Offering a complete ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services and research, Clarksons is at the heart of global shipping. Our unrivalled reach, expertise, and depth of experience, combined with leading research, enables us to partner with clients across every sector to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade and energy markets. Building on our unique heritage and harnessing our insights to see further, faster, we work with our clients and communities to create strategies that have a positive impact on the industry and the world around us. Dedicated to excellence, it’s our people that drive success for our clients.
To understand more including day-to-day life at Clarksons, visit us at www.clarksons.com
Division Overview
Offering exceptional port agency and logistics services, we provide turnkey solutions for clients in the marine and energy sectors.
Established ships agents with a reputation for excellence, our specialist team provide round the clock vessel agency and services to the Offshore energy and dry bulk sectors.
Discover more at www.clarksons.com/port-services
Role Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a port-based grain terminal. This role oversees day-to-day terminal activities including vessel discharge and loading, storage, intake, outturn, and dispatch by road. The postholder ensures operational performance meets commercial, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements while leading and developing the operations team.
What you’ll be doing
Operational Management
- Plan, coordinate, and manage all terminal operations, including ship loading/unloading, intake, storage, and dispatch of grain and feed materials.
- Ensure efficient utilisation of plant, equipment, and labour to meet vessel schedules and customer requirements.
- Liaise closely with port authorities, shipping agents, surveyors, and customers to ensure smooth vessel turnaround.
- Manage stock control, ensuring accurate inventory records, segregation, and traceability of commodities.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with UK health & safety legislation, port regulations, and company policies.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards and schemes (e.g. TASCC, AIC, HACCP, food/feed safety).
- Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure environmental compliance, including dust control, waste management, and spill prevention.
People Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop terminal operations staff, including supervisors, operators, and contractors.
- Manage staffing levels, shift patterns, training, and competency requirements.
- Conduct performance reviews and support ongoing skills development.
Maintenance & Asset Care
- Work closely with engineering/maintenance teams to ensure plant reliability and availability.
- Support planned maintenance programmes and identify operational improvement opportunities.
- Ensure terminal infrastructure and equipment are operated within safe limits.
Commercial & Performance Management
- Monitor operational KPIs such as throughput, vessel turnaround, demurrage, costs, and service levels.
- Contribute to budgeting, cost control, and operational forecasting.
- Support continuous improvement projects to enhance efficiency and profitability.
- Additional / ad hoc duties as required to meet the needs of the business.
What we’re looking for
We invite applications from candidates who can demonstrate:
- Drive and self-motivation, with the desire and commitment to succeed, deliver excellence and make positive change;
- Relationship building, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly build rapport;
- Collaboration, able to work well with others across diverse backgrounds to share information, develop skills, and deliver results;
- Resilience with the ability to persist and adapt;
- Smart problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a curious and inquisitive mind, and an openness to new ideas;
- Professional integrity and a respect for company values.
Other requirements
- Proven operations management experience in a bulk handling environment (grain, agri-bulk, feed, or similar).
- Experience working in a port, terminal, or heavy industrial setting.
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, and food/feed compliance requirements.
- Leadership experience managing operational teams in a 24/7 or shift-based environment.
- Ability to plan and prioritise in a fast-paced, time-critical operation.
- Experience specifically with grain terminals or agri-commodity handling.
- Familiarity with UK port operations and marine logistics.
- IOSH, NEBOSH, or similar health & safety qualification.
- Knowledge of TASCC, AIC, GMP+, or equivalent assurance schemes.
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on, proactive, and calm under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Clear communicator with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
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