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- Tasks: Lead and oversee cargo operations at the Port of Dover, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at one of the UK's busiest ports.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, holiday entitlement, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in port operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41500 - 41500 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Duty Shift Manager to act as the accountable operational lead for an assigned shift within the Port of Dover Cargo Ltd operation. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for both vessel-based and landside cargo operations.
As Duty Shift Manager, you will set the tone for safety, performance, and behaviour on shift, ensuring operations are delivered safely, compliantly, and efficiently while meeting customer expectations and operating within agreed budgets.
Key Responsibilities- Operational Leadership
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee all operational and labour activities on shift.
- Lead safe, efficient vessel discharge and loading operations to time and budget.
- Act as the responsible manager on duty across vessel, terminal, warehouse, container, and export operations.
- Take ownership of operational decision-making, particularly during disruption or periods of increased risk.
- Balance safety, productivity, customer service, and resources in a dynamic operating environment.
- Safety, Compliance & Standards
- Lead by example in safety, professionalism, and procedural compliance.
- Take full accountability for the safety and security of employees and contractors on shift.
- Proactively challenge unsafe acts, poor standards, and non-compliance.
- Ensure plant, equipment, containers, and cold store facilities are fit for purpose and correctly used.
- Monitor cold store operations, including temperatures, condition, and statutory compliance.
- Lead or support investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses.
- Act as a champion for food safety and environmental compliance.
- People Management
- Lead, supervise, and support stevedores and operational teams.
- Set clear expectations around performance, behaviour, and PPE standards.
- Address performance and conduct issues confidently and fairly, escalating where appropriate.
- Deliver daily pre-shift briefings covering operational plans, risks, and safety updates.
- Champion continuous improvement and positively lead change.
- Warehouse, Container & Export Cover
- Provide hands-on cover for warehouse operations when required, including pre-picking and vehicle loading.
- Support container and export activities, including steel loading, discharge planning, and customer liaison.
- Maintain accurate paperwork and system records for audit and compliance purposes.
- Performance & Reporting
- Deliver against agreed KPIs and Service Level Agreements.
- Complete all operational documentation accurately and on time.
- Raise quality non-conformances where customer service or compliance may be impacted.
- Experience & Knowledge
- Proven experience in port or cargo terminal operations, including vessel discharge and loading.
- Strong understanding of plant utilisation, resourcing, stock management, and cross-docking.
- Experience delivering KPIs and SLAs in a high-pressure operational environment.
- Sound knowledge of cargo slinging and lifting techniques.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
- Competent in Microsoft Office and operational IT systems.
- Skills & Attributes
- Strong leadership, organisational, and supervisory skills.
- Calm, confident decision-maker with excellent problem-solving ability.
- Customer-focused with strong communication skills.
- Desirable Qualifications
- Fork Lift Operator
- Slinger/Signaller
- Reach Truck Operator
- Reach Stacker (G4)
- Tug/Mafi Driver
- Class 1 HGV
- Safety Awareness Certificate
This position requires flexibility to meet the demands of a fast-paced cargo operation and the ability to work a rotating shift pattern, including early, late, and occasional night shifts.
Benefits- Accrued holiday entitlement
- Auto enrolment pension (after 3 months)
- Free parking
- Employee assistance programme
- 3rd party discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Benefits and reward platform
- PPE provided
- Employee volunteering scheme
Hours of work: 40 p/w (hours will include early, late and sometimes night shifts)
Salary: £41,500 (per annum)
If you’re an experienced operational leader looking for a challenging and rewarding role at one of the UK’s busiest ports, we’d love to hear from you.
All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK. Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.
We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best. All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.
Closing date: 5 June 2026 at 5pm
Duty Shift Manager in Dover employer: Port of Dover
Contact Detail:
Port of Dover Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Shift Manager in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Understand their operations and values, especially around safety and compliance, so you can show them you're the perfect fit for the Duty Shift Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, tackled challenges, and improved processes. This will help you stand out as a confident decision-maker during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Shift Manager in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in port or cargo terminal operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Duty Shift Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a hands-on leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed safety protocols, and handled operational challenges in high-pressure environments.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for specific examples that show you can meet our expectations!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application goes straight to our team for review, and you’ll be one step closer to joining us at the Port of Dover Cargo Ltd. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port of Dover
✨Know Your Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific operations of the Port of Dover Cargo Ltd. Understand the nuances of vessel discharge and loading, as well as landside cargo operations. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take on the operational leadership role.
✨Safety First
Since safety is a top priority, be prepared to discuss how you've led teams in maintaining safety standards in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've proactively challenged unsafe practices and ensured compliance with regulations. This will highlight your commitment to creating a safe working environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Duty Shift Manager, you'll need strong leadership skills. Be ready to talk about your experience in managing teams, setting clear expectations, and addressing performance issues. Use examples that illustrate your ability to lead by example and champion continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills during disruptions or high-pressure situations. Think of past experiences where you had to balance safety, productivity, and customer service. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.