Cargo Operative (Nights)

Forth Ports Group; Tilbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme (defined contribution)

Health & wellbeing programmes

EAP services

On-site parking

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Forth Ports Group is seeking a Cargo Operative for our UK Paper Hub at the Port of Tilbury. You will operate a range of plant and equipment, support loading and discharge, and ensure cargo handling meets customer standards.

The role includes inspecting damaged paper and supporting refurbishment, while maintaining a clean, safe working environment. We value safety-focused, reliable candidates who can work independently or in a team.

Qualifications

• Current experience operating a Forklift Truck with a valid FLT licence/certification.
• Full UK Driving Licence, valid in the UK.
• Full UK Working Rights.
• Willingness to undertake training and gain relevant qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate plant and equipment for cargo handling in line with safety rules and dock regulations.
• Load and discharge cargo safely and efficiently without damage.
• Complete required training to gain relevant certifications and skills.
• Support continuous improvement and best working practices across the operation.
• Undertake housekeeping and hygiene duties to maintain a safe environment and ISO standards.
• Inspect and grade damaged paper products in line with quality standards.
• Carry out cargo refurbishment activities within agreed timescales.
• Support security duties at Berth during ISPS Levels 2 and 3 as guided.

Skills

FLT licence/certification

Forklift operation

UK driving licence

UK working rights

Health & safety awareness

Tools

Forklift Truck (FLT)

Tugs / paper clamps (advantageous)

Job description

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

• 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.

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

About The Company

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.

Company Culture

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.

Company Benefits

We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well a good work‑life balance.

Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.

Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme

£38,989.00 per year