Port Manager – Dover
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Port Manager to take full responsibility for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of a key port facility.
This is a senior leadership position requiring a strong operational manager who can lead from the front, drive performance, and develop high-performing teams. The successful candidate will be an ambitious and resilient leader, comfortable making difficult decisions, managing change, and holding teams accountable while maintaining a strong focus on customer service, safety, and operational excellence.
Working closely with the Director of Port Operations and key business stakeholders, you will oversee all aspects of port performance, including operational delivery, employee engagement, customer satisfaction, compliance, and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop operational teams to deliver exceptional service standards and business performance.
* Drive a strong HSSE culture, ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and compliance.
* Manage all day-to-day port operations, ensuring efficient utilisation of resources, infrastructure, plant, and equipment.
* Deliver operational improvements and continuous efficiency initiatives across the port.
* Take ownership of customer experience and service delivery in line with commercial objectives.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with Harbour Authorities, Regulatory Bodies, Port Authorities, and other key external stakeholders.
* Work closely with Finance to manage budgets, costs, and profitability initiatives.
* Partner with HR and People teams to support recruitment, succession planning, employee development, and performance management.
* Lead employee relations activities, including engagement with unions and staff representatives.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, industry regulations, company policies, and ISPS requirements.
* Manage attendance, absence, and workforce performance across the operation.
About You
We are looking for a proven operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced maritime environment and enjoys building strong, accountable teams.
You will likely bring:
* Significant management experience within a port, terminal, logistics, maritime, or operational environment.
* Strong understanding of maritime operations and service delivery.
* Experience delivering operational change and driving business improvement initiatives.
* Demonstrable success leading, motivating, and developing large operational teams.
* Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational performance, customer expectations, and financial objectives.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills and experience working with regulatory authorities and external partners.
* A confident leadership style with the ability to have challenging conversations when required and hold teams accountable.
* A proactive, ambitious mindset with a desire to continuously improve performance and develop people.
Full right to work in the UK is essential for this role.