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Careers Hub

The °ÄÃÅÂë½ñÆÚ¿ª½±½á¹û is the national membership body for ports in the UK, representing 86% of all UK port traffic. We work hard to promote this thriving industry, both to the public and to government and see our role as essential in advocating not just for the major ports operators but also the key workers that keep our economy afloat. We aim to work towards an equitable, diverse, and transparent ports industry, and provide the secretariat for the Association of Participating Bodies of the Pilots’ National Pension Fund.

The British ports sector plays an essential role in the UK economy. 95% of the UK’s international trade, both imports and exports, pass through the ports and they are essential hubs for the energy and tourism sectors. A major part of that success story is our people; the dedicated individuals who keep our industry running through thick and thin.

The UK ports industry directly employs approximately 115,000 people, and creates additional jobs in logistics, energy, and tourism. However, more than that, the ports sector provides real opportunities for coastal communities and offers excellent career prospects for enthusiastic and talented people from all walks of life.

And not all ports careers require maritime experience. Positions in engineering, finance, and health and safety are just as much in demand as marine pilots, deckhands, and divers. So long as you have the drive to succeed, the ports sector wants you!

Key skills are always in demand, and the industry provides excellent opportunities for development in a practical setting. No matter what your talent, there is a job for you. These are just a few of the positions available in this vibrant and exciting industry.

  • ACCOUNTING and FINANCE

As with many industries, ports derive much of their income from day-to-day banking, invoicing customers, and other financial works. As such, there are several opportunities for accountants and finance officers in the ports industry. This can range from an Accounts Assistant, who provides clerical and smaller budgetary duties, to the Chief Finance Officer who is responsible for developing control systems designed to preserve assets.

  • ENGINEERING

Ports would cease to function without the hard work and experience of engineers. Electrical, mechanical, and apprentices are all essential to the running of ports, and often to excellent career progression within both their discipline and the port operator themselves.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL

Due to our coastal nature, the ports sector views themselves as custodians of some of the most spectacular and diverse areas of the British coastline. As such, the industry takes this role seriously and positions are open for environmental and sustainability officers. From investigating potential breaches in conduct to coordinating pollution policy, environmental positions form a large part of the social compact between operators and their communities.

  • HEALTH & SAFETY

Our people are the secret to the port industry’s success and keeping them safe from harm is a top priority. Health and Safety Managers conduct audits, inspections, and guidance for all 115,000 people in the sector and work frequently with our colleagues at Port Skills and Safety to ensure standards are maintained.

  • COMMUNICATIONS

Communications is of ever-increasing importance to the ports industry, as we aim to be more than just economic hubs but also drivers of investment in the local community. Public relations and communications managers play a key role in this mission, providing online comms, press releases, and internal publications. There is also the business aspect to consider, and marketing assistants are pivotal in the creation and distribution of market research and company branding.

Much of the ports sector relies on the accrued knowledge of thousands of industry veterans who understand their work inside and out. However, that knowledge is best passed on not through the classroom but by practical, real-world experience that only apprenticeships can offer. There are hundreds of port-based apprenticeship opportunities throughout the UK, providing internationally recognised qualifications and paid positions for everyone from school leavers to career changers.

The ports industry is committed to the principles of equality and diversity, believing that only through embracing different people from different backgrounds can new and successful ideas be allowed to propagate. The sector provides a wide range of jobs, allowing people to work to their strengths while exploring new career paths and possibilities. In recent years, °ÄÃÅÂë½ñÆÚ¿ª½±½á¹û has worked with Maritime UK on their Maritime Careers Hub and Ethnicity in Maritime Initiative to encourage people, regardless of age of demographic, to consider working in a maritime setting. As an island nation, it makes sense.

The following ports industry jobs have been sent to us by our members.

Please download the attached files or click the links to view.

If you are a member and would like us to add a vacancy please contact us.

To find out more about Maritime Careers please .

To find out more about Apprenticeships and career pathways click on to the to find out more.

Marine Pilot – Fenland District Council

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Fenland District Council
  • Job link:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Wisbech Port Authority team within Fenland District Council as a Marine Pilot on a 2-year fixed term contract.

The role requires the successful candidate to have current proven ship handling experience within the last 12 months. The core role is to take responsibility for the safe manoeuvring of a variety of commercial vessels along the port limits of Wisbech and Port Sutton Bridge or within the local pilotage district- any time during the night or day complying with all current legislation including being available for immediate call out, when rostered on duty.

Contract: 2-year Fixed Term Contract
Salary during training: £43,421 to £48,474
Salary: £49,421 to £56,018 once fully qualified.

+ Car allowance £5,083.00. once fully authorised.
+ LGSS Pension scheme
+ 26 Days Holiday + Bank holidays

 

Harbour Master – Fraserburgh Harbour

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Fraserburgh Harbour
  • Job link:

Fraserburgh Harbour is a forward thinking, diverse and dynamic organisation dedicated to the growth and management of a successful port in the North East of Scotland.

As Harbour Master, you will oversee all marine operations and ensure strict adherence to operational, legislative, Port Marine Safety Code, and other relevant requirements governing the Harbour Authority.

Port Environmental Lead Officer – Portsmouth International Port

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Portsmouth International Port
  • Job link:

Portsmouth International Port is seeking an enthusiastic, forward thinking Port Environmental Lead Officer to support its innovative, green ambitions. Recently the Port secured over £20m in government funding to deliver one the country’s most ambitious shore power projects, known as Sea Change, which will be a game-changer for the industry.

The successful candidate will play a significant role in the Sea Change project and be a major influence on the Port’s future sustainability plans to become net carbon neutral by 2030, and its long-term ambition to be the UK’s first emission free port in line with the government’s Maritime 2050 plan.

If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please call Mr Steve Watkyns, Technical Director, 02392 855907.

When completing the application form, please thoroughly tailor your application to the ‘Who is the Person’ points with the use of examples from your experience and attach this as a cover letter in the Supporting Documents section. This is really important or you are likely not to be shortlisted. Please ensure your C.V. is tailored to the role following the advice above. And that it includes include your full work history, explaining any gaps and includes employers name and address. Please click  for the full job profile!

Six Seats on the Board of Commissioners -Poole Harbour Commissioners

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Poole Harbour Commissioners
  • Job link:

Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) is looking to appoint six Commissioners to serve on the Board of the Trust Port which operates the commercial Port of Poole and oversees the 10,000 acres that make up Europe’s largest natural harbour.

PHC is looking for six high calibre individuals with an interest in Poole Harbour to fill these vacancies for a period of three years, commencing on 1st November 2024.

Applicants will be able to show skills and experience commensurate with a non-executive director’s position. This would include a familiarity with local issues relating to the area with an emphasis based upon:

  • Management of harbours;
  • Industrial, commercial or financial matters;
  • Water related leisure activities;
  • Administration; and
  • Local Governance

Closing date for applications is Friday 9th August 2024, and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early September 2024.