About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Duty Shift Manager to act as the accountable operational lead for an assigned shift within the Port of Dover Cargo Ltd operation. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for both vessel-based and landside cargo operations.
As Duty Shift Manager, you will set the tone for safety, performance, and behaviour on shift, ensuring operations are delivered safely, compliantly, and efficiently while meeting customer expectations and operating within agreed budgets.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all operational and labour activities on shift.
• Lead safe, efficient vessel discharge and loading operations to time and budget.
• Act as the responsible manager on duty across vessel, terminal, warehouse, container, and export operations.
• Take ownership of operational decision-making, particularly during disruption or periods of increased risk.
• Balance safety, productivity, customer service, and resources in a dynamic operating environment.
Safety, Compliance & Standards
• Lead by example in safety, professionalism, and procedural compliance.
• Take full accountability for the safety and security of employees and contractors on shift.
• Proactively challenge unsafe acts, poor standards, and non-compliance.
• Ensure plant, equipment, containers, and cold store facilities are fit for purpose and correctly used.
• Monitor cold store operations, including temperatures, condition, and statutory compliance.
• Lead or support investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Act as a champion for food safety and environmental compliance.
People Management
• Lead, supervise, and support stevedores and operational teams.
• Set clear expectations around performance, behaviour, and PPE standards.
• Address performance and conduct issues confidently and fairly, escalating where appropriate.
• Deliver daily pre-shift briefings covering operational plans, risks, and safety updates.
• Champion continuous improvement and positively lead change.
Warehouse, Container & Export Cover
• Provide hands-on cover for warehouse operations when required, including pre-picking and vehicle loading.
• Support container and export activities, including steel loading, discharge planning, and customer liaison.
• Maintain accurate paperwork and system records for audit and compliance purposes.
Performance & Reporting
• Deliver against agreed KPIs and Service Level Agreements.
• Complete all operational documentation accurately and on time.
• Raise quality non-conformances where customer service or compliance may be impacted.
The Ideal Candidate
Experience & Knowledge
• Proven experience in port or cargo terminal operations, including vessel discharge and loading.
• Strong understanding of plant utilisation, resourcing, stock management, and cross-docking.
• Experience delivering KPIs and SLAs in a high-pressure operational environment.
• Sound knowledge of cargo slinging and lifting techniques.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and operational IT systems.
Skills & Attributes
• Strong leadership, organisational, and supervisory skills.
• Calm, confident decision-maker with excellent problem-solving ability.
• Customer-focused with strong communication skills.
Desirable Qualifications
• Fork Lift Operator
• Slinger/Signaller
• Reach Truck Operator
• Reach Stacker (G4)
• Tug/Mafi Driver
• Class 1 HGV
• Safety Awareness Certificate
Additional Information
This position requires flexibility to meet the demands of a fast-paced cargo operation and the ability to work a rotating shift pattern, including early, late, and occasional night shifts.
Benefits
Hours of work 40 p/w (hours will include early, late and sometimes night shifts)
Salary: £41,500 (per annum)
If you’re an experienced operational leader looking for a challenging and rewarding role at one of the UK’s busiest ports, we’d love to hear from you.
All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK. Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.
We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.
All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.
Closing date: 5 June 2026 at 5pm
The Port of Dover is the UK's busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade. It is also an award-winning cruise port, hosting an array of the world's most prestigious cruise lines. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a brand-new marina and exciting waterfront development, Dover is connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally.
The Port of Dover is leading the field in decarbonisation, driving innovation, delivering resilience and building a port that will herald a new era of seamless, smart and sustainable travel.
And we are doing it in partnership – collaborating locally, nationally, and internationally to exchange the very best ideas and continually improve each and every day for the businesses that rely on us, the people that work for us and the communities that live alongside us.
Follow our Port of Dover Cargo page on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates: www.linkedin.com/portofdovercargo
