Clerical Assistant

We are looking for a Clerical Assistant to provide efficient and accurate office-based support to our Conventional Department at the Port of Tilbury. You will maintain operational and commercial information, process invoices, update records and systems, prepare routine documentation and management reports, support labour allocation and HM Customs entries, and help keep the department’s day-to-day administration running smoothly. Working closely with colleagues across the department, you will ensure information is accurate, complete and processed on time.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide general clerical and administrative support for the day-to-day running of the Conventional Department.

• Accurately record and maintain operational, customer and commercial information across company systems, spreadsheets and files.

• Prepare, process and record invoices, purchase orders and supporting information for customer billing and internal financial processes.

• Review records, identify discrepancies or missing information, and escalate issues where appropriate.

• Prepare routine reports, documents, correspondence and management information.

• Support customer accounts and operational activities, liaising with customers, suppliers and internal departments as required.

• Respond professionally and promptly to telephone, email and general office enquiries.

• Support labour allocation, including recording overtime and absence.

• Collate and process manifest entries and HM Customs clearances.

• Maintain confidentiality and complete assigned work accurately within agreed timescales.

What we're looking for:

You will be an organised and dependable administrator who takes pride in producing accurate work. You will be comfortable balancing several priorities, working independently and contributing as part of a team. A professional approach to customers, suppliers and colleagues is essential, together with the discretion to handle confidential and commercially sensitive information appropriately.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Good administrative and organisational skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to maintain accurate records and process information effectively

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with a professional telephone and email manner

• Ability to prioritise workload and manage several administrative tasks

• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as part of a team

• Competence in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel

• Comfort working with figures and undertaking routine invoice and financial administration

• Ability and willingness to learn relevant company systems and processes

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

• 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.