Cargo Operative

SeeMe Hired Ltd; Tilbury; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus

Shift allowance

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme ( Defined contribution)

On-site free parking

Employee benefits platform

Job summary

Forth Ports is seeking a Cargo Operative (Nights) to join the UK Paper Hub at the Port of Tilbury. You will safely operate forklifts and associated plant, assist with loading/discharge, and help maintain high safety and quality standards while working permanent night shifts.

The role requires a valid FLT licence, willingness to train, and commitment to working nights with overtime during busy periods. Competitive shifts and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Current experience operating a Forklift Truck with a valid FLT licence/certification.
• Ideally experience operating tugs, paper clamps, reach stackers or Lift-Tech equipment.
• Full UK Driving Licence and UK Working Rights.
• Commitment to safety and ability to work night shifts.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate plant and equipment for cargo handling per safety rules and customer requirements.
• Load and discharge cargo safely and efficiently, with care to prevent damage.
• Complete required training to gain relevant certifications for the role.
• Support continuous improvement and best practices across the operation.

Skills

FLT licence

Forklift operation

UK Driving Licence

Health & safety awareness

Tools

Tugs

Paper clamps

Reach stackers

Job description

Cargo Operative (Nights)

Job Title: Cargo Operative (Nights)

Location: Port of Tilbury

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 22:00-06:00

Compensation: £38,989 + Shift allowance - £1,336 + paid overtime

At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Every day, our teams support the flow of goods, materials, and services that businesses and communities rely on, helping to power economic growth across the UK and beyond. Our people are at the core of everything we do, and their expertise, commitment, and innovation drive our success.

With our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, we're investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies, including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations. For you, this means joining a business that's evolving, ambitious, and making a real difference.

About the role

As a Cargo Operative, you will play an important role in the safe and efficient handling of cargo within our UK Paper Hub at the Port of Tilbury. Working under the guidance of the Team Leader, you will operate a range of plant and equipment, support loading and discharge activities and ensure cargo is handled safely and to the required customer standards.

The role also includes inspecting and grading damaged paper products, supporting cargo refurbishment and carrying out housekeeping and hygiene activities to maintain a safe and high-quality working environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Safely and efficiently operate the plant and equipment required for cargo handling, in line with safety rules, dock regulations and customer requirements.

• Load and discharge cargo safely and efficiently, ensuring goods are handled with care and without damage.

• Complete all required training to gain relevant certifications and develop the skills and knowledge required for the role.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to best working practices across the operation.

• Undertake housekeeping and hygiene duties to maintain a safe environment and meet ISO requirements.

• Manually handle cargo when required, ensuring this is carried out safely and efficiently.

• Inspect and grade damaged paper products in line with required quality standards.

• Complete cargo refurbishment activities, including reeled and palletised paper products, within agreed timescales.

• Support security duties at UKPH 47 Berth during ISPS Security Levels 2 and 3, in line with training and PSFO guidance.

What we're looking for:

We are looking for safety focused, reliable and hardworking individuals who enjoy working in a fast paced operational environment. You will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, with a flexible approach to supporting business and customer requirements.

The successful candidate will be committed to working permanent night shifts and willing to work overtime during busy periods to help meet operational demands. A positive attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and quality are essential.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Current experience operating a Forklift Truck, with a valid FLT licence/certification.

• Ideally will have experience operating tugs, paper clamps, reach stackers or Lift-Tech equipment, although this is not essential.

• Undertaken rewrap training would be advantageous but is not essential.

• Awareness of quality standards within a port and customer environment.

• Awareness and understanding of warehouse activities.

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

• Strong commitment to health, safety and safe working practices.

• Willingness to undertake training and gain relevant qualifications

• 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.

About the company

"As sure as the tide " - 50 years and counting – delivering outstanding results, on all manner of projects. Customers from around the world rely on our expertise to realise their ambitions.

Required Criteria

• Current experience operating a Forklift Truck, with a valid FLT licence/certification
• Undertaken rewrap training would be advantageous but is not essential
• Full Driving Licence, valid in the UK
• Full UK Working Rights

Desired Criteria

• Ideally will have experience operating tugs, paper clamps, reach stackers or Lift-Tech equipment, although this is not essential