Duty Shift Manager

Port of Dover; Dover; On-site; GBP 37,350 - 45,650; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued holiday entitlement

Auto enrolment pension

Free parking

Employee assistance programme

3rd party discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Benefits and reward platform

PPE provided

Employee volunteering scheme

Job summary

Port of Dover is seeking an experienced Duty Shift Manager to act as the accountable operational lead for an assigned shift within the cargo operation. You will oversee vessel‑based and landside activities, setting the tone for safety, performance and behaviour while delivering on budget and customer expectations.

The ideal candidate will have port/cargo terminal operations experience, strong leadership, and the ability to manage disruptions with a calm and proactive approach.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in port or cargo terminal operations.
• GCSEs in Maths and English.
• Experience leading operational teams on shift.
• Ability to work a rotating early/late/night shift.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and oversee all shift operations and labour activities.
• Lead vessel discharge and loading operations to meet time and budget.
• Act as responsible manager on duty across vessel, terminal and export operations.
• Make operational decisions during disruption and high-risk periods.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and quality across shifts.
• Deliver pre-shift briefings and manage KPI/ SLA reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Organisational skills

Safety awareness

Education

GCSEs Maths & English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Operational IT systems

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Duty Shift Manager to act as the accountable operational lead for an assigned shift within the Port of Dover Cargo Ltd operation. This is a hands‑on leadership role with responsibility for both vessel‑based and landside cargo operations. As Duty Shift Manager, you will set the tone for safety, performance, and behaviour on shift, ensuring operations are delivered safely, compliantly, and efficiently while meeting customer expectations and operating within agreed budgets.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all operational and labour activities on shift.
• Lead safe, efficient vessel discharge and loading operations to time and budget.
• Act as the responsible manager on duty across vessel, terminal, warehouse, container, and export operations.
• Take ownership of operational decision‑making, particularly during disruption or periods of increased risk.
• Balance safety, productivity, customer service, and resources in a dynamic operating environment.

Safety, Compliance & Standards

• Lead by example in safety, professionalism, and procedural compliance.
• Take full accountability for the safety and security of employees and contractors on shift.
• Proactively challenge unsafe acts, poor standards, and non‑compliance.
• Ensure plant, equipment, containers, and cold store facilities are fit for purpose and correctly used.
• Monitor cold store operations, including temperatures, condition, and statutory compliance.
• Lead or support investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Act as a champion for food safety and environmental compliance.

People Management

• Lead, supervise, and support stevedores and operational teams.
• Set clear expectations around performance, behaviour, and PPE standards.
• Address performance and conduct issues confidently and fairly, escalating where appropriate.
• Deliver daily pre‑shift briefings covering operational plans, risks, and safety updates.
• Champion continuous improvement and positively lead change.

Warehouse, Container & Export Cover

• Provide hands‑on cover for warehouse operations when required, including pre‑picking and vehicle loading.
• Support container and export activities, including steel loading, discharge planning, and customer liaison.
• Maintain accurate paperwork and system records for audit and compliance purposes.

Performance & Reporting

• Deliver against agreed KPIs and Service Level Agreements.
• Complete all operational documentation accurately and on time.
• Raise quality non‑conformances where customer service or compliance may be impacted.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in port or cargo terminal operations, including vessel discharge and loading.
• Strong understanding of plant utilisation, resourcing, stock management, and cross‑docking.
• Experience delivering KPIs and SLAs in a high‑pressure operational environment.
• Sound knowledge of cargo slinging and lifting techniques.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and operational IT systems.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership, organisational, and supervisory skills.
• Calm, confident decision‑maker with excellent problem‑solving ability.
• Customer‑focused with strong communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Fork Lift Operator
• Slinger/Signaller
• Reach Truck Operator
• Reach Stacker (G4)
• Tug/Mafi Driver
• Class 1 HGV
• Safety Awareness Certificate

Additional Information

This position requires flexibility to meet the demands of a fast‑paced cargo operation and the ability to work a rotating shift pattern, including early, late, and occasional night shifts.

Benefits

• Accrued holiday entitlement
• Auto enrolment pension (after 3 months)
• Free parking
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Benefits and reward platform
• PPE provided
• Employee volunteering scheme

Hours of work

40 p/w (hours will include early, late and sometimes night shifts)

Salary

£41,500 (per annum)

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre‑employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date

21 August 2026 at 5pm