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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team as a Port Operative, handling diverse goods and ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Be part of one of the UK's leading port operators with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Contribute to a sustainable future while developing your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring enthusiasm and a commitment to safety.
- Other info: Night shifts on a rotational basis; applications close on 18th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 24800 - 36800 £ per year.
Are you enthusiastic about the chance to work with a team of operatives in a fast-paced, operational environment? Do you want to work for one of the UK’s leading Port Operators? Our Port Operatives are critical to the efficient operation at the Port of Sheerness!
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 carry out operations efficiently, effectively and in a safe manner, ensuring the on-time delivery of planned activity, continuous flow of productivity and high customer satisfaction levels. You will work in a flexible manner to support managers, colleagues and other areas of the business within the Port, ensuring full compliance with safety standards.
Current operational requirements include regularly scheduled night shifts. These will try to be conducted on a rotational basis consisting of one week per month subject to operational requirements. You will liaise 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.
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.
Our Site
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.
What you’ll bring
You will ideally have previous experience of working in a fast-paced operational environment with a strong understanding and commitment to Health and Safety best practice. Experience of using operational plant and/or Cargo Operations would be beneficial, however full training will be given to those demonstrating the right approach and behaviours to work in our environment. 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.
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 decarbonising our operations, which in turn is helping us work towards our goal of having Net Zero Port Operations by 2040. 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
- Starting salary of £32,831 per annum
- 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! Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 18th June 2025.
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
Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and operations mentioned in the job description, such as cranes and terberg tugs. Showing that you understand how these tools are used in a port environment can set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in fast-paced operational roles, especially those related to manual handling or cargo operations. Be ready to discuss how you managed safety and efficiency in those environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety best practices. You might want to prepare examples of how you've adhered to safety protocols in past jobs, as this is crucial for the role of a Port Operative.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your teamwork and communication skills. Since you'll be liaising with Team Leaders and Managers, showcasing your ability to work collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Port Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fast-paced operational environments. Emphasise any previous roles that involved manual handling, equipment operation, or cargo operations, as these are key aspects of the Port Operative role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention your commitment to health and safety practices and how your skills align with the requirements of the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves working closely with team leaders and colleagues, make sure to showcase your interpersonal and communication skills. Provide examples of how you have successfully collaborated in previous jobs to achieve common goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peel Ports
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your excitement about the role and the company. Highlight your eagerness to work in a fast-paced operational environment and how you can contribute to the team at the Port of Sheerness.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety practices. Share any relevant experiences where you prioritised safety in previous jobs, especially in operational settings.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
The role requires excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Discussion
As the position involves night shifts and a flexible schedule, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to these requirements. Show that you understand the demands of shift work and are prepared to meet them.
