Operations Lead in Portland

Bunge is a leading global agribusiness connecting producers and consumers through sustainable, traceable and quality-controlled supply chains. The UK operation is based in Thame and operates within the UK grains and feeds markets.

The Portland operation comprises two warehouse sites with a combined capacity of approximately 219,000 square feet, including a modern portside facility. The site handles the discharge, storage and loading of grain and other commodities using its own stevedoring equipment, including a 380-metric-tonne hybrid crane.

Summary of the Role

The Operations Lead will support the Site Manager in the safe, compliant and efficient day-to-day running of the Portland site, providing operational coordination and leadership support across labour planning, compliance, reporting, vessel activity and site communication. This is a hands-on role requiring strong operational awareness, sound judgement and the ability to support people, plant and processes in a fast-paced environment. The role carries responsibility for operational compliance, Safe Systems of Work, Permit to Work assurance, emergency response support and maintaining safe, efficient and legally compliant operations across all areas of the Portland facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Site Manager and work in collaboration with the Maintenance Coordinator and Site Administrator on the day-to-day coordination of site activity.
• Help coordinate labour, rotas, workflow planning, site readiness and vessel discharge.
• Management of site open and close routines and completion of relevant documentation.
• Promote and enforce health & safety, environmental, feed and food safety, Safe Systems of Work (SSOW), Permit to Work (PTW) requirements and company compliance standards across all operational activities.
• Ensure Safe Systems of Work, Risk Assessments and Method Statements are implemented, understood and followed across all operational areas of the site.
• Verify that Permit to Work requirements are correctly applied and adhered to, ensuring permits are issued, monitored and closed in accordance with site procedures.
• Conduct routine workplace inspections, compliance audits and operational assurance checks to ensure safe working practices are consistently maintained.
• Work closely with group Health and Safety, Maintenance Coordinator and third party technical/mechanical support to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Coordinate plant availability, support maintenance planning and operational continuity.
• Ensure records, reports, stock figures, vessel paperwork and other site documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Communicate effectively with site personnel, head office, contractors, port contacts and other stakeholders.
• Assist with inductions, toolbox talks, training compliance and staff development.
• Help resolve operational issues, customer concerns and day-to-day site challenges in a proactive and professional manner, taking into account financial implications.
• Review processes and contribute to continuous improvement across the site.
• Provide hands-on operational support where required during daily activities and vessel discharges.
• Act as a key operational point of contact on site in the absence of the Site Manager, supporting communication and coordination with relevant internal and external parties.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience of grain handling machinery for example bobcat, 360 digger, loading shovel, telehandler and crane.
• Strong understanding of Safe Systems of Work (SSOW), Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
• Experience managing Permit to Work systems and overseeing high-risk operational tasks.
• Experience conducting workplace inspections, operational audits and compliance monitoring.
• Experience of contractor management and ensuring compliance with site procedures.
• Ability to lead operational activities during emergencies, incidents and business continuity events.
• Working knowledge of relevant health, safety and environmental legislation applicable to port, logistics or grain handling operations.
• Previous experience in industrial, agricultural, logistics or port handling facilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards in an industrial environment.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Good problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop peers and subordinates.
• Commercial awareness and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Generous pension contribution.
• Life insurance, income protection and private healthcare, subject to qualifying period.
• Occupational health program.
• Long-term career opportunity with Bunge UK Limited.

Location: Portland, Dorset
Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends and nights as required.
Reporting to: Site Manager