At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead lock-side operations and ensure safe vessel transit at the Port of Grangemouth.
- Company: Join Forth Ports, a forward-thinking company driving sustainable growth in logistics.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, paid overtime, and excellent health support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence and strong teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41543 - 41543 £ per year.
Forth Ports Ltd, Carron House, Dock Road, Port of Grangemouth
Hours: 12-hour shift pattern (2 days, 2 nights)
Compensation: £41,543 package (Salary £31,241 + £3,965 responsibility payment + £6,337 shift allowance). There is additionally paid overtime.
At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Our teams support the flow of goods, materials, and services that businesses and communities rely on, helping to power economic growth across the UK and beyond. We are investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies, including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations. Join a business that is evolving, ambitious, and making a real difference.
About The Role
As Lockgate Lead at the Port of Grangemouth, you will oversee all lock-side operations, ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient transit of vessels through the lock system. Working as part of the Marine Department, you’ll maintain the operational readiness of the lockside environment and equipment, supervise line handling activities, and support a wide range of port operations. This is a hands-on role that also includes crewing the port’s workboat and participating in emergency preparedness activities. The role operates on a 12-hour shift pattern (2 days, 2 nights), with additional overtime requirements based on operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee safe vessel movements through the locks, including advanced line handling and lock gate operations
- Monitor and maintain the lockside as a secure, hazard-free environment, reporting and resolving defects or infrastructure damage promptly
- Operate control systems for pumps, sluices, and gates, while managing dock water levels and communicating with Marine Management as needed
- Coordinate and deliver inductions, training, and supervision for Port Operators and contractors working on the lockside
- Manage fresh water provision to vessels, ensuring equipment hygiene, maintenance, and sterilisation processes are followed
- Carry out complex fender maintenance, including rope work, power tool use (e.g. chainsaws), and workboat operations
- Lead toolbox talks, shift briefings, and contribute to risk assessments, safety reviews, and method statement updates
- Perform routine inspections across port infrastructure including life-saving equipment, lighting, and crane rails
- Oversee lockside admin tasks: monitor team inboxes, arrange shift cover and overtime, and update maintenance systems
- Support emergency response efforts including oil spill drills, first aid provision, and participation in port-wide exercises
Qualifications
- Valid UK driving licence
- Good level of physical fitness and ability to carry out manual work in an outdoor, all-weather environment
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Willingness and flexibility to work regular overtime, including nights and weekends
- Basic IT proficiency, including use of Microsoft Office, email, digital forms, and mobile devices
- Valid forklift truck licence (desirable)
- Certified chainsaw operator (desirable)
- Lift Supervisor qualification (desirable)
- Confident use of power tools in a safe and efficient manner (desirable)
- Experience in boat handling, ideally holding an RYA Level 2 Powerboat certificate (desirable)
- Previous experience in a port, marine, or similar operational environment (desirable)
What Forth Ports Can Offer You
- A competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Shift allowance & responsibility payment
- Paid overtime
- Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary
- In-house Occupational Health – professional workplace health advice, support and guidance for employees across all sites
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – 24/7 confidential wellbeing support via the Wisdom app or telephone access, covering mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and emotional wellbeing
- Physiotherapy support – access to physiotherapy sessions through external providers in Scotland, plus an onsite physiotherapist once per week in Tilbury
- An annual Christmas thank-you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free 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
- On-site free parking available for all employees
- Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover
- Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays
We value diversity and 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.
As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service. We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.
Contract Type: full time
Salary: £41,543.00 Yearly
Closing Date: Tuesday 21st July, 2026
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lockgate Lead in Grangemouth
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Forth Ports Limited.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Forth Ports Limited. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Lockgate Lead in Grangemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Forth Ports Limited, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Forth Ports Limited and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Forth Ports Limited. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forth Ports Limited
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Forth Ports Limited.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Forth Ports Limited.
