Operations Supervisor - Terminal

Manpower UK; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK is recruiting an experienced Terminal Operations Supervisor for a Southampton operation. You will supervise terminal teams, coordinate labour and equipment, ensure safety and quality, and drive operational performance in a fast-paced port environment.

The role reports to the Operations Manager and requires strong leadership, effective communication, and a proactive safety culture. Working hours are 1:30pm–10:00pm, Monday to Friday, with a full-time contract and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Experience in terminal/port operations or similar environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams.
• Strong focus on safety, quality and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily terminal operations to meet safety, efficiency and customer requirements.
• Lead terminal operatives and allocate tasks across areas.
• Conduct safety briefings, PPE checks and ensure procedures compliance.

Skills

Supervisory exp

Leadership

Safety focus

Communication

Organisational skills

IT skills

Driving licence

Risk assessments

Job description

Operations Supervisor

Southampton, UK Full-Time Salary: £38,821.82 per annum Hours: Monday to Friday, 1:30pm - 10:00pm

We are working in partnership with a leading global logistics and terminal operations business to recruit a Terminal Operations Supervisor for their Southampton operation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced supervisor or aspiring operational leader to join a fast-paced port environment, overseeing day-to-day terminal activities while ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and customer service.

The Role

As Terminal Operations Supervisor, you will support the Operations Manager in delivering safe, effective, and efficient terminal operations. You will be responsible for supervising terminal teams, coordinating labour and equipment resources, maintaining operational performance, and ensuring compliance with all safety and quality procedures. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence, supporting workforce development, and ensuring customer service standards and KPIs are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily terminal operations to ensure activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with customer requirements and service level agreements
• Lead and coordinate terminal operatives, allocating tasks and monitoring performance across operational areas
• Conduct safety briefings, equipment checks, and ensure compliance with PPE, operational procedures, and site safety standards
• Support the delivery of cargo handling operations while maintaining quality standards and minimising damage incidents
• Assist with labour planning and resource allocation to optimise operational performance and control costs
• Monitor KPIs and operational performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiency gains
• Complete operational administration including attendance monitoring, invoice processing, holiday approvals, and return-to-work procedures
• Support onboarding, training, and development of new and existing team members
• Conduct preliminary investigations into accidents, incidents, and operational issues, ensuring accurate reporting and follow-up actions
• Promote a strong safety-first culture and ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements
• Deputise for the Operations Manager when required and provide supervisory support across departments as needed

About You

• Previous supervisory experience within terminal operations, logistics, warehousing, transport, or a similar operational environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, manage, and develop teams
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a focus on safety, quality, and operational performance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement approach
• Comfortable working with operational data and performance metrics to drive decision-making
• IT proficient, including Microsoft Office and operational management systems
• Full UK driving licence
• Knowledge of risk assessments, safe systems of work, and operational procedures would be advantageous
• Experience within port, terminal, stevedore, automotive, or cargo handling operations is desirable

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing and forward-thinking organisation where you can make a real impact, develop your leadership career, and contribute to the success of a critical logistics operation.