Container Terminal Operative

Container Terminal Operative

Tilbury Full-Time 32000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Forth Ports Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive straddle carriers, handle cargo, and maintain safety standards at the Port of Tilbury.
  • Company: Join Forth Ports, the UK's third-largest Port Operator, committed to sustainability and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, generous leave, and wellness initiatives.
  • Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey towards a greener future in a dynamic work environment.
  • Qualifications: No prior experience needed; full training provided. Must have a UK driving licence and work rights.
  • Other info: Assessment events will be held for shortlisted candidates to explore opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.

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5 over 7 days – please note due to the nature of the work involved, we require flexibility from all operatives to work shifts which may include early, late, night-shifts and / or weekends.

Join us at Forth Ports, an esteemed Port Authority that has risen to become the UK\’s third-largest Port Operator Group. We\’re not just a port operator; we\’re a dynamic, multimodal ports owner and operator, offering a vast array of port-related services to facilitate connections between the UK, Europe, and beyond.

Our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042 underscores our commitment to sustainability. Moreover, our substantial investments in infrastructure, port services, and towage highlight our dedication to supporting the expansion of the UK\’s renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. This is a pivotal moment to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.

We have a number ofnew opportunities to join our LCT team at the Port of Tilbury as a Container Terminal Operative.

About The Role

Your key responsibilities will include:

Drive straddle carriers to move containers within the confines of the Terminal / Port, as necessary, to service the landside and shipside operations

Manual handling, lashing & mooring

Deliver customers cargo to and from vessels in the condition which it was delivered to the terminal

Cargo handling, housekeeping duties and basic maintenance

Ability to understand and follow computer delivered information

Upholding the highest standards of safety and adherence to operating policies and procedures

Deliver to customers satisfactions

Maintain shift, start and finish time integrity

Ensure that care is taken of company property and equipment

Carry out other ad-hoc duties assigned by the line manager

What are we looking for?

Experience of working in ports and with plant machinery is preferred, but not necessary as full training will be given

Candidates who are happy to work as part of a team and eager to make a positive impact to the overall port operations

Full UK driving licence

Full UK working rights

Flexible approach to shift patterns

What can we offer you?

Here at Forth Ports our people are genuinely important to us, and creating a flexible, open and supportive working culture is something we are very proud of. In addition we offer:

Competitive salary with regular salary reviews

Generous annual leave entitlement

Defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance

Health promotion events and other employee wellbeing initiatives

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and their family

Cycle to work scheme

Attractive Family Friendly Policies

On site free parking

Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK wide restaurants, car rentals and holidays

GymFlex health club memberships

We value our people and our reputation, and know that having a diverse and robust workforce enables us to look for answers. We are an equal opportunities employer and we will consider all applications for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender.

Interested?

Short-listed candidates will be invited to an Assessment event at the Port of Tilbury where you can find out more about us and the exciting opportunities that our company can provide.

Skills Needed

About The Company

Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies.The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries.Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.

Job Description

Job Title: Container Terminal Operative

Location: Port of Tilbury

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Salary:

£40,111 + shift allowance and benefits

Shifts:

5 over 7 days – please note due to the nature of the work involved, we require flexibility from all operatives to work shifts which may include early, late, night-shifts and / or weekends.

Join us at Forth Ports, an esteemed Port Authority that has risen to become the UK\’s third-largest Port Operator Group. We\’re not just a port operator; we\’re a dynamic, multimodal ports owner and operator, offering a vast array of port-related services to facilitate connections between the UK, Europe, and beyond.

Our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042 underscores our commitment to sustainability. Moreover, our substantial investments in infrastructure, port services, and towage highlight our dedication to supporting the expansion of the UK\’s renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. This is a pivotal moment to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.

We have a number ofnew opportunities to join our LCT team at the Port of Tilbury as a Container Terminal Operative.

About The Role

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Drive straddle carriers to move containers within the confines of the Terminal / Port, as necessary, to service the landside and shipside operations

  • Manual handling, lashing & mooring

  • Deliver customers cargo to and from vessels in the condition which it was delivered to the terminal

  • Cargo handling, housekeeping duties and basic maintenance

  • Ability to understand and follow computer delivered information

  • Upholding the highest standards of safety and adherence to operating policies and procedures

  • Deliver to customers satisfactions

  • Maintain shift, start and finish time integrity

  • Ensure that care is taken of company property and equipment

  • Carry out other ad-hoc duties assigned by the line manager

What are we looking for?

  • Experience of working in ports and with plant machinery is preferred, but not necessary as full training will be given

  • Candidates who are happy to work as part of a team and eager to make a positive impact to the overall port operations

  • Full UK driving licence

  • Full UK working rights

  • Flexible approach to shift patterns

What can we offer you?

Here at Forth Ports our people are genuinely important to us, and creating a flexible, open and supportive working culture is something we are very proud of. In addition we offer:

  • Shift allowance

  • Competitive salary with regular salary reviews

  • Generous annual leave entitlement

  • Defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance

  • Health promotion events and other employee wellbeing initiatives

  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and their family

  • Cycle to work scheme

  • Attractive Family Friendly Policies

  • On site free parking

  • Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK wide restaurants, car rentals and holidays

  • GymFlex health club memberships

We value our people and our reputation, and know that having a diverse and robust workforce enables us to look for answers. We are an equal opportunities employer and we will consider all applications for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender.

Interested?

Short-listed candidates will be invited to an Assessment event at the Port of Tilbury where you can find out more about us and the exciting opportunities that our company can provide.

Skills Needed

About The Company

Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies.The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries.Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.

Company Culture

Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London.A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day.The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.

Desired Criteria

Required Criteria

  • Experience driving a straddle carrier would be advantageous
  • Full right to work in UK
  • Full valid UK driving licence

Closing DateTuesday 26th August, 2025

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Container Terminal Operative employer: Forth Ports Group

At Forth Ports, we pride ourselves on fostering a flexible and supportive work culture that values our employees' contributions. As a Container Terminal Operative at the Port of Tilbury, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and numerous employee wellbeing initiatives, all while playing a crucial role in our commitment to sustainability and the growth of the UK’s renewable energy sector. Join us for a rewarding career with ample opportunities for personal and professional development in a dynamic environment.
Forth Ports Group

Contact Detail:

Forth Ports Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Container Terminal Operative

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the operations of a container terminal. Understanding how straddle carriers work and the general flow of cargo can give you an edge during interviews, showing your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.

Tip Number 2

Highlight your flexibility in working hours. Since the role requires shift work, emphasising your willingness to adapt to various shifts, including nights and weekends, will make you a more attractive candidate.

Tip Number 3

Network with current employees or industry professionals. Engaging with people who work at Forth Ports can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your assessment event.

Tip Number 4

Demonstrate your commitment to safety and teamwork. Since the role involves manual handling and operating machinery, showcasing any previous experience in safety protocols or teamwork can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Container Terminal Operative

Driving Skills
Experience with Plant Machinery
Manual Handling
Cargo Handling
Safety Awareness
Teamwork
Flexibility in Shift Patterns
Attention to Detail
Basic Maintenance Skills
Communication Skills
Ability to Follow Procedures
Customer Service Orientation
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, especially if you've worked in ports or with plant machinery. Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team and your flexibility regarding shift patterns.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company’s commitment to sustainability. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as cargo handling and safety adherence.

Highlight Flexibility: Since the role requires flexibility with shifts, make sure to mention your willingness to work early, late, night shifts, and weekends. This shows that you understand the demands of the position.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Forth Ports Group

Show Your Flexibility

Since the role requires a flexible approach to shift patterns, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including nights and weekends. Highlight any previous experience where you adapted to changing schedules.

Emphasise Teamwork

Forth Ports values candidates who can work well in a team. Share examples from your past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, especially in high-pressure environments like ports or logistics.

Demonstrate Safety Awareness

Safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to talk about your understanding of safety protocols and how you have adhered to them in previous jobs. Mention any relevant training or certifications you may have.

Research the Company’s Sustainability Goals

Forth Ports is committed to sustainability and carbon neutrality. Familiarise yourself with their initiatives and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these goals, showing that you align with their values.

Container Terminal Operative
Forth Ports Group
Location: Tilbury
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