - $172,800.00

*The above stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary range for the position. The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such as location. The Company will work directly with the selected candidate(s) on the final starting salary in accordance with all applicable laws.

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 accommodationrequests@maersk.com.