Forth Ports - Senior Operations Manager

The Company

Forth Ports was established in 1967 as a Port Authority and through continued investment and acquisitions they have grown to be the 3rd largest port operator group in the UK. After more than four decades of operation, in 2011, Forth Ports was acquired by Arcus Infrastructure Partners and later, in 2011, PSP Investments took a financial stake in Forth Ports Limited. In October 2018, PSP bought all Arcus shareholdings in Forth Ports to become the primary shareholder ahead of bringing in a number of coinvestors.

The Grangemouth port is Scotland’s Largest Port, boasting annual volumes circa 7mt covering a range of activities including containers (alcoholic beverages, chemicals, food, etc.), liquid bulks (hydrocarbons), general cargo (timber, dry bulks, etc.) as well as warehousing activities.

Forth Ports container terminal throughputs 150,000 containers per year and Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest container terminal covering approximately 500 acres on site. They are proud to move £6bn worth of goods through the Port annually and the continuous commitment to investing for the future has positioned Forth Ports as a market leader in supporting major and specialist projects for customers across a vast array of industries.

Background to the Role

The logistics sector is a dynamic industry essential to the UK economy as demonstrated by its importance during the pandemic. As an island, Ports are integral as to how the UK trades with the rest of the world and a wide range of markets are dependent upon effective Port solutions to ensure the flow of goods meets their supply chain requirements.

The role of Senior Operations Manager is diverse appointment and will interface with a number of logistics solutions including road, rail and sea, requiring a broad understanding of the capabilities imbedded in these areas.

The growing warehousing complex compliments this position and a full understanding of logistics process is beneficial. Given the breadth of activities there is always an opportunity to develop and learn about new skills/markets whilst providing the opportunity to deploy innovative thinking to address supply chain challenges.

Senior Operations Manager Introduction

Forth Ports are seeking a Senior Operations Manager to lead the logistics and warehouse function of their Grangemouth base. Reporting to the Deputy Port Manager and forming part of the operational and supply chain Leadership team, this role will be a key business partner across the Port functions and presents an exceptional opportunity to join one of Scotland’s fastest paced, logistics organisations.

Position Profile

Reporting to the Deputy Port Manager, your main responsibilities include;

• Being a critical member of the leadership team at the Port
• Driving safe and engaged team structure
• Responsible for a team of shift managers and 8 supervisors and 80 operatives and 10 warehousing team (which is scheduled to grow)
• Lead, motivate & develop the team.
• Provision of a strong workflow planning strategy
• Managing finances including the full P&L
• Support and facilitate team members’ development.
• Empower team to deliver upon their objectives and realise their ambitions.
• Consistently Meeting Customer and Consumer Needs
• Maximising Contribution through Supply Chain Excellence
• Develop strategy for provision of third party contract production requirements

Requirements

The successful candidate will;

• Be based at the Port of Grangemouth.
• Be able to cover occasional out of hours cover as required.
• Health & Safety experience
• Advanced level of IT literacy- (Excel, ERP systems etc.)
• Extend a strong business acumen with capability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation & external partners.
• Proven ability to lead, develop and motivate a team and deliver through others.
• A determination and resilience to thrive in ambiguity and is able to adapt to changing business priorities.

Soft Skills

• Collaborative in approach, with a proven track record of influencing and engaging senior subject matter experts/stakeholders.
• Well-developed analytical, organisational and problem- solving skills
• Strong operational management experience- preferably from within Logistics, Construction or FM
• Ability to define opportunity pipelines as well as develop and execute commercial strategies
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Resilient with strong sense of commercial acumen

Remuneration

Forth Ports look after their employees by offering a competitive salary and benefits package which includes;

• Salary dependent on experience
• Car allowance £6200
• Up to 15% annual bonus
• 34 days holiday
• Bupa – Individual but can add family
• Life assurance
• Pension
• Annual salary review

Recruitment Process

CVs to be emailed to jacquipaterson@jpexecutivesearch.com

Initial *interviews will be with retained advisors JP Executive Search.

Client interviews will be with:

• The HR Business Partner and the Director of Ports
• Second interviews, to include Personality assessment, Panel TBC
• 3rd/Final stage to be confirmed

All 3rd party applicants will be passed to JP Executive Search for assessment.