Cargo Operative

SeeMeHired; Tilbury; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Shift allowance

Pension

Life assurance

On-site parking

Job summary

Forth Ports in Tilbury is recruiting a Cargo Operative to safely handle cargo at our UK Paper Hub. You will operate plant and equipment, assist loading and discharging, inspect damaged paper, and support refurbishment while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

Permanent night shifts and overtime during busy periods are expected. A valid FLT licence, ability to work autonomously and as part of a team, and commitment to health and safety are essential.

Qualifications

• Current experience operating a Forklift Truck, with a valid FLT licence/certification.
• Awareness of quality standards within a port and customer environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Strong commitment to health, safety and safe working practices.
• Full UK Working Rights.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Forklift operation

Autonomous working

Safety awareness

Tools

Tugs

Paper clamps

Reach stackers

Lift-Tech equipment

Job description

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.,

• 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., 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 service.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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