Operations Planner

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics recruitment agency is seeking an Operations Planner in Portsmouth. In this role, you will coordinate vessel and workforce planning, ensuring efficient terminal operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in logistics and strong IT skills. You can expect a competitive salary and benefits in a dynamic work environment focused on operational excellence.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications in shipping, logistics, or operations are a plus.
• IOSH Working or Managing Safely Certificate is desirable.
• Experience in planning vessel or terminal operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate vessel, container, and workforce planning.
• Manage plans and schedules for terminal operations.
• Ensure all planning activities follow health and safety policies.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Communication skills

Decision-making skills

Problem-solving mindset

Customer service focus

Education

Good standard of education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Terminal Operating Systems (TOS)

Job description

Operations Planner

Portsmouth

£33k - £37k DOE

Role Overview

I am currently seeking an Operations Planner to join a busy operations team in Portsmouth. This role plays a key part in coordinating vessel, container, and workforce planning to ensure smooth and efficient terminal operations. You will be the main point of contact for shipping lines and agents, managing plans and schedules to meet operational deadlines safely and accurately.

Key Responsibilities

Vessel Planning

Schedule berths according to customer contracts and liaise with shipping agents, authorities, and other stakeholders.

Plan vessel operations, including crane assignments, loading / unloading sequences, and documentation such as Baplie files.

Maintain accurate records in the Terminal Operating System (TOS) and communicate operational plans to teams.

Support senior operations staff in adjusting vessel schedules as required.

Container Planning

Allocate containers efficiently within container parks.

Coordinate with cargo planners, forwarding teams, and shipping lines to meet collection and export deadlines.

Ensure all container‑related instructions are recorded accurately in the TOS and communicated clearly to operational staff.

Labour and Workforce Management

Prepare daily schedules and allocate resources to meet operational priorities.

Manage training, competencies, overtime, and attendance records for terminal staff.

Work with HR on absence management, return‑to‑work interviews, and attendance monitoring.

Health & Safety

Ensure all planning activities follow health and safety policies and procedures.

Promote a culture of safety across the operations team.

General Duties

Assist in tracking KPIs and supporting operational data management.

Provide cover across the planning team rota, including weekends when needed.

Undertake additional tasks as required by operations management.

Qualifications & Knowledge

Good standard of education; formal qualifications in shipping, logistics, or operations are a plus but not essential.

IOSH Working or Managing Safely Certificate is desirable.

Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience with Terminal Operating Systems (TOS).

Experience & Skills

Experience in planning vessel or terminal operations.

Background in shipping, ports, maritime, logistics, warehousing, or transport is advantageous.

Experience in workforce planning and scheduling is a plus.

Strong organisational, communication, and decision‑making skills.

Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and pay attention to detail.

Problem‑solving and customer service‑focused mindset.

What’s on Offer

Competitive salary and benefits.

Opportunity to work in a fast‑paced, growing port operations environment.

Training and professional development opportunities

Supportive team culture with a strong emphasis on safety and operational excellence.

Not quite the right role but still looking?

Whether you are entry or executive level, our team of experienced Recruitment specialists can help you with your career. We are Kent’s leading independent consultancy and pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional service to both candidates and clients.

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