Shift Supervisor

Associated British Ports; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Private healthcare

EAP

Discounts

Training academy

Job summary

Associated British Ports in Southampton is seeking a Shift Supervisor to lead our stevedore teams and ensure safe, efficient cargo operations aligned with customer needs. You will coach staff, manage vessel operations and drive performance within a dynamic port environment.

The role requires proven leadership, port experience, and a full UK driving licence. Expect a 5 days on, 3 days off pattern (40-hour average) with a competitive benefits package including pension and private healthcare.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience.
• Experience in a port operational environment.
• Strong communication and decision-making skills.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexible to meet operational demands.
• Continuous improvement experience.
• 2+ years' port industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Leading and motivating stevedore teams to deliver daily operational plans.
• Managing multiple cargo handling teams and agency personnel across vessel operations.
• Ensuring all operations are carried out safely and in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing team members to maximise performance and engagement.
• Managing employee relations matters, including attendance, performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Supporting recruitment, training and development activities within the team.
• Acting as the first point of escalation for operational incidents and customer service issues.
• Ensuring accurate completion of operational reports and documentation.
• Managing risk assessments, safe systems of work and operational inspections

Skills

Proven leadership

Experience in port operational

Strong communication & decision-making

Proactive & self-motivated

Full UK driving licence

Flexible to meet operational demands

Continuous improvement

2+ years port experience

Job description

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Why should you work for ABP?

• Have the chance to make a difference in a business critical to UK trade.
• Work within an exciting, innovative, growing business.
• You can thrive in an inclusive environment where every individual can be themselves and feel respected
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package
• Get support for training, personal development, and further education
• Benefit from support and engagement through dedicated management and leadership

We're looking for a Shift Supervisor to lead our Stevedore operational teams in Southampton. This role is responsible for delivering safe, efficient and customer-focused cargo operations while supporting and developing team performance.

Working Pattern

This role operates on a5 days on, 3 days off annualised shift pattern, based on a 40-hour average working week.

• Day 1: 06:00 - 18:00
• Day 2: 06:00 - 20:00
• Days 3, 4 & 5: Any 12-hour shift within a 24-hour period, depending on operational requirements.

Flexibility is essential, as shift start and finish times may vary to support business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and motivating stevedore teams to deliver daily operational plans.
• Managing multiple cargo handling teams and agency personnel across vessel operations.
• Ensuring all operations are carried out safely and in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing team members to maximise performance and engagement.
• Managing employee relations matters, including attendance, performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Supporting recruitment, training and development activities within the team.
• Acting as the first point of escalation for operational incidents and customer service issues.
• Ensuring accurate completion of operational reports and documentation.
• Managing risk assessments, safe systems of work and operational inspections

What We're Looking For Essential

• Proven leadership experience.
• Experience in a port operational environment.
• Strong communication and decision-making skills.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexible to meet operational demands.
• Continuous improvement experience.
• 2+ years' port industry experience.

We offer a competitive salary, contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% employee contribution with 5% company match), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, wide range of discounts and cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with an in-house training academy which offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.