Port Manager

Wolviston Management Services are delighted to be supporting our client in the appointment of an experienced and proactive Port Manager to lead the safe, efficient and compliant day-to-day operation of a busy port facility.
This is a pivotal leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, people management, customer delivery and continuous improvement across all port activities. You will play a key role in ensuring the port operates to the highest standards of safety, service and efficiency while supporting commercial objectives and long-term growth.

The Role
Reporting into senior management, the Port Manager will provide visible, hands-on leadership across all port operations. You will take ownership of daily performance, ensuring safe systems of work, effective resource utilisation and a consistently high level of service for customers and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all day-to-day port operations, including vessel operations, cargo handling and resource allocation
• Maintain operational continuity while balancing safety, customer requirements and commercial priorities
• Optimise the utilisation of port assets, including plant, equipment, berths, cranes and storage areas
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations, including RAMS, permits, PPE and safe systems of work
• Lead incident investigations, produce reports and implement corrective and preventative actions
• Deliver daily and weekly operational briefings, toolbox talks and safety communications
• Manage operational rosters, training, competence and performance across the workforce
• Line manage the Assistant Port Manager, supervisors and operational teams
• Support operational discussions with customers, agents, hauliers and service partners to ensure service level expectations are met
• Oversee short- and medium-term resource planning and coordination
• Produce operational reports, KPIs, performance updates and incident summaries
• Identify and implement operational improvements and cost-efficiency initiatives
• Undertake port operative duties when required, in line with competence and operational need
• Manage crane positioning on the quayside and oversee lifting operations
• Inspect and manage lifting accessories, ensuring faults are reported and rectified
• Manage stock control, consumables ordering and stocktakes
• Uphold site security and safety standards at all times

About You
To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced operational leader with a strong background in port, terminal or heavy industrial environments. You will bring a hands-on approach, a strong safety mindset and the ability to lead and motivate multi-skilled teams.

You will also demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a port, terminal or heavy industrial operational management role
• Strong working knowledge of port operations, lifting operations and cargo handling
• A clear commitment to health, safety and regulatory compliance
• Confident people management skills with experience leading operational teams
• Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving abilities
• A practical, hands-on approach suited to a demanding operational environment
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders