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- Tasks: Manage daily operations of a port-based grain terminal, ensuring efficiency and safety.
- Company: Join Clarksons, a leader in maritime services with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the maritime industry while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management, preferably in bulk handling or port environments.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on innovation and positive change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Offering a complete ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services and research, Clarksons is at the heart of global shipping. Our unrivalled reach, expertise, and depth of experience, combined with leading research, enables us to partner with clients across every sector to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade and energy markets.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a port-based grain terminal. This role oversees day-to-day terminal activities including vessel discharge and loading, storage, intake, outturn, and dispatch by road. The postholder ensures operational performance meets commercial, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements while leading and developing the operations team.
What you’ll be doing
- Operational Management
- Plan, coordinate, and manage all terminal operations, including ship loading/unloading, intake, storage, and dispatch of grain and feed materials.
- Ensure efficient utilisation of plant, equipment, and labour to meet vessel schedules and customer requirements.
- Liaise closely with port authorities, shipping agents, surveyors, and customers to ensure smooth vessel turnaround.
- Manage stock control, ensuring accurate inventory records, segregation, and traceability of commodities.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with UK health & safety legislation, port regulations, and company policies.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards and schemes (e.g. TASCC, AIC, HACCP, food/feed safety).
- Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure environmental compliance, including dust control, waste management, and spill prevention.
- People Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop terminal operations staff, including supervisors, operators, and contractors.
- Manage staffing levels, shift patterns, training, and competency requirements.
- Conduct performance reviews and support ongoing skills development.
- Maintenance & Asset Care
- Work closely with engineering/maintenance teams to ensure plant reliability and availability.
- Support planned maintenance programmes and identify operational improvement opportunities.
- Ensure terminal infrastructure and equipment are operated within safe limits.
- Commercial & Performance Management
- Monitor operational KPIs such as throughput, vessel turnaround, demurrage, costs, and service levels.
- Contribute to budgeting, cost control, and operational forecasting.
- Support continuous improvement projects to enhance efficiency and profitability.
- Additional / ad hoc duties as required to meet the needs of the business.
What we’re looking for
- Drive and self-motivation, with the desire and commitment to succeed, deliver excellence and make positive change.
- Relationship building, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly build rapport.
- Collaboration, able to work well with others across diverse backgrounds to share information, develop skills, and deliver results.
- Resilience with the ability to persist and adapt.
- Smart problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a curious and inquisitive mind, and an openness to new ideas.
- Professional integrity and a respect for company values.
Other requirements
- Proven operations management experience in a bulk handling environment (grain, agri-bulk, feed, or similar).
- Experience working in a port, terminal, or heavy industrial setting.
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, and food/feed compliance requirements.
- Leadership experience managing operational teams in a 24/7 or shift-based environment.
- Ability to plan and prioritise in a fast-paced, time-critical operation.
- Experience specifically with grain terminals or agri-commodity handling.
- Familiarity with UK port operations and marine logistics.
- IOSH, NEBOSH, or similar health & safety qualification.
- Knowledge of TASCC, AIC, GMP+, or equivalent assurance schemes.
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on, proactive, and calm under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Clear communicator with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Operations Manager in Ipswich employer: Clarksons
Contact Detail:
Clarksons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime and operations sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Clarksons and understanding their operations. Familiarise yourself with their services and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Think of specific situations where you demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, or compliance with safety regulations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the challenges of an Operations Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Clarksons. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in operations management, especially in bulk handling and port environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the maritime industry and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to safety and compliance!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational excellence. Whether it’s improving efficiency or leading a successful project, we love to see quantifiable results that show your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you can easily keep track of your application status there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarksons
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations management in a port-based environment. Familiarise yourself with grain handling processes, safety regulations, and compliance standards like TASCC and HACCP. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams, especially in a 24/7 operational setting. Discuss how you've motivated staff, managed performance reviews, and handled training. This is crucial for the Operations Manager role, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop your team.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, come prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a strong safety culture. Share specific instances where you led risk assessments or improved compliance within your previous roles. This will show that you prioritise safety and understand its impact on operational success.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in operations management and how you overcame them. Highlight your analytical abilities and your openness to new ideas, as these traits are essential for continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.