Engineering Supervisor
Job Title: Engineering Supervisor
Location: Port of Tilbury
Hours: Monday – Friday shift rotation – 0600-1400 | 1400—2200 | 2200-0600 (nights Sunday – Thursday)
Compensation: £59,000 - £64,000 + £5,000 shift allowance + OTE
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.
About the role
As Engineering Supervisor, you will oversee and direct engineering personnel, ensuring a hands-on approach when necessary. They ensure major assets are maintained and repaired efficiently and cost-effectively. They liaise with internal and external contacts to ensure continuous operations and compliance with company policies. They address non-compliance and poor performance, updating and communicating relevant status reports within required timeframes. A priority focus on health and safety ensures all staff conduct themselves appropriately.
Key responsibilities:
Direct supervision of all employees within the maintenance department, including contractors. Manage resources, including handling leave requests, appointments, and other commitments
Provide clear and genuine safety leadership based on the Port's guidelines, ensuring safety plans are communicated, understood, and integrated into daily operations. Support safety improvements and compliance with health and safety strategies
Oversee people management activities such as performance development, disciplinary actions, and absence management
Assist the engineering manager in aligning manpower with operational demands. Address skill gaps within the team and propose training budgets to maintain and enhance skill levels
Manage team performance using the personal management system, supporting objective setting, and conducting review meetings
Deliver results aligned with the organisation's strategic KPIs. Influence engineering staff to maintain high work standards
Implement engagement initiatives, conduct training programs, and hold regular team briefings to set clear expectations
Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations. Recommend actions for continuous improvement
Provide accurate and concise shift reports, including incident and near-miss reports
Work with the procurement department to source correct parts and maintain stock levels
Lead by example and establish partnerships with operational and engineering stakeholders to solve problems and achieve business objectives
Develop close relationships with operational colleagues to support shift and business priorities
Monitor and review engineering processes, offering creative ideas for efficiency and performance improvements
Ensure the safety of engineers and contractors, working with health and safety teams for continuous improvement in safety and environmental matters
Act as the Engineering Manager or other supervisors when required
Support the management team with the engineering apprentice scheme
Provide technical support and actively participate in the team where needed
What we're looking for:
We are looking for a skilled and experienced engineer, with a minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience gained through a recognised professional apprenticeship or qualification. The successful candidate will hold relevant engineering qualifications and demonstrate a strong commitment to professional development, including progression through a personal development plan.
We are seeking a candidate with exceptional leadership abilities who can drive team performance, foster a positive work culture, and lead our team toward achieving overall Forth Ports goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Qualifications and Skills:
Minimum 4 years of experience as a qualified engineer/technician through a recognised professional apprenticeship in a heavy industrial environment
Relevant engineering qualifications to at least HNC level or equivalent
Preferably expert knowledge and experience with port operational equipment and infrastructure.
IOSH or equivalent managing safety certificate
Recognised people management qualification
Full UK driving license and willingness to obtain relevant plant licenses
Full right to work in the UK
All offers will be subject to passing a Pre-Employment Medical, which includes a respiratory test.
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 and annual shift allowance - £5,000
Generous annual leave entitlement
A defined pension scheme and life assurance
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
Overtime rates:
Flat rate from 2200 Sunday to 2200 Friday
1.5x from 2200 Friday to 2200 Saturday
2x from Saturday to 2200 Sunday
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.
How to Apply:
If you are an experienced Engineering Supervisor 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.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Relevant engineering qualifications to at least HNC level or equivalent
- Minimum 4 years of experience as a qualified engineer/technician through a recognised professional apprenticeship / qualification in a heavy industrial environment
- IOSH or equivalent managing safety certificate
- Recognised people management qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
- Full UK driving license and willingness to obtain relevant plant licenses
- Full right to work in the UK
Forth Ports Group
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Our benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance. Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.