Job Description

The Port of Dover is seeking a highly capable Permit to Work (PTW) Lead to drive the development, management and continuous improvement of our Authorisation to Work (ATW) and Permit to Work systems across one of the UK's busiest and most complex operational environments.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in construction, engineering, infrastructure, maintenance or health & safety environments who enjoys balancing risk, operational requirements and compliance. You will become the Port's subject matter expert for Safe Systems of Work, leading the strategic rollout of permit processes, developing system functionality, and ensuring all works conducted across the Port estate are managed safely and effectively.

Reporting into the leadership team, you will lead a team of two Technical Clerks and play a critical role in supporting operational decision-making, contractor governance and continuous improvement across the business.

What you'll be doing

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead the ongoing development, implementation and enhancement of the Port's Authorisation to Work (ATW) and Permit to Work systems (PTW).
• Act as the primary point of contact for all ATW and Permit to Work matters across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, UK legislation and regulatory requirements relating to Safe Systems of Work.
• Provide governance and assurance over construction, maintenance and engineering activities conducted within the Port boundary.
• Serve as the key decision-maker for risk-based operational approvals and authorisations.
• Act as gatekeeper for works managed through the ATW system.

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the ATW Office and lead a team of two Technical Clerks.
• Ensure permit applications, authorisations and change controls are processed in line with agreed service levels and performance targets.
• Manage system configuration, permissions, workflows, reporting and user access.
• Ensure risks arising from maintenance, construction and operational change activities are appropriately identified, assessed and controlled.
• Lead investigations into incidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Lead auditing activities relating to permits, authorisations and contractor compliance.
• Conduct site assurance activities and monitor adherence to Safe Systems of Work.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy and quality of permit reviews and approvals.
• Support compliance with CDM Regulations, Health & Safety legislation and Port procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement in permit governance and operational standards.

Training & Stakeholder Support

• Design and deliver training for internal users, contractors and third parties.
• Act as the business expert for ATW processes, permits, change control and system functionality.
• Coach and mentor team members and stakeholders to drive high standards and consistent application of procedures.
• Build strong relationships across departments and with external contractors.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement enhancements to systems, processes and ways of working.
• Lead projects focused on digitisation, automation and operational efficiency.
• Support the development and rollout of new permit types and ATW functionality aligned to strategic objectives.

Reporting & Analytics

• Produce performance reports and trend analysis.
• Monitor KPIs and service delivery metrics.
• Use data to drive improvements, enhance compliance and support decision-making.

What we're looking for

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Good standard of education, including GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above).
• Previous experience managing people, systems or operational processes.
• Experience within construction, engineering, maintenance, infrastructure or a Safe Systems of Work environment.
• Experience administering electronic management systems, workflows, permissions or databases, or a strong aptitude to learn.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Essential Skills

• Strong understanding of risk management and safe working practices.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make sound risk-based decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to balance quality and pace.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Customer-focused approach with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Benefits

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Private Health Care
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Benefits and reward platform
• Free Parking
• Employee volunteering scheme

Why join the Port of Dover?

The Port of Dover is a critical piece of UK infrastructure, connecting people, businesses and supply chains. You'll play a key role in ensuring that essential maintenance, engineering and construction activities are delivered safely, efficiently and compliantly across a unique and dynamic operational environment.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, leadership and continuous improvement while making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Hours of work: Monday – Friday 37.5 per week

Salary: £31k

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 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: 16 October 2026 at 5pm

This vacancy may close early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.