Team Leader (Nights)

As a Team Leader, working on the night shift within our UK Paper Hub at the Port of Tilbury, you will be responsible for leading and supporting the Cargo Operative team to ensure safe, efficient and effective operations throughout the shift.

You will coordinate people, equipment and resources to meet operational requirements and customer expectations, while monitoring performance against key targets and taking action where required. Working closely with the Operations Manager and wider management team, you will also play an important role in maintaining standards, supporting continuous improvement and ensuring effective communication and handovers across the operation. 

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Cargo Operative team during the night shift, promoting safe, efficient and productive working practices.

• Monitor shift performance against operational requirements and UKPH47 KPIs, taking prompt action where required to maintain performance.

• Coordinate the effective use of people, plant, equipment and systems in line with operational and customer requirements.

• Ensure operational, legislative, company policy, customer and quality standards are maintained across the shift.

• Identify and resolve day-to-day operational issues, including those arising from schedule changes, system or operational failures, customer requirements or changing workloads.

• Support the planning and coordination of required maintenance and repairs to minimise operational disruption.

• Provide clear written and verbal reports to management and colleagues, ensuring effective communication and smooth handovers between shifts.

• Coach, support and develop team members through formal and informal training to build a flexible, capable and motivated workforce.

• Support ship and delivery operations when required and implement effective loading, discharge and storage solutions to minimise damage and optimise operational times.

• Contribute to continuous improvement projects and recommend changes that could enhance site performance, consistency, efficiency and customer service.

What we're looking for:

We are looking for an experienced operational team leader who can confidently manage people and resources in a busy, fast-paced environment. You will be comfortable making decisions, resolving operational issues and using your initiative to keep the shift running effectively. Strong communication and people management skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and management while maintaining a clear focus on safety, quality, customer requirements and operational performance.

Experience within a port, logistics, warehousing or similar operational environment would be beneficial, particularly where you have experience working with large mobile plant and operational systems.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven people management and team leadership skills.

• Demonstrable experience operating a range of heavy plant machinery, including FLTs, reach stackers and tugs, with the ability to provide guidance, support and safe working practices to operational teams.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Confidence using PC-based systems and operational software.

• Experience or awareness of IPOS and handheld scanning systems.

• Experience operating or working alongside large Mobile Harbour Equipment (MHE).

• Ability to monitor performance, identify issues and take appropriate action.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing operational priorities.

• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and developing team performance.

• Willingness to work night shifts and support operational requirements as required.

• Full Driving Licence, valid in the UK

• Full UK Working Rights

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

• Discretionary bonus

• Shift allowance

• Generous annual leave entitlement

• Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary

• In‑house Occupational Health — Provides professional workplace health advice, support, and guidance for employees across all sites

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — Delivered through Health Assured, offering 24/7, 365‑day confidential wellbeing support via the Wisdom app or telephone access, covering mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and emotional wellbeing

• Physiotherapy Support — Access to physiotherapy sessions through three external providers in Scotland, plus an onsite physiotherapist once per week in Tilbury

• An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees

• GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms

• Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting

• On-site free parking available for all employees

• Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover

• Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays 

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.

As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service.

We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.