At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to load and discharge goods at the Port of Sheerness.
- Company: One of the UK's leading port operators with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and commitment to personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital operation that keeps the supply chain moving.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced environments and a strong commitment to health and safety.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 38000 £ per year.
Are you enthusiastic about the chance to work with a team of operatives in a fast paced, dynamic, operational environment? Do you want to work for one of the UKs leading Port Operators? Our Port Operatives are critical to the effective operation at the Port of Sheerness. You will become part of an expert team of Port Operatives, tasked with discharging and loading a diverse range of goods being imported into the UK.
Your role: You will be supported and trained to obtain the skills required to carry out your role as a Port Operative. Depending upon the team, this may include manual handling equipment and vessel discharging/loading activities. You will always be required to carry out operations in a safe manner, ensuring we work effectively to satisfy all of our customers. You will be committed to working in a flexible manner to support managers, colleagues and other areas of the business within the Port, ensuring full compliance with our safety standards. You will talk with Team Leaders and Managers on a daily basis to understand the day to day priorities, ensuring we provide an industry leading service to our customers 24/7, 365 days per year. Ensuring stock loss/damage is minimised, following safe systems of work and process instructions at all times.
Our site covers over 360 acres and you will play an integral part in keeping the supply chain moving by facilitating the safe handling of a diverse product portfolio that includes Paper, Timber, Steel, Containers and Project cargo. We utilise various types of equipment including cranes, terberg tugs and specialist forklifts to deliver our customers' requirements. Operations could include vessel discharging work, warehouse operations, shunt driving and outdoor park operations, all covered by safe systems and specialist training to ensure you work safe and go home safe.
As a busy, 24/7 operation there is an element of weekend and night working (for which nightshift enhancement is payable). Our Port Operatives operate on annualised hours contracts of 2,340 hours per annum, not all working weeks look the same and therefore an element of flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing requirements is key in this role.
What you'll bring: You will have previous experience of working in a fast-paced operational environment, such as warehouse or logistics, including experience with material handling equipment; a strong understanding and commitment to Health and Safety best practice. You will enjoy working as part of a team, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and will be able to adapt to varying customer requirements. The ability to manage multiple tasks at any one time whilst ensuring all deadlines are met is key. A structured training programme will be followed for those demonstrating the right approach and behaviours to work in our environment.
Who are we? Already one of the UK's leading port and logistics companies, we are planning substantial capital investment over the next 5 years to achieve our vision of becoming the UK's leading port operator. We have ambitious plans to grow and transform the supply chain to benefit our customers. Our investments are decarbonizing our operations, which in turn is helping us work towards our goal of having Net Zero Port Operations by 2050. Much of our success depends on our unrivalled facilities and technology. But in our sector, it comes down to having the right talent to enable our organisation to grow.
What we can offer you: Your career will begin with a starting salary of £33,980 per annum. Following successful completion of our probationary/training period, where you will learn and develop the key skills required for your allocated business area, your earning potential will increase in line with our skills and pay matrix. In addition to a competitive salary, we have a strong track record of developing our people to expand their skills and experience and develop their careers. Valuing and rewarding our workforce is important to us which is why we offer a fantastic range of flexible benefits to choose from, such as:
- Average of 45 hours per week, worked on the basis of an annualised hours shift pattern (equivalent of 2340 hours per annum)
- 27 Days Annual Leave (plus bank holidays)
- Up to 10% Matched Contribution Pension and excellent Life Assurance Cover
- Peel Ports Flexible Benefits including healthcare/wellbeing benefits through Medicash (including dental treatment, prescriptions, check ups, MRI scans and other treatments), salary sacrifice car scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Critical Illness insurance, Gym Membership Scheme, Retail Vouchers, plus more
- Commitment to learning and personal development – last year we supported over 50,000 hours of training and personal development
- We promote good physical and mental health and can provide additional support to colleagues via our Employee Assistance Programme when required
If you believe you have the skills and experience we are seeking and you want to join a thriving and ambitious place to work, we'd really like to hear from you.
Port Operative employer: Peel Ports
Contact Detail:
Peel Ports Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Port Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get yourself to that Careers Event at the Port of Sheerness! It's a golden opportunity to meet the team, ask questions, and show your enthusiasm face-to-face. Plus, it’s a great way to get a feel for the work environment.
✨Tip Number 2
When you chat with Team Leaders and Managers, don’t just talk about your experience—show them how you can adapt to their fast-paced environment. Share examples of how you've handled multiple tasks or worked safely in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Make sure to highlight your willingness to work weekends and nights if needed. This shows you're committed to supporting the team and keeping operations running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Port Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through! We want to see that you're excited about working in a fast-paced environment and being part of our expert team at the Port of Sheerness.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any previous experience you have in operational roles, especially in logistics or warehouse settings. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do, so don’t hold back!
Safety First!: Since health and safety is a big deal for us, be sure to mention your commitment to safe working practices. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your understanding of safety protocols in a busy environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peel Ports
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Port Operative role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as manual handling and vessel operations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in a team environment. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve goals, especially in fast-paced settings like warehouses or logistics.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Health and safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to talk about your understanding of safety practices and any relevant training you've had. Mention how you prioritise safety in your work and how it contributes to effective operations.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
The job requires a flexible approach due to varying shifts and tasks. Prepare to discuss times when you've successfully adapted to changing circumstances or taken on new responsibilities. This will demonstrate your readiness for the dynamic nature of the role.