Cargo Handling Manager in Southampton

Cargo Handling Manager – Out of Gauge / Heavy Lift Operations Full-time | Location: Southampton | Reports to the Operations Manager Salary: £44K - £49K + Package (Below) Hours: Mon-Fri | 40hrs per week (days) The Role Our client, a leading UK freight and logistics provider, is seeking an experienced Cargo Handling Manager to run the safe, efficient and cost-effective operation of their Southampton cargo handling yard. You will ensure compliance with Group health and safety policies, deliver excellent customer service, achieve financial and operational targets, and lead, develop and engage your team to drive outstanding performance. Safety is at the heart of this role. You will be a visible leader for health and safety, setting the standard for a strong safety culture in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment. Experience of out of gauge and heavy equipment handling is essential. Key Responsibilities * Run the day-to-day cargo handling operation, overseeing the safe, efficient movement, storage and handling of cargo, including out of gauge and heavy equipment, ensuring all lifting operations, cargo handling, storage and shunting activities are carried out safely and in line with legislation, company procedures and customer requirements * Act as a visible leader for safety, promoting a strong safety culture and compliance with all health, safety and environmental standards, leading risk assessments, audits, operational observations and incident investigations when required * Work closely with the Group Safety Team to apply safety standards and procedures consistently, while maintaining accurate operational records, including lift plans, risk assessments, toolbox talks, pre-shift briefings and incident records * Achieve financial budgets, reporting requirements and KPIs for the department, controlling labour, equipment, maintenance and operational spend while delivering cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety, compliance or service delivery * Ensure efficient use of labour, equipment, facilities and resources while maintaining agreed service standards * Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team, including performance reviews, training needs assessments and succession planning * Manage training, competence and the skills matrix, addressing capability gaps promptly * Manage holidays, sickness and absence consistently and apply HR policies fairly * Drive continuous improvement across operational performance, customer service, quality and safety, working cross-functionally with the Warehouse, Yard Operations, Commercial and Terminal Coordinator teams * Build strong relationships with customers, contractors, suppliers and regulatory bodies, as well as keeping the team informed of business performance through monthly briefings About You Essential * Proven experience managing cargo handling, terminal, yard or logistics operations, with strong leadership skills * Experience of out of gauge and heavy equipment handling * Strong health and safety focus, with sound knowledge of H&S legislation, policies and best practice * Understanding of haulage, port and shipping line operations * Financial awareness, including interpreting profit and loss accounts and managing budgets and cost performance * Continuous improvement mindset, with experience in process design and operational optimisation * Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills Highly advantageous * Appointed Person (AP) accreditation Salary, Hours & Benefits * Salary: £44K - £49K (DOE) * Monday to Friday | 40hrs per week | Typical Start: 6am * 25 days holiday + 8 Bank Holidays – 33 days total leave * Competitive company pension scheme * Enhanced family leave * Paid compassionate leave and emergency dependant leave * Life insurance * Health & wellbeing platform * Long-service recognition and employee award schemes * Learning and development opportunities * Leadership and management pathways TO NOTE: Should you not hear back within 14 days of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful. Due to high applicant volume for these positions, only the most relevant candidates will be contacted. TLP Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Please note that by applying for this position you consent to TLP processing and storing your personal data for the purposes of providing you with work finding services. We process your personal data in accordance with data protection laws, which require us to give you a Privacy Statement to explain how we manage your personal data. Our full Privacy Statement is available to view on the TLP website, or it can be provided upon request