Harbourmaster

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 recent 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.

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.

• 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 report 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 not just followed but 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.

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.

• 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 UK driving licence.
• 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.

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:

• Defined bonus.
• 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.

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.