Optimisation Business Partner

DP World; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

DP World Southampton is seeking an Optimisation Business Partner to review operational performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities in our Southampton office. You will work with Operations, Planning, and Engineering to enhance processes, efficiency and compliance across terminal activities.

The role requires experience in Transportation/Logistics with a focus on operational data analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum A-level education or equivalent (tertiary qualification desirable).
• Proven track record in Transportation and/or Logistics.
• Knowledge of container terminal operations is beneficial.
• Experience with Business Process Modelling is desirable.
• Excellent communication with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Detail-oriented with high accuracy in documentation and planning.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Review operational KPIs and ensure targets are met in line with terminal performance.
• Advise Planning and Execution teams on improvements using data and statistics.
• Compare actual performance with strategies and plans.
• Identify and implement changes to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Support Operations in identifying performance trends and future opportunities.
• Manage operational projects across Operations, Systems and Engineering.
• Use tools to track transformation activity and ensure process compliance.
• Maintain documentation and contribute to a Quality Management System.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Operations analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

A-level education or equivalent

Tertiary qualification desirable

Tools

Business Process Modelling

Job description

We have an excellent opportunity for an Optimisation Business Partner, based out of our Southampton office. This role is responsible for reviewing the performance of operational strategies and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. You will regularly assess operational procedures and processes, ensure departmental compliance with company policies, and recommend improvements that align with legislation, corporate standards, and operational best practice.

Our successful candidate will have a strong background within the Transportation, Logistics or operational industry, knowledge of container terminal operations would be beneficial but not essential. You will have proven experience analysing operational performance, managing improvement projects, and working closely with operational teams to enhance processes, efficiency, and compliance.

Location: Southampton
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Mon–Fri)

How You Will Contribute

• Review operational KPIs and ensure they are met in line with agreed terminal performance targets.
• Advise Planning and Execution teams on areas for improvement, using operational statistics and available performance data.
• Review actual performance against operational strategies and plans.
• Continually monitor, identify and implement operational changes that improve efficiency, including exploring alternative planning strategies.
• Support the Operations team in identifying performance trends, enabling prediction of future improvement opportunities.
• Project manage assigned operational projects from initial concept through to completion and implementation, coordinating across Operations, Systems, and Engineering.
• Use appropriate tools to manage and track transformation activity and monitor departmental processes to ensure compliance with procedures.
• Ensure documentation on operational processes and improvements is maintained and kept up to date; support the development of a Quality Management System for operational processes.
• Review and improve Business Continuity Plans and maintain Risk Registers.
• Assist the Management Team in achieving and sustaining terminal performance targets.
• Comply with Fatal Risk Standards, Health & Safety Policy and Safe Working Practices, reporting accidents and near misses as required.

What You Will Bring

• Minimum A‑level education or equivalent (tertiary qualification desirable).
• A proven track record within the Transportation and/or Logistics industry.
• Detailed knowledge of container terminal operations.
• Experience with Business Process Modelling (desirable).
• Exceptional communication skills — articulate, clear, and able to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop creative and effective solutions.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to identify logic gaps or underlying issues.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across diverse, multicultural teams.
• Results‑oriented approach with strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a positive, proactive attitude.
• Strong understanding of the need for confidentiality when handling sensitive company data.
• Flexibility to travel to UK ports and terminals when required.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organisation. We strive to hire and develop the right people locally and globally, supporting personal growth and self‑development within an informal and supportive atmosphere. We offer a market‑competitive compensation package.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a diverse and dedicated team of more than 111,000 employees across 77 countries, DP World is driving trade forward and investing in a seamless supply chain fit for the future.

We are transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology — combining global infrastructure with local expertise to create more efficient end‑to‑end supply chain solutions.

Driving innovation is at the heart of what we do, from automated warehouse technologies to intelligent delivery systems, helping to minimise disruptions across supply chains worldwide.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered. We believe that inclusion and diversity fuel innovation, strengthen relationships, and connect people, businesses, and societies.

The DP World family includes syncreon, Imperial and P&O.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

TO CHANGE WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or belief.

By submitting your resume and application information, you authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the world-wide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for the purpose of evaluating your qualification for this or other job vacancies.

Job Info

• Job Identification 23691
• Job Category Operations
• Locations DP World Southampton,204-207 Western Avenue, Southampton, SO15 1DA, GB