Port Operative

Port Operative (Belfast)

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Are you hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions?

Do you have experience operating large vehicles or machinery such as tractors, HGVs, or port equipment?

Are you motivated by the challenge of working in a fast-paced team, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of freight and passengers?

Location of the Job:

Belfast (Port-based)

Salary and Benefits Package:

• £33,927 per year
• Permanent, full-time role
• Company pension and life assurance scheme
• Travel concessions and rail discounts
• Health and wellbeing benefits including gym memberships and health cash plans
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Additional Information:

• Outdoor, hands-on role in all weather conditions
• New shift pattern introduced to improve work-life balance and consistency:
  • 2 days (06:00-18:00)
  • 2 nights (18:00-06:00)
  • 24-hour break after final day shift before transitioning to nights
• Training provided on specialist port machinery where required

About the Company:

Our client is a leading port operator, supporting the safe and efficient movement of freight, vehicles, and passengers through Belfast. With a strong reputation for safety, reliability, and customer service, they play a vital role in UK and international trade. Their experienced and adaptable team ensures smooth port operations around the clock.

Port Operative - The Job Role Details:

As a Port Operative, you will play a vital role in supporting port operations, ensuring that vessels, freight, and passenger services are handled efficiently and safely. You will be responsible for mooring vessels, loading and unloading freight and vehicles, and operating port machinery.

Port Operative - Key Responsibilities:

• Safely moor vessels on arrival and prepare them for departure
• Load and unload freight, vehicles, and passenger luggage
• Transport freight and equipment using TUG Masters and other port machinery (training provided if required)
• Traffic marshalling of freight and passenger vehicles for safe embarkation and disembarkation
• Carry out routine maintenance and upkeep of port areas

Port Operative - Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:

• Previous experience driving large vehicles or machinery (e.g. tractors, HGVs, agricultural equipment)
• Full, clean driving licence (essential)
• Flexible, adaptable, and proactive approach to work
• Strong team player who can work well under pressure
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a customer-focused environment
• Willingness to learn new operational skills and machinery handling

As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, we do require that ALL applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification which is relevant and necessary for the job that you are applying for.

Industry (Key Words):

Port Operative, Freight Handling, Vessel Mooring, Traffic Marshalling, TUG Master, Large Machinery, Transport, Logistics, Operations, Outdoor Work, Tractor Driver, HGV Driver, Agriculture

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Your application will be managed in complete confidence and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission.