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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Training Services (PTS) are looking to add new instructor/assessors to their team here in Blyth.
PTS, the training division of the Port of Blyth, are a specialist training provider delivering fully accredited, industry recognised qualifications for companies and individuals serving the Port & Marine, Warehousing & Logistics, Heavy Industry, Subsea and Offshore Energy sectors.
Click here: Instructor/Assessors – Port Training Services (PTS)
Warrenpoint is one of Northern Ireland’s main commercial ports serving a hinterland which includes the southern part of Northern Ireland and the northern part of the Republic of Ireland. In general cargo terms Warrenpoint is the second port in NI and the fifth on the Island of Ireland.
Due to continued growth at the Port, exciting opportunities
have arisen to join our team
Desirable criteria include:
Closing Date is Friday 30th May 2025 at 4pm
For a copy of the full criteria, and an application pack, please call or email Aislin McShane-Gebska
Working Arrangements: 4.30pm – 01.30am
The five main things our Reach Stacker & Tug Driver will be working on are:
• Drive the reach stacker and tug on the night shift and unload shunters coming from the port
• Control yard operation and manage container stacks in the yard in terms of clients and the weather
• Move trailers across the site in line with warehouse requirements
• Set up and exchange on the bays with laden containers for devanning
Click here for further details: Reach Stacker and Tug Operative – Nights – PD Ports, Felixstowe
The five main things our Administrator will be working on are:
• Raising customer invoices.
• Raising purchase orders for the Felixstowe operation in line with the Company’s procurement
policy, as well as requesting quotes from contractors and suppliers as required.
• Ensuring all paperwork relevant to the operation is completed and filed accordingly, as well as
chasing the relevant compliance paperwork from contractors and suppliers.
• Monitoring the performance of key suppliers and reporting failures to meet KPI targets where
applicable, as well as reporting issues that affect the operation.
• Assisting with the completion of KPI reports for clients as well as the site KPI’s.
Click here to find out more: Administrator – PD Ports, Felixstowe
The Role
The successful candidate will learn administrative duties including, but not limited to:
Required Skills
This position will require the successful candidate to be organised, motivated, have high standards throughout, have good customer relations and both willing and able to work flexibly (during busy periods).
In order to fulfil your duties, you may be asked to complete other activities by your Line Manager.
Full driving license preferred but not essential; need to be able to travel as you may be required to work at our Battleship Wharf site in Cambois, Northumberland.
The Role
The Port of Blyth is looking for a Warehouse Apprentice to train in warehouse and logistic duties. The ideal candidate must be:
Key Skills & Duties in which you will be trained
In order to fulfil your duties, you may be asked to complete other activities by your line manager.
The successful candidate will assist the Chief Executive and her team to deliver the strategic plan through effective general administration alongside coordinating and administration of successful events promoting PSS goals.
Key activities will be providing administrative support to the small team, management of online and in person internal and external events along with supporting PSS website maintenance and social media presence
Click here for further details: Administration and Events Coordinator – Port Skills and Safety Limited
An exciting opportunity to shape a new role at Port Skills and Safety Ltd (PSS).
Port Skills and Safety Ltd is the professional safety and skills membership organisation for ports.
The successful candidate will assist the Chief Executive and her team to deliver the strategic plan through effective administration of the financial processes of the association as well as dealing with membership correspondence.
Key activities will be administration of income and expenditure, maintenance of the membership database and with the handling of queries and responses together with supporting PSS website maintenance and social media presence
Click here to view details: Finance and Membership Coordinator – Port Skills and Safety Limited
The Role:
The Marine Services department is seeking positive and flexible individuals to work on a range of vessels to support operations. Duties that are carried out by the department include overhauling moorings, oil spill response, salvage and diving, debris and obstruction removal, general deckhand tasks, craft maintenance and cleaning as well as working ashore at our main operational base at Denton, Gravesend.
Click here for further details: General Purpose Deckhand – Port of London Authority
Are you a skilled and motivated hydrographic surveyor with a passion for innovation and precision? We’re looking for an individual to join our team and take on an exciting role that involves conducting hydrographic surveys and providing vital support for UK Dredging.
In this position, you’ll be responsible for all aspects of the survey process—planning, data collection, post-processing, analysis, and even vessel maintenance. You’ll play a key role in delivering accurate and reliable hydrographic surveys. Independence, efficiency, and a commitment to safety will be crucial as you work to build strong relationships and drive the continued technical advancement of our business unit.
Click here for further details: Hydrographic Surveyor – Associated British Ports, Cardiff
The Customer Service Assistant serves as the welcoming face of the organisation, ensuring every visitor, customer, and team member has a positive and professional experience. This role is responsible for managing front-of-house operations, coordinating appointments and meeting spaces. With a focus on service excellence, the position is essential to creating a warm, organised, and customer-focused environment. Office based 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. In addition, you will provide administration/general assistance and support for the Commercial Property and Estates Teams.
To Find out more click here: Customer Service Assistant – Port of Milford Haven
These skills are desirable, however training will be provided for the right candidate
Click here for further details: Marine Pilot Under Training – Port of London Authority
The role:
Based in our newly modernised Head Offices at Gravesend you will join a growing team providing specialist services in support of the PLA’s core safety functions.
Click here for further details: Marine Compliance Officer – Port of London Authority
The role:
The Port of London Authority is expanding its software development team to support the modernisation of critical systems that support the operations of the PLA and keep traffic moving on the River Thames.
We are looking for an experienced software developer to join the team and help us improve and adapt our internal systems, expanding functionality and ensuring their longevity.
Click here for further details: IT Software Engineer – Port of London Authority
This is an exciting time to be joining the Port of London’s IT department as we embark on an ambitious replacement and upgrade programme enhancing standards, security, and user experience.
To add to our team, we’re delighted to be able to offer a role for a Field Engineer:
Working as part of a team of 4, focussing on RADAR, VHF and microwave to name a few of our vital services, you’ll ensure existing assets are regularly maintained and guide the planning, installation and support for our ambitious replacement and upgrade programme.
Click here to view details: Field Engineer – Port of London Authority
This is an exciting time to be joining the Port of London’s IT department as we embark on an ambitious replacement and upgrade programme enhancing standards, security, and user experience.
To add to our team, we’re delighted to be able to offer a role for a Field Support Engineer who will be working within a team of experienced engineers conducting routine maintenance, installations and fault resolution across our vast sensor estate which includes RADAR, VHF and microwave links.
Click here for further details: Field Support Engineer – Port of London Authority
Purpose:
Reporting to the Finance Manager, working alongside part-qualified and qualified accountants, the purpose of the role is to process, with support, accounting transactions within ABP’s Finance Shared Services (FSS) team in Port Business Services (PBS).
Click here for further details: Accounts Assistant – Associated British Ports, Hull
In this outstanding opportunity, you will spearhead the management and development of the Good & Services Contracts and Cost teams, ensuring flawless execution of procurement strategies across the Good & Services projects.
Your role will be pivotal in inspiring change and encouraging collaboration, strictly adhering to a culture that values diversity, talent development, and safety. Implement and promote Goods and Services contract strategy for £20M+ projects, guiding teams from start to finish. This is the Management Level grading. You will have the thrilling chance to work closely with Category Management and Delivery Managers to determine priorities and ensure seamless integration of goods and services. Additionally, your collaboration with the legal team will be key in developing robust contracts and engaging in commercial negotiations with contractors, consultants, and occasionally customers.
Click here for further details: Commercial Contract Manager Associated British Ports, Hull
Are you a passionate chef who enjoys working in a busy kitchen environment, producing good quality dishes from locally sourced produce? Would you enjoy working as part of a small team to deliver a great customer experience? Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your skills, but would rather not work evening shifts? Do you have an excellent understanding of food preparation and safety standards? If so, we would love to hear from you.
Click here for details: Chef – Port Kitchen – Shoreham Port
We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Harbour Master and Pilot to join our team up in Scotland. As Deputy Harbour Master & Pilot, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of port activities across both Ayr and Troon. You will support the Harbour Master in the day-to-day management of marine operations and act as a Pilot, providing expert navigation services to vessels entering and leaving the ports.
Click here for details: Deputy Harbour Master & Pilot – Associated British Ports, Troon
DP World plays a vital role in the UK supply chain and the country depends on us to keep cargo moving. None of this happens without our people and we are very proud of how DP World staff pull together to go the extra mile.
We have approximately 500 employees who work for us at DP World London Gateway with job roles ranging from but not limited to; terminal operators, operational planners, engineering – electrical and mechanical, commercial, communications, finance, IT, health, safety & environment.
These are important jobs which require smart, proud, passionate people who are not afraid to innovate and find new ways of driving our business forward. We take care of our own, nurturing and helping them achieve their full potential through comprehensive programmes of learning and development.
Click here to an array of current vacancies: Various Roles – DP World, London Gateway
This is an exciting opportunity to join our established HSE team, supporting a fast-paced port, warehousing,
and logistics environment where your contributions will make a real difference to the safety and wellbeing of
our people and operations.
Click here for further details: Health, Safety & Environmental Advisor – PD Ports, Felixstowe
The Department for Infrastructure is recruiting two Non-Executive Members to the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority.
The appointments will be effective from 1 September 2025 and will run for a period of four years.
In this role you will ensure Group Marine’s activities comply with relevant national, and International, legislation. You will understand marine licences, environmental permits, and other consenting processes in England and Scotland, and will track new environmental legislation as it evolves.
You will also implement relevant Habitat Regulations, Water Environment Regulations, and Marine and Coastal Access Act requirements, conducting some of our Habitat Regulations Assessments, Marine Conservation Zone, and Water Framework Directive assessments and liaising with regulators and stakeholders as and when required. You will understand Marine Planning processes and contribute to their development and implementation on behalf of Statutory Harbour Authority.
