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.

Head of Learning and Development – Port of London Authority

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

The Directorate of Human Resources is responsible for all things people based and currently comprises of Human Resources Health, Safety and Wellbeing and Payroll and pensions.

 

Engineering Administrator – Port of Aberdeen

We are looking for an Engineering Administrator to provide administration support to the Engineering and Maintenance teams to ensure the smooth running of department processes. Additionally, it will involve the updating and maintenance of databases and project folders.

The Engineering Administrator will also provide ad hoc administration support to other departments, as required.

Click here for details

Marine & Operations Administrator – Port of Aberdeen

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Port of Aberdeen

We are looking for a Marine & Operations Administrator to provide administration support to the Marine and Operations Departments to ensure the smooth running of department processes, liaising with other departments and external stakeholders as required.

The Marine & Operations Administrator will also provide ad hoc administration support to other departments, as required.

Click here for details

 

Chief Executive Officer – Care Ashore

Care Ashore are seeking their next Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity into an exciting phase of growth and beyond.

Click link below for further information

Treasurer – Fraserburgh Harbour

Fraserburgh Harbour is looking for an experienced accounting professional to join our team.

We are embarking upon one of the most exciting periods in the Harbour’s history. Our Treasurer will play a significant role in our Masterplan – a vision and strategic framework for developing the Harbour to meet the needs of our current and future customers.

If you meet the requirements below, or know someone who does, you can view full job details and apply at https://lnkd.in/eThFS6S4

Electrical Engineer – Port of Tyne

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Port of Tyne

THE ROLE: 

You will be responsible for carrying out Electrical Engineering Maintenance work on all Electrical Services, Systems, Plant and Equipment (Planned and Breakdown), in addition to Electrical Installation works in accordance with current regulations.

Click here for details

Pilot Trainee – Port of Tyne

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Port of Tyne

The Port of Tyne is seeking a Trainee Marine Pilot to join our team and play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of our busy port.  In role you will provide expert navigational guidance and assistance to ships entering and leaving the Port and Communicate effectively with ship crews and the port authority to coordinate safe and efficient ship movements

For further details click here

Head of Maintenance – Port of Tyne

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Port of Tyne

The successful candidate will support the Head of Maintenance in delivering the key operational objectives and the planned and reactive maintenance and repair of all plant, machinery, marine vessels and associated infrastructure whilst ensuring efficient, reliable, safe and cost effective service is provided to operational teams.

Click here for further details

Health and Safety Leader – Port of Tyne

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Port of Tyne

The Port are looking for an experienced Health and Safety Leader to ensure that appropriate systems, processes and strategies are developed and implemented such that the Port of Tyne is fully compliant with all relevant legislation.

Click here for further details

Electrician – Port of Blyth

We are looking to employ an experienced Electrician to join our maintenance team at the Port of Blyth.

The Port has an array of cargo handling equipment that includes FLT, Cranes & Heavy Plant; experience of working with these types of equipment both mechanically and electrically would be an advantage.

Click here for further details

Accounts Assistant – Port of Blyth

This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast moving and growing business, with the potential to quickly take on responsibility and grow within the organisation.

This is an office-based role that will involve working in the Finance team, including closely with the Finance Director, with full training and career development provided for an enthusiastic individual looking to develop their career.

Click here for further details

Graduate Trainee Accountant – Port of Blyth

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Port of Blyth

This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast moving and growing business, with the potential to quickly take on responsibility and grow within the organisation.

The role will involve working in the Finance team, including closely with the Finance Director, with full training and career development provided for an enthusiastic individual looking to develop their career and complete their professional exams.

Click here for further details

Maintenance Fitter – Port of Blyth

We are looking to employ an experienced Maintenance Fitter to join our maintenance team at the Port of Blyth.

We have an array of cargo handling plant that includes FLT, Cranes & Heavy Plant that require regular servicing and repair. Therefore, previous experience of working with these types of equipment would be an advantage.

Click here for further details

Trainee Marine Pilot – Port of London Authority

Minimum Requirements

To apply to be a Port of London Authority Pilot you must:

  • Be eligible to work in the UK – Find out more about eligibility
  • Hold a STCW II/2 Masters Unlimited Certificate of Competency, or have achieved this by the time of training commencement if successful (Evidence of Notice of Eligibility will be required)
  • Hold an unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate (or equivalent)
  • Hold a full current driving license
  • Be an excellent communicator and fluent in English, in particular when using VHF
  • Have good spatial awareness
  • Be decisive and able to act confidently
  • Be a team player with good I.T. skills

Head of Commercial Operations – Falmouth Harbour / Marine resources

Marine resources are proud to be in partnership with Falmouth Harbour in the search for their next Head of Commercial Operations.

The appointed Head of Commercial Operations will have the unique responsibility of ensuring the sustainable development and long-term prosperity of the harbour, benefiting its users and the wider community.

Click here for further details

Marine Support Officer – Port of Milford Haven

As a Marine Support Officer, you will support the Harbour Master (HM) and the Assistant Harbour Masters (AHM) in facilitating the safe and efficient utilisation of the Haven by all users, as required by the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983 and MHPA Act 2002. In particular to provide Marine expertise and guidance to the Port of Pembroke team as well as assist with other Marine Works  across the Haven.

Click here for further information

Sustainability Coordinator Vacancy – Shoreham Port

Trust Manager – Scrabster Harbour Trust

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Scrabster Harbour Trust

 

Due to the retirement of the current postholder, Scrabster Harbour Trust is seeking to appoint a Trust Manager. This is a chief executive equivalent role and an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued commercial success of the organisation.

To find out further details about this post click: Trust Manager – Scrabster Harbour Trust