Operations Supervisor - Terminal

Manpower UK; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK is recruiting a Terminal Operations Supervisor in Southampton for a fast-paced port environment. You will oversee day-to-day terminal activities, ensure safety, efficiency and customer service, and support the Operations Manager.

The role requires supervisory experience in terminal operations, strong leadership, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement. Hours are Monday to Friday 1:30pm–10:00pm, salary £38,821.82 per annum.

Qualifications

• Supervisory experience in terminal operations, logistics, warehousing or similar.
• Strong leadership and ability to develop teams.
• Experience in fast-paced, safety-focused environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organised with ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Proficient with data and performance metrics.

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, procedures and site safety standards.
• Support delivery of cargo handling operations while maintaining quality and minimising damage incidents.
• Assist with labour planning and resource allocation to optimise performance and control costs.
• Monitor KPIs and operational performance, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Complete operational administration including attendance, invoicing, holidays, and return-to-work procedures.
• Support onboarding and development of new and existing team members.
• Conduct preliminary investigations into accidents, incidents and operational issues with accurate reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Organisation

Problem solving

IT proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Terminal 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, stevedoring, 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.