Terminal Operative – DP World London Gateway
We’re looking for Terminal Operatives to keep global trade moving and make a real impact every day. This is your chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where no two shifts are the same. You’ll be hands-on with cutting-edge equipment, operating powerful machinery, and working as part of a team that keeps ships, trains, and cargo flowing smoothly. If you love variety, teamwork, and the buzz of a world-class port, this is the role for you!
SHIFTS: We’ve listened to feedback and worked hard to improve our shift patterns, giving our team a better work-life balance. For this role, the shift pattern is: 4 day shifts (flexi) → 2 days off → 4 night shifts (flexi) → 2 days off, repeated on a 12-week cycle. These are flexi shifts, which means you may not be required for all of the shifts, but you’ll have a clear schedule and need to be available when required. This flexibility helps us keep operations running smoothly while giving you regular time off to recharge.
About the role – What you’ll be doing:
1. Operate terminal equipment – Following full training, you’ll drive large plant machinery and vehicles to move containers safely and accurately within the port.
2. Perform safety checks – Complete pre- and post-operational inspections on equipment and promptly report any defects to the control team.
3. Support crane operations – Prepare and position materials required for handling oversized containers and assist with securing containers using twist locks from designated safe platforms.
4. Champion safety culture – Safety is our top priority. You will take full responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment, follow all safety procedures without compromise, and immediately report any hazards, accidents, or near misses. Your commitment to safety protects you, your team, and the entire operation.
5. Rail and vessel support – Help with loading and unloading containers from trains at the railhead and assist with mooring and unmooring vessels at the berth as part of a team.
6. Maintain operational flow – Ensure all tasks are completed efficiently to avoid delays to crane operations and overall terminal performance.
7. Use radio communications – Stay in contact with team members and supervisors to coordinate activities effectively.
8. Cargo handling duties – Assist with presenting cargo for inspections (UKBA, Port Health,, operate forklifts and other handling equipment as required.
9. Work alongside crane operators – Provide support during container handling to keep operations smooth and safe.
10. Contribute to improvements – Take part in continuous improvement initiatives and help achieve business objectives.
11. Ensure effective handovers – Communicate clearly with the next shift to maintain continuity.
What We’re Looking For
12. Minimum GCSE Maths & English (Grade C or above) or equivalent.
13. Strong safety-first mindset – committed to following procedures and maintaining a safe working environment.
14. Experience in safety-critical or similar environments such as ports, aviation, rail, construction, warehousing, manufacturing, or factory operations is highly desirable.
15. Local to our site – we understand long travel times after extended shifts can be challenging, so proximity is a plus.
16. Previous experience working shift patterns, including nights, would be an advantage.
17. Team player with a ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to learn.
18. Physically fit to meet required medical standards.
19. Comfortable working at heights and in a fast-paced environment.
Next Steps:
If your application is successful, we’ll invite you to our Open Day on Saturday, 24th January – a fantastic opportunity to experience life at London Gateway!
What to expect:
Meet the team, discover the role – learn about the equipment, the work environment, and what makes this job unique. Take part in a short interview and activity and finally ask questions – find out everything you need to know about joining us. We can’t wait to welcome you and show you what makes this role exciting!
All of our roles are subject to the below:
20. Eligibility to work in the UK.
21. A full valid UK driving licence or appropriate international licence allowing you to drive on UK roads.
22. No unspent criminal convictions,
23. Due to manufacturing guidelines on equipment and site safety critical health and safety requirements, we have strict weight and medical requirements that need to be met and maintained. For our safety critical roles health and medical and fitness checks are performed. Requirements include, but are not limited to, weight (max 130kg), height, blood pressure and hearing.
24. We may close our roles early, depending on the number of applications received.
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 believe that employees are happiest when they’re empowered to be their true, authentic selves. So, please come as you are. We can’t wait to meet you.