Terminal Supervisor

Associated British Ports; Southampton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Private healthcare

Employee Assistance Program

26 days annual leave

Discounts and rewards

Job summary

Associated British Ports (ABP) in Southampton is seeking a Compound Supervisor to lead receiving operations for automotive and plant machinery imports/exports. You will oversee a team ensuring safe, compliant cargo movement and close collaboration with customers and regulatory bodies.

This hands-on leadership role requires coordinating daily operations, developing your team, and meeting supplier expectations while maintaining terminal efficiency at ABP Southampton and ABP Solent Gateway.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or supervising a team in an operational environment (port/margo/warehouse).
• Strong communication and customer-service orientation.
• Knowledge of customs processes and CNS is beneficial.
• Familiarity with terminal operating software such as Inform is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Cargo Receivers across multiple dock locations.
• Plan daily workloads and ensure priorities are met safely and efficiently.
• Be the primary contact for customers and operational stakeholders.
• Manage terminal space and compound capacity against forecast cargo volumes.
• Support vessel and compound operations through terminal systems.
• Monitor customs compliance and resolve cargo-system issues.
• Deliver team briefings and operational updates, including toolbox talks.
• Participate in a rostered weekend duty system.

Skills

Team leadership

Port / marine experience

Customs processes

Inform terminal operating system

Customer service

Flexible hours

Tools

Inform

Job description

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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 Compound Supervisor to lead our receiving operations across the Port of Southampton and ABP Solent Gateway. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll oversee the safe, efficient, and compliant movement of automotive and plant machinery imports and exports, while managing a team responsible for keeping cargo flowing through the port. Based on the requirements outlined in

You’ll be responsible for coordinating daily operations, supporting and developing your team, working closely with customers, and ensuring customs and cargo processes meet both customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Shift pattern:

Monday - Friday covering an 8 hours day between 0600 - 1800

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and developing a team of Cargo Receivers across multiple dock locations.
• Planning daily workloads and ensuring operational priorities are delivered safely and efficiently.
• Acting as a key point of contact for customers and operational stakeholders.
• Managing terminal space and compound capacity against forecast cargo volumes.
• Supporting vessel and compound operations through terminal operating systems.
• Monitoring customs compliance and resolving cargo system issues.
• Delivering team briefings, toolbox talks and operational updates.
• Participating in a rostered weekend duty system.

What We're Looking For

• Experience leading or supervising a team within an operational environment
• Flexible approach to working hours and location
• Ability to work across both Southampton and ABP Solent Gateway sites
• Availability for ad‑hoc weekend duties
• Space planning and capacity management experience
• Strong communication, customer service and leadership skills
• Port or marine industry experience
• Knowledge of customs processes and CNS
• Experience using terminal operating systems such as Inform

The role comes with a competitive salary, a contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% with a 2% company match up to 18%), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and increasing with service), a wide range of discounts/cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with a very training strong academy that offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

Want to see what it’s like to work for the UK’s largest port operator? Our virtual work experience programme gives you an inside look at trade, sustainability, safety, and careers in one of the UK’s most vital indutries-https://www.talentxp.co.uk/track/e2e029cd

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.