Port Operative

MLT Recruitment Services; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading port operating company in Southampton is looking for Permanent General Terminal Operatives to enhance port operations. This full-time role offers a salary of £24,522, with additional bonuses for training completion and overseas deployment. Successful candidates will participate in varied operations, including loading and securing cargo, and will receive extensive training to operate specialized machinery. Ideal applicants should be UK citizens, physically fit, and possess a valid UK driving licence. Great benefits and long-term job stability are offered.

Benefits

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Access to free gym

Enhanced sick pay

Onsite café

Qualifications

• Experience in Stevedoring / Port Operations.
• Valid full UK driving licence is required.
• Aged between 18-43 years old.

Responsibilities

• Carry out cargo operations including loading and unloading vessels.
• Deploy worldwide on short assignments for cargo operations.

Skills

Experience in Stevedoring / Port Operations

Physically fit

Aptitude to learn new skills

Education

GCSE English and Mathematics, grade A G or equivalent

Tools

Mechanical Handling Equipment

Cat C HGV

Job description

Port Operative

Southampton • Full-time • £24,522 Per Annum + Bonus

An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for Permanent General Terminal Operatives to join a leading port operating company, in Marchwood, Southampton, Hampshire with attractive long‑term job stability and an opportunity to see the world.

Our client operates the Port of Marchwood and provides port services to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). We are recruiting Terminal Operatives to support port operations within the facility.

In this exciting and varied role you will carry out cargo operations including the mooring of vessels, loading, unloading and securing of cargo. Full training will be provided for the use of specialised heavy plant and machinery with industry qualifications.

As part of the role, there will be opportunities to deploy worldwide on short assignments (2‑5 days; Africa, Middle East, Europe, America etc.) to meet and discharge or load the vessels, and also opportunities to deploy for longer durations (up to 6 months) to carry out vessel operations.

In order to support the MoD both in the UK and overseas, applicants will be trained to become Sponsored Reserves (SR). SRs gain experience in both worlds of MoD and civilian environments which provides global exposure to the industry. This involves up to 38 days per year specialist trade training with the Army to enable port operatives to deploy to certain places where uniformed service is required. The training includes obtaining a Cat C HGV licence and familiarisation on driving some military vehicles. All training is undertaken in work time. There is no wider service obligation to the Army.

This role is also suitable for serving Army, Navy or RAF Reservists who can transfer across without repeating the Forces application process subject to terms and conditions.

Salary and Bonuses

Basic salary is £24,522 per annum for General Terminal Operatives which is enhanced through completion of Sponsored Reserve training by the following annual bonus payment amounts:

• On completion of training: £2,300 (taxable); after which
• Year 1: £444 (tax‑free)
• Year 2: £982 (tax‑free)
• Year 3 & 4: £1,517 (tax‑free)
• Year 5 and onwards: £1,759 (tax‑free)

In addition, for working abroad, individuals will receive a further payment of £1,000 per month or pro‑rata whilst working away (up to a maximum of £6,000 for a 6‑month deployment). Conditions / restrictions apply.

Benefits

• Holiday – 20 days per year plus 8 bank holidays. Accrue additional 3 days after 5 full years of service, plus an additional 2 days after a further 5 full years of service (total 25 days after 10 years).
• Additional paid Post Deployment Holiday – subject to length of deployment.
• Pension scheme.
• Enhanced sick pay, after completion of probationary period.
• Free parking.
• Onsite café.
• Access to free gym within army barracks.

Army Medical Cover (upon mobilisation)

• Deployment opportunities around the world – Norway, Germany, Albania, Morocco, Gibraltar, Jordan, UAE, Oman, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Portugal, Kenya, Belize and Falkland Islands etc.

Training

Full training provided, previous experience required.

General Terminal Operative / Stevedore

• Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) training opportunities include:
• Industrial Forklifts – 16 & 18 ton
• Top loaders – 32 & 44 ton
• Tugmaster (internal shunt vehicle)
• Crane operator
• Cat C HGV
• Military vehicle driving
• Weigh bridge operation
• Wash‑down and decontamination equipment
• A variety of other training opportunities (including rail and site maintenance)

Sponsored Reserve

• Train and qualify in company time.
• World‑class army training including leadership and management skills.

Development Opportunities

There is an opportunity to progress from Terminal Operator to Leading Hand to Terminal Supervisor.

Essential Requirements

• Experience in Stevedoring / Port Operations.
• Be a UK or Commonwealth Citizen.
• Reside in the UK for the last 5 years.
• Valid full UK driving licence.
• Valid passport with minimum of six months remaining at all times.
• Aged between 18‑43 years old (For ex‑Regular service personnel age limit is raised to 50). Army requirement.
• Physically fit – able to pass a fitness medical.
• Prepared and able to work at heights and enclosed spaces.
• Able to pass UK Government Security Clearance.
• Sign Official Secrets Act.
• Transferable skills.
• To work in compliance with safety, environmental and security policies.
• Aptitude to learn new skills and have a flexible outlook.

Desirable Requirements

• Previous military experience.
• GCSE English and Mathematics, grade A G or equivalent will be required to undertake entry level 3 literacy and numeracy tests.

Apply today to become part of a dynamic team that supports our defence partners.