Careers Hub

The British Ports Association 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, BPA 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 click here.

To find out more about Apprenticeships and career pathways click on to the Port Skills and Safety website to find out more.

Port of Inverness Marine Pilot/Deputy Harbour Master

Inverness Harbour Trust is looking for a motivated maritime professional to join our small marine operations team at the heart of the Highland capital.

Following training and examination, which the Trust will fund, you will undertake authorised pilotage duties for the Port, support safe navigation, and act as Deputy to the Harbour Master. The post offers further progression within the Port team.

Full-time, permanent  ·  Harbour Office, Inverness
Closing date: Friday 2 October 2026

Sustainability & Environment Advisor/Manager MARAEN

Maraen is looking for an experienced and motivated Sustainability & Environment Advisor/ Manager to join our team and play a key role in developing and delivering our environmental and sustainability agenda.

This is an excellent opportunity for an environmental professional who wants to make a genuine impact across a diverse and operationally focused business.

Working closely with our HSEQ and operational teams, you will provide specialist environmental and sustainability advice, ensure regulatory compliance, identify opportunities for improvement, and help embed sustainable practices throughout the organisation.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working at both a strategic and practical level, engaging with senior management while also supporting operational teams across our facilities.

This role is full-time and office based at Port of Nigg (IV19). Applicants must be able to commute daily to this location.

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and cover letter to recruitment@maraenholdings.com

Contract Manager MARAEN

Maraen Holdings is a leading provider of integrated port infrastructure, fabrication, and industrial services to the energy sector. Following its acquisition by Mitsui and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Maraen is undertaking a targeted programme of growth to strengthen its position at the forefront of the Energy Transition and Renewables markets.

With a strong project pipeline and further offshore and onshore energy developments secured through the coming decade, Maraen offers the opportunity to be part of an organisation shaping the future of low carbon energy infrastructure in the UK and internationally.

We are recruiting for a Contract Manager to provide contractual expertise across both pre-contract and post-award phases of project delivery. The role is embedded within the Commercial team and operates across the Group’s port, fabrication, IRM, and access businesses, with direct exposure to some of the most technically complex and commercially significant infrastructure projects in the UK energy transition market.

This role is full-time and office based, and can be based at Edinburgh (EH2), Aberdeen (AB11) or Port of Nigg (IV19). Applicants must be able to commute daily to one of these locations.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK without current or future Visa or Sponsorship requirements. Please do not apply if you are not eligible.

Applications should be submitted to recruitment@maraenholdings.com and should include a cover letter with your salary expectation.