Grants Manager

Kurz zusammengefasst

APM Terminals, a worldwide leader in port and terminal operations, is seeking an Interim / Freelance Grants Manager to support the transformation of its North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven (NTB) in Germany. The role will oversee the entire grant lifecycle for projects that align with NTB's modernisation, electrification, energy‑efficiency, decarbonisation and sustainable‑transport goals, focusing mainly on Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding at EU level and BAFA programmes in Germany. On a day‑to‑day basis the Grants Manager will create and maintain a grant‑funding roadmap, track EU and German funding cycles, and lead end‑to‑end applications. Responsibilities include assessing eligibility, aligning business cases, preparing budgets, drafting proposals, gathering evidence, coordinating stakeholders and submitting applications. After awards are secured, the manager will handle documentation, agreements, reporting, payment requests, audit trails, change requests and close‑out activities while ensuring robust grant governance, risk tracking and compliance with EU, German, APM Terminals, Maersk and NTB requirements. The position requires a continuous‑improvement mindset and strong leadership qualities, with a focus on customer orientation, integrity and results‑driven problem solving. Candidates must have five to seven years of experience in grant management, public funding, project finance, public administration, infrastructure funding or a closely related field. Proven success in preparing and managing EU, German federal, infrastructure, energy, climate, transport or industrial funding applications is essential, as is deep knowledge of CEF, BAFA or comparable schemes. A solid financial background covering budgeting, cost eligibility, co‑funding and payment milestones is also mandatory. A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Law, Engineering, Sustainability, European Studies or a related discipline is required; a master's degree is preferred. Excellent English communication skills are a must, while strong German language ability is strongly preferred for interactions with BAFA and local authorities. Working at APM Terminals offers a dynamic, multinational environment that values learning, Lean principles and career development. The Grants Manager will collaborate across NTB, APM Terminals, public authorities, external advisors and internal functions, taking ownership of funding activities that directly support a major terminal transformation. The freelance assignment is temporary, self‑employed, and available to start as soon as possible, providing the opportunity to influence large‑scale sustainable infrastructure projects. What the role asks for: - 5–7 years grant management or related experience - Proven EU and German funding application experience - Strong knowledge of CEF and BAFA funding schemes - Solid financial budgeting and cost‑eligibility expertise - Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline - Master's degree preferred - Excellent English communication skills - German language proficiency strongly preferred