1144 - Relief Operations Manager in Felixstowe

An opportunity has arisen for Relief Operations Managers within Container Operations at the Port of Felixstowe. This role is responsible for executing the operational plan for a defined area of the business Quayside or Landside, using the resources provided and delivering to agreed service levels. The post holder will actively manage the performance of supervisors and operational teams to maximise productivity and efficiency, while maintaining a safe working environment.

The role requires a strong, visible on-shift presence, close collaboration with other Operations Managers and senior leaders, and a clear focus on delivery, cost control, safety and continuous improvement across 24-hour operations.

Our Benefits - Rewarding the people who keep our port moving

• Competitive pension: 8% employer contribution (min 4% employee)
• Life Assurance: 14× annual salary for pension scheme members (4× for non-members)
• Annual profit share bonus and performance related bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential counselling, stress & anxiety support, financial wellbeing guidance, plus access to our Wellbeing Hub
• On site Occupational Health Team and wellbeing support
• Paid leave, enhanced sick pay terms, and family friendly policies
• Volunteering days supporting our local community
• Perkbox retail discounts, wellbeing content and savings across hundreds of brands
• Access to development pathways, accredited training, and career progression opportunities across our port network

Role Overview

Key responsibilities include:

• Deliver the operational plan on shift, working with other Operations Managers, Senior Managers and the Day Team to achieve service levels across yard, quay, rail and haulage operations.
• Maintain a strong, visible on-shift presence, leading and supporting supervisors and teams, and resolving issues that may impact service delivery.
• Manage performance against plan using on-shift governance processes, setting clear objectives and expectations.
• Drive efficient use of resources to maximise productivity and control costs, both prior to and during shifts.
• Lead and embed change and continuous improvement initiatives, supporting consistent adoption of best practice.
• Manage and develop people, setting clear targets, addressing performance and behaviour issues, and promoting a culture of learning, collaboration and safety.
• Chair formal meetings such as management of absence, disciplinary hearings up to and including dismissal hearings alongside grievance hearings.
• Conduct workplace investigations.
• Ensure new technologies and approaches are implemented and maintained as directed by the business.

What you need:

• Operational leadership experience within a unionised environment is desirable.
• Strong understanding of operational delivery, resource management and governance processes.
• Confidence communicating and influencing at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong IT skills and ability to use both standard and bespoke operational systems.
• A strong appreciation of safety leadership (IOSH Managing Safely or similar desirable).

In submitting this application for a Relief position, you understand that you will only be considered on the basis that you are able to be released from your contractual position to undertake training in this role, and subsequently, to provide cover in a relief capacity. Please note that to ensure critical skill availability across the business we reserve the right to decline applications and/or defer training. This will not restrict your ability to apply for permanent opportunities.

We are seeking a balance of relief cover across each of the 4 on / 4 off shift patterns; therefore, if successful this may require moving shifts if necessary to achieve this.

Inclusion & Community

We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate individual differences and believe that embracing diversity drives innovation, creativity, and stronger collaboration across our teams. As part of this commitment, we consider all qualified applicants. Our dedicated Diversity & Inclusion committee supports a range of employee networks, including our Women's Network, PRIDE, Early Careers, Veterans & Reserves, Disability, and Culture groups.

The Recruitment Process - What is involved?

Our recruitment process has been designed for you to easily apply and highlight the best of your skills, expertise and personal attributes. We want you to be prepared, confident and the best version of you for this role.

• Apply online - share your relevant experience and transferable skills by 31 May 2026.
• Anonymous shortlisting - all identifiable details are removed before hiring managers review applications.
• Interview & task - scenario-based activity + competency interview, w/c 15 June 2026.
• Outcome - we aim to update all candidates as soon as possible following interviews.