Port Operator

Forth Ports Limited; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Forth Ports Limited, a leading port operator in the UK, is seeking enthusiastic Port Operators for a full-time role at the Port of Leith. The successful candidates will handle cargo operations and operate heavy machinery, requiring a strong focus on safety and flexibility in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a committed team as we work towards a sustainable future.

Benefits

Paid overtime

Generous annual leave entitlement

Defined pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to work scheme

Employee discount platform

GymFlex health club memberships

Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts and heavy machinery.
• Ability to work varied hours, including nights and weekends.
• Full driving licence valid in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Loading and discharging vessels, warehouse operations.
• Operating specialist heavy equipment and port-specific tools.
• Identifying and overcoming operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Plant driving experience

Forklift truck licence

Safe load handling

Manual handling

Adaptability to weather conditions

Job description

Job Description

Location: Forth Ports Ltd, 100 Ocean Drive

Job Title: Port Operator

Contract: 70 week fixed-term contract starting September 2025

Location: Port of Leith

Compensation: £40,335 + paid overtime

Hours: Full-time including days, evening and weekends

Forth Ports Limited is the UK’s third largest Port Operator Group. We are a dynamic, multimodal Ports owner and operator, offering a vast array of port-related services to facilitate connections between the UK, Europe and beyond.

Our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042 underscores our commitment to sustainability. Moreover, our substantial investments in infrastructure, port services and towage highlight our dedication to supporting the expansion of the UK’s renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. This is a pivotal moment to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.

About The Role

We are seeking to strengthen our experienced Forth Projects team with the recruitment of enthusiastic and committed Port Operators. This is a key operational role supporting the safe and efficient handling of cargo across a busy and dynamic port environment.

We are recruiting for multiple positions within the Forth Projects team, along with an additional role supporting the Forth Ports operational team at the Port of Leith.

You’ll be involved in loading and discharging vessels, warehouse operations, and cargo movements across the quayside. At times, you’ll also be working in the holds of vessels. The work is varied, hands-on, and physically demanding, with a strong focus on safety, precision, and operational discipline.

This role involves the operation of specialist heavy equipment such as forklifts, large shovels, Bobcats, and telehandlers. You’ll also be trained to use port-specific equipment, with opportunities to develop into crane operations—so the ability to work at height is essential. Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) may also be required for elevated tasks.

The port environment is fast-paced, and you must be able to think critically and respond quickly to changing conditions. You'll be expected to identify and overcome operational obstacles, minimising delays and maintaining productivity without compromising safety.

At peak periods, the role requires a high degree of flexibility, including the ability to work extended hours, night shifts, weekends, and public holidays as needed. Operational demands will vary, and the ability to adapt to shifting schedules is essential to support the successful delivery of project objectives.

What are we looking for?

• Plant driving experience and a forklift truck licence
• Proven experience in shift-based work and the operation of plant machinery in port or industrial environments
• Ideally, experience in slinging and banksman duties with a strong understanding of safe load handling
• Ability to carry out manual handling tasks and work at height and in varying weather conditions
• You must be available to work regular overtime
• Weekend and nightshift working will be required
• Full driving licence, valid in the UK
• Right to work in the UK
  
  

What Forth Ports Can Offer You

At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:

• A competitive salary
• Paid overtime
• 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 interested in starting your career as a Port Operator and want to be 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.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an Assessment event at the Port of Leith on Wednesday 16th July 2025 where you can find out more about us and the exciting opportunities that our company can provide.

Skills Needed

About The Company

Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.

Company Culture

Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.

Desired Criteria

Required Criteria

• Previous plant driving experience and a forklift truck licence
• Available to work regular overtime
• Weekend and nightshift working will be required
• Full driving licence, valid in the UK
• Right to work in the UK
  
  

Closing DateTuesday 1st July, 2025

Contract Typefulltime

Salary£40,393.00 Yearly