At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage port operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and exceptional service.
- Company: Join a key port facility in Dover with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Full right to work in the UK is required for this role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced maritime setting while developing high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven management experience in maritime or operational environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Port Manager to take full responsibility for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of a key port facility. This is a senior leadership position requiring a strong operational manager who can lead from the front, drive performance, and develop high-performing teams. The successful candidate will be an ambitious and resilient leader, comfortable making difficult decisions, managing change, and holding teams accountable while maintaining a strong focus on customer service, safety, and operational excellence.
Working closely with the Director of Port Operations and key business stakeholders, you will oversee all aspects of port performance, including operational delivery, employee engagement, customer satisfaction, compliance, and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop operational teams to deliver exceptional service standards and business performance.
- Drive a strong HSSE culture, ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and compliance.
- Manage all day-to-day port operations, ensuring efficient utilisation of resources, infrastructure, plant, and equipment.
- Deliver operational improvements and continuous efficiency initiatives across the port.
- Take ownership of customer experience and service delivery in line with commercial objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Harbour Authorities, Regulatory Bodies, Port Authorities, and other key external stakeholders.
- Work closely with Finance to manage budgets, costs, and profitability initiatives.
- Partner with HR and People teams to support recruitment, succession planning, employee development, and performance management.
- Lead employee relations activities, including engagement with unions and staff representatives.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, industry regulations, company policies, and ISPS requirements.
- Manage attendance, absence, and workforce performance across the operation.
We are looking for a proven operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced maritime environment and enjoys building strong, accountable teams. You will likely bring:
- Significant management experience within a port, terminal, logistics, maritime, or operational environment.
- Strong understanding of maritime operations and service delivery.
- Experience delivering operational change and driving business improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrable success leading, motivating, and developing large operational teams.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational performance, customer expectations, and financial objectives.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and experience working with regulatory authorities and external partners.
- A confident leadership style with the ability to have challenging conversations when required and hold teams accountable.
- A proactive, ambitious mindset with a desire to continuously improve performance and develop people.
- Full right to work in the UK is essential for this role.
Port Manager in Maidstone employer: Spinnaker
As a leading employer in the maritime sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety, operational excellence, and employee development. Our Port Manager role in Dover offers a unique opportunity to lead high-performing teams while driving continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on career growth and collaboration with key stakeholders, we ensure our employees are equipped to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Port Manager in Maidstone
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Spinnaker.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Spinnaker. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Port Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Spinnaker, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Spinnaker and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Spinnaker. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spinnaker
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Spinnaker.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Spinnaker.
