Optimisation Business Partner in Southampton

We have an excellent opportunity for an Optimisation Business Partner, based out of our Southampton office. This role is responsible for reviewing the performance of operational strategies and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. You will regularly assess operational procedures and processes, ensure departmental compliance with company policies, and recommend improvements that align with legislation, corporate standards, and operational best practice.

Our successful candidate will have a strong background within the Transportation, Logistics or operational industry; knowledge of container terminal operations would be beneficial but not essential. You will have proven experience analysing operational performance, managing improvement projects, and working closely with operational teams to enhance processes, efficiency, and compliance.

Location: Southampton

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Mon–Fri)

How You Will Contribute:

• Review operational KPIs and ensure they are met in line with agreed terminal performance targets.
• Advise Planning and Execution teams on areas for improvement, using operational statistics and available performance data.
• Review actual performance against operational strategies and plans.
• Continually monitor, identify and implement operational changes that improve efficiency, including exploring alternative planning strategies.
• Support the Operations team in identifying performance trends, enabling prediction of future improvement opportunities.
• Project manage assigned operational projects from initial concept through to completion and implementation, coordinating across Operations, Systems, and Engineering.
• Use appropriate tools to manage and track transformation activity and monitor departmental processes to ensure compliance with procedures.
• Ensure documentation on operational processes and improvements is maintained and kept up to date; support the development of a Quality Management System for operational processes.
• Review and improve Business Continuity Plans and maintain Risk Registers.
• Assist the Management Team in achieving and sustaining terminal performance targets.
• Comply with Fatal Risk Standards, Health & Safety Policy and Safe Working Practices, reporting accidents and near misses as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Minimum A-level education or equivalent (tertiary qualification desirable).
• A proven track record within the Transportation and/or Logistics industry.
• Detailed knowledge of container terminal operations.
• Experience with Business Process Modelling (desirable).
• Exceptional communication skills — articulate, clear, and able to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop creative and effective solutions.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to identify logic gaps or underlying issues.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across diverse, multicultural teams.
• Results-oriented approach with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a positive, proactive attitude.
• Strong understanding of the need for confidentiality when handling sensitive company data.
• Flexibility to travel to UK ports and terminals when required.

Compensation: DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organisation. We strive to hire and develop the right people locally and globally, supporting personal growth and self-development within an informal and supportive atmosphere. We offer a market-competitive compensation package.

About DP World: Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally. With a diverse and dedicated team of more than 111,000 employees across 77 countries, DP World is driving trade forward and investing in a seamless supply chain fit for the future. We are transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology — combining global infrastructure with local expertise to create more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions. Driving innovation is at the heart of what we do, from automated warehouse technologies to intelligent delivery systems, helping to minimise disruptions across supply chains worldwide. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered. We believe that inclusion and diversity fuel innovation, strengthen relationships, and connect people, businesses, and societies.