Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Operations Graduate Programme and gain hands-on experience across Scottish ports.
- Company: Forth Ports, a leader in trade and logistics with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK infrastructure and renewable energy while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A business management degree focused on logistics or supply chain is required.
- Other info: Flexible travel between sites and a full UK driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Port of Leith, with travel to other Scottish ports
Compensation: ÂŁ32,000
Start Date: August 2026
Closing Date: Monday 23rd February 2026
About Forth Ports
At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Our emerging talent roles are central to this mission, developing the skills that power our economy and connect communities across the country. Joining our Graduate Programme means gaining valuable experience in a dynamic, forwardâthinking environment, while developing the capabilities that will support longâterm career growth. You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impactâhelping businesses thrive, supporting the smooth operation of our ports, and contributing to projects that shape the UK's infrastructure and renewable energy future.
With our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, we are investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies, including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations. We are proud of our Gold accredited membership of The 5% Club, a milestone recognising our longâterm commitment to developing emerging talent across the business.
What you will learn
- A comprehensive understanding of cargo handling operations, including plant and equipment, resourcing requirements and productivity targets
- An understanding of Health and Safety practices across complex operational environments, with involvement in projects supporting key H&S initiatives
- Experience supporting and delivering operational improvement projects, including research into terminal optimisation, infrastructure and performance
- Exposure to performance analysis through collaboration with IT, Business Intelligence and Commercial teams
- Experience preparing management reports using Integrated Port Operations Systems and business analytics tools
- Involvement in external audits and compliance reviews, supporting the implementation of resulting actions
- An understanding of effective employee relations, including working with Port Operators and gaining insight into HR processes, occupational health, absence management and overtime planning
What can we offer you
- Structured learning and development pathway linked to your personal and professional growth, supporting longâterm career progression
- Competitive starting salary with regular reviews to recognise your performance and development
- Discretionary group bonus
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 34 days including bank holidays
- Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary
- Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential 24/7 telephone support for you and your family
- Onâsite Occupational Health Team with access to professional support and referrals to services such as counselling, physiotherapy and free flu jabs
- An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meatâfree alternative for all employees
- GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms
- Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting
- Onâsite free parking available for all employees
- Attractive familyâfriendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover
- Employee discount platform providing savings on UKâwide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays
Qualifications
- A business management related degree with a focus on logistics/supply chain management/business process optimisation with a minimum 2:1 achieved / expected
- Flexibility to travel between sites is essential and, upon successful completion of the programme, you will be allocated a substantive role at one of our Scottish ports
- Collaborative and keen to share information, knowledge and skill
- Ability to plan, prioritise and work under pressure
- Willing to take responsibility for your own learning
- Full UK driving licence due to travel across our Ports
- The successful candidate must by the start of their employment have permanent permission to work in the UK
EEO Statement
We value diversity & inclusivity and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
Application Process
- Application: Apply via the link on our vacancies page with your updated CV and cover letter detailing your interest in the position. Please note the deadline for applications is Monday 23rd February.
- Screening call: If your application is of interest, our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch for an initial discussion, answer any questions that you may have and invite you to the assessment centre.
- Online Assessment: We will share a personal profiling assessment for you to complete ahead of the assessment day via email.
- Confirmation email: We will share an email to confirm what to expect at the assessment centre, anything that you need to prepare and what to bring on the day.
- Assessment Day: You meet the team and get a great feel for why Forth Ports is for you! This will take place in April.
Contract Type: Fullâtime
Salary: ÂŁ32,000.00 Yearly
Operations Graduate in Edinburgh employer: Forth Ports Limited
Contact Detail:
Forth Ports Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Operations Graduate in Edinburgh
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know Forth Ports! Research their projects, values, and sustainability goals. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
â¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referralâdefinitely a foot in the door!
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment day by practising common interview questions and scenarios related to operations. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples from your experiences.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining the team at Forth Ports.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Graduate in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Graduate role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with what weâre looking for, like logistics or project management. A personalised CV shows us youâre genuinely interested!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you want to join Forth Ports and how you can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and make sure to reflect our values and goals.
Showcase Your Passion for Sustainability: Since weâre committed to carbon neutrality and sustainable practices, donât forget to mention any experiences or interests related to sustainability. This will resonate with us and show youâre on the same page!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, itâs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forth Ports Limited
â¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Forth Ports and their operations. Understand their commitment to sustainability and how they plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
â¨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the role involves travel between various ports, be ready to discuss your adaptability. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed changes or challenges, highlighting your willingness to learn and grow in different environments.
â¨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in operational contexts. Think of specific instances where you've contributed to process improvements or handled logistics challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
â¨Engage with the Team
During the assessment day, donât just focus on impressing the interviewers; engage with the team members as well. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the projects theyâre working on. This will demonstrate your collaborative spirit and eagerness to be part of the team.
