Office Manager in Southampton

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

Location: Southampton

Position Type: Permanent, full-time

Hours of work: 40 hours per week

Why join us?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a robust compensation package, including competitive pension scheme, life insurance coverage from day 1, 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Career Development and progression: Regular training and career advancement opportunities that propel you forward in a career with us. We offer access to a range of external courses and in-house training sessions to give you opportunities for skill enhancement and role confidence.
• Award-Winning Safety Culture: Be part of an environment recognized for excellence and innovation.
• Generous family friendly provision with enhanced maternity and paternity pay. We are proud to be a Work180 endorsed employer.
• Employee well-being and support: Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 24/7, employee benefits platform offering discounts on gym membership, money off vouchers for a variety of brands and shops, cycle to work scheme, tech scheme.

The role

We are seeking the right individual to support our Operations team in Southampton. The successful candidate will support the Operations Manager across all depot functions, including cargo, warehouse, container control, and shunting operations. They will be responsible for training new starters and will be capable of covering all office-based roles within the depot. The Office Manager will also provide cover for the Operations Manager in their absence and will be responsible for managing a team of 5.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team to ensure effective and efficient operations in accordance with requirements / policies / procedures / safe systems of the container depot operations whilst maintaining high standards of efficiency and health and safety, by effective booking / evacuation.
• Ensure container handling activities are monitored & fully reflective of customer requirements. Report issues to relevant team Managers accordingly to ensure efficient / smooth operations, whilst in constant pursuit of improvements.
• Act as the depot focal point for customers ensuring satisfactory service levels in all aspects of depot activities.
• Working within a Team - communicate and supervise effectively to ensure high performance, accuracy, good housekeeping, adherence to Health and Safety standards and follow general people management policies, procedures and staff handbook.
• Paperwork - produce and maintain accurate records in line with Company requirements / policies and procedures, in particular relevant operational records, ensure records are filed and kept in accordance with legislation.
• Communicate effectively with the customer base, understand requirements and communicate accurate information on time as required.
• Ensure all Depot accidents / incidents are reported. Complete as required investigations in a timely manner. Help identify responsibility, root cause and corrective action.
• Ensure the Depot meets the regulatory inspection requirements for equipment i.e. extinguisher servicing, PAT, lifting equipment etc.
• Communicate HSSE policies, procedures and safe systems when required.
• Ensure Depot risk assessments are reviewed and updated by the relevant persons, ensuring employee involvement.
• Maintain the Depot notice boards and support Blue Collar communication.
• Pro-active and preventative approach to HSSE, striving for continuous improvement and change at all times.
• Support the yard operation by ensuring dated procedures are in place for key operational tasks.
• Chair the monthly safety meeting, update the meeting records, upload to our teamsite and email to safety.

About you

• Excellent People Management skills.
• Good written communication skills with the ability to produce clear and concise information.
• Good oral communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to take a confident approach with colleagues and customers.
• Prioritise and work well under pressure.
• Numerical and analytical skills.
• Proactive, innovative and creative approach to problem solving.
• A strong team player, encouraging a team working environment with the commitment to support others as required.
• Conscientious with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft applications.
• Container industry experience preferred but not required.

About us

Freightliner is an established rail freight provider with businesses in the UK and Continental Europe. Offering customers a wide range of rail freight solutions to cater for the requirements of a diverse market sector, we provide a safe, reliable and cost effective rail freight partnership. At the core of all we do are our employees. Their hard work is fundamental to our success and we are equally committed to their growth and safety. Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential. We are eager to welcome the most driven and capable individuals to our award-winning team. Apply today to start your journey with us!

Please be advised that successful appointments are subject to a satisfactory DBS check. Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential. We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.