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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee vessel movements and ensure safety compliance at the Port of Tilbury.
- Company: Join Forth Ports, a leading UK port operator committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and health initiatives.
- Why this job: Lead marine operations and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in port operations and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Harbourmaster
Location: Port of Tilbury
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00 with additional requirement to be on site out of hours / on-call
Compensation: Salary £60,000–£65,000 + car allowance + bonus
Forth Ports is one of the UK\’s largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK\’s renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
About The Role
As Harbourmaster at the Port of Tilbury, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and commercially successful operation of one of the UK’s busiest ports. This is a leadership position at the heart of marine operations, where you will oversee vessel traffic, champion compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks, and lead a skilled marine team who keep the port running 24/7. Beyond ensuring safe navigation and berthing, you will be a key figure in driving continuous improvement, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and contributing to the long-term growth and reputation of the Port of Tilbury as a trusted and innovative gateway for trade.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the management of the safe movement, berthing, and departure of all vessels within the Port of Tilbury
- Enforce compliance with the Port of Tilbury Marine Safety Code, DGHA Regulations, and other relevant legislation
- Lead marine incident response and investigations, ensuring corrective actions and reporting to MAIB where necessary
- Manage and develop marine operations teams, including contract and agency staff
- Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement
- Build strong relationships with agents, local authorities and emergency services
- Liaise with Asset Managers, berth operators, and contractors to ensure smooth vessel operations
- Monitor departmental budgets, control costs, and contribute to EBITDA growth
- Champion a proactive Safety First culture, ensuring that safe working practices are embedded into day-to-day behaviours across the marine team
- Lead by example during safety audits and incident reviews, promoting openness, accountability, and continuous learning to drive improvements in health, safety, and environmental performance
What Are We Looking For?
We are seeking an experienced and motivated marine professional with a proven background in port operations or harbour management. You will bring strong leadership qualities, the ability to manage complex marine operations under pressure, and the credibility to engage confidently with stakeholders from pilots and shipmasters to regulators and local authorities. You will be decisive, safety-focused, and commercially aware, able to balance operational demands with strategic priorities. A natural communicator and problem solver, you will thrive in a role that combines hands-on operational oversight with long-term planning, ensuring that the Port of Tilbury remains safe, compliant, and forward-looking.
Essential
Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience in a port environment or marine operations, ideally as a Harbour Master or Deputy
- Minimum qualifications to; Master CoC; or Chief Officer (unlimited) or equivalent MOD (Navy) qualifications, or UKHMA recognised Harbour Master qualification and an ML5, MCA medical certificate
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication, networking, and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Working knowledge of the PMSC and GTGP
- Computer literate with experience in marine systems (e.g., Tidalis)
- Full right to work in the UK
- Full driving licence, valid in the UK
Desirable
- Degree in Maritime Studies, Business, or Marketing
- Knowledge of Port of Tilbury infrastructure
- Experience of managing people and working with different teams of people
- Experience of project management in a Port/Marine environment
- Understand Port and River Byelaws, General Directions, and other relevant information
- Incident commander and oil spill response experience
What Forth Ports Can Offer You
At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:
- A competitive salary
- Defined bonus
- Car allowance
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- A defined pension scheme and life assurance
- Discretionary bonus
- Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
- Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking
- Attractive Family Friendly Policies
- Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
- GymFlex health club memberships
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
How To Apply
If you are an experienced Harbour Master and looking to continue your career as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.
Closing Date: Thursday 5 February 2026
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Harbourmaster employer: Port of Tilbury London
Contact Detail:
Port of Tilbury London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Harbourmaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the marine and port operations field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Port of Tilbury and Forth Ports. Understand their operations, values, and recent developments in the renewable energy sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Harbourmaster, you’ll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend or use video calls to simulate the experience. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Forth Ports. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and safety focus in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Harbourmaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in port operations or marine management. We want to see how your background aligns with the Harbourmaster role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Harbourmaster position. Share specific examples of your leadership and problem-solving abilities that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Safety Focus: Since safety is a big deal for us at Forth Ports, make sure to emphasise your commitment to safety practices in both your CV and cover letter. Highlight any relevant experiences where you’ve led safety initiatives or managed incidents.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website using the 'Apply Now' link. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port of Tilbury London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of marine operations and the specific regulations that apply to the Port of Tilbury. Familiarise yourself with the Marine Safety Code and any recent changes in legislation. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Harbourmaster, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or handled complex situations under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you foster a culture of safety and professionalism.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with various stakeholders, from shipmasters to local authorities. Prepare to discuss your communication strategies and how you’ve navigated challenging conversations in the past. This will highlight your networking abilities.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to marine incidents or operational challenges. Think through your problem-solving process and how you would lead a response. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet and make decisive decisions.
