Operations Supervisor

Forth Ports Limited; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading port operator is seeking an experienced Operations Supervisor for their Port of Leith location. The role includes supervising daily port operations, ensuring safety compliance, and managing cargo handling. Ideal candidates will have logistics experience, strong leadership skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office. This position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits, including health promotion events and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Defined pension scheme

Health promotion events

Cycle to work scheme

GymFlex memberships

Qualifications

• Proven experience in logistics, distribution, or warehousing operations.
• Strong knowledge of cargo handling processes and equipment.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Full right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily port operations including safety and work allocation.
• Plan and prepare for ship working considering resources and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation.

Skills

Logistics experience

Cargo handling knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Leadership skills

Risk assessment

Team supervision

Health and safety understanding

Regulatory interpretation

Tools

Microsoft Excel

IPOS

Job description

Overview

Job Description

Location: Forth Ports Ltd, 100 Ocean Drive

Job Title: Operations Supervisor

Location: Port of Leith

Hours: Mon - Thur 0800-1700, Fri 0800-1600 with occasional overtime and on-call

Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.

What The Role Involves

About The Role

We are looking to continually add talent to our team and as such we are seeking an experienced and proactive Operations Supervisor to oversee and co-ordinate safe, efficient, and cost-effective loading and discharge of cargo, along with all associated warehousing activities. The role ensures compliance with Health and Safety legislation and company procedures, while supporting operational performance across all cargo handling operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day port operations including safety, work allocation, performance monitoring, and staff development
• Maintain effective communication and working relationships with Port Operators to ensure smooth daily operations
• Plan and prepare for ship working, considering resources, equipment, weather, and timescales to ensure timely and damage-free cargo handling
• Ensure all plant and equipment are safely operated, well-maintained, and available for scheduled work
• Conduct regular competency assessments and ensure training needs are identified and addressed
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards for cargo handling in line with GAFTA and ISO standards
• Support strong customer relationships by delivering on performance commitments and handling communications professionally
• Collaborate with administration teams to ensure accurate reporting and stock control using Microsoft Office and IPOS systems
• Take a lead role in promoting a proactive safety culture through supervision, risk assessment, inspections, and compliance with Life Saving Rules
• Ensure all staff are inducted, competent, and equipped to carry out their roles safely and effectively

What We're Looking For

You will be a reliable, safety-focused leader with excellent problem-solving and planning skills. You must be comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments and flexible to cover a variety of shifts, including ad hoc weekends and night work, to meet operational demands. A hands-on, motivated, and adaptable approach is essential to thrive in this dynamic and challenging role.

Skills And Qualifications

• Proven experience in logistics, distribution, or warehousing operations
• Strong knowledge of cargo handling processes and equipment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and familiar with IPOS
• Excellent planning, communication, and leadership skills
• Competent in risk assessment and safety compliance
• Experience in supervising and developing teams
• Strong understanding of health and safety standards and procedures
• Able to interpret and apply regulatory requirements (GAFTA, ISPS, SEPA)
• Full UK driving licence

What Forth Ports Can Offer You

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• A defined pension scheme and life assurance
• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
• Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking
• Attractive Family Friendly Policies
• Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
• GymFlex health club memberships

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.

How To Apply

If you are an ambitious Operations professional and looking to continue your career as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.

Required Criteria

• Proven experience in logistics, distribution, or warehousing operations
• Strong knowledge of cargo handling processes and equipment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and familiar with IPOS
• Full UK driving licence
• Full right to work in the UK

Closing Date

Thursday 2nd October, 2025

Contract Type

Full-time

Salary

Based on Experience

We value diversity and inclusivity. This is 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.