Senior Operations Manager

SENIOR MANAGER OPERATIONS The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Manager to lead Operations at Harwich International Port, ensuring they are safe, efficient, customer-focused and commercially strong.
This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for operational performance, people leadership, safety, financial control and continuous improvement across the Operations function.

Our Benefits – Rewarding the people who keep our port moving
We offer a strong, reliable benefits package designed to support your financial security, wellbeing and long-term development: Financial & Security· Competitive pension: 8% employer contribution (min 4% employee)· Life Assurance: 14× annual salary for pension scheme members (4× for non-members)· Annual profit share bonus and performance related bonus Health & Wellbeing· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential counselling, stress & anxiety support, financial wellbeing guidance, plus access to our Wellbeing Hub· Private Health Care· On site Occupational Health Team and wellbeing support Time, Flexibility & Community· Paid leave, enhanced sick pay terms, and family friendly policies· Volunteering days supporting our local community· Perkbox retail discounts, wellbeing content and savings across hundreds of brands Growth & Development· Access to development pathways, accredited training, and career progression opportunities across our port network Role Overview Key responsibilities· Lead day-to-day and long-term operational planning to meet business and customer needs· Drive efficiency through effective use of labour, equipment, systems and automation· Manage budgets, control costs and deliver commercial performance, including identifying new revenue opportunities· Oversee asset management, including maintenance, lifecycle planning and replacement· Lead, develop and engage a high-performing operational workforce, fostering an inclusive culture· Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning and employee relations· Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation and industry standards (including PMSC)· Embed safe systems of work, risk management, continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives· Build strong relationships with internal teams, customers, regulators and key stakeholders· Work closely with the General Manager, representing Operations and deputising where required
What you need· Proven experience leading operations in a complex, safety-critical environment· Strong people leadership experience, including managing performance and change· Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and cost control· Extensive knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices· Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills· Educated to degree level (or equivalent); advanced qualifications advantageous· Background in ports, logistics, maritime, rail or haulage operations (port experience preferred)· Experience working in unionised environments (desirable)

Shifts• Hours: 37.5hrs per week – Monday to Friday
Inclusion & Community
We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate individual differences and believe that embracing diversity drives innovation, creativity, and stronger collaboration across our teams.
As part of this commitment, we consider all qualified applicants and encourage open conversations about flexible working. We offer a supportive, community‑focused environment and are proud to hold Chartered Status from Women in Maritime.
We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. While we may not always be able to accommodate every request, we will always do our best to understand individual needs and explore suitable adjustments. These may include:· Providing application materials in alternative formats (e.g. large print or accessible documents)· Giving additional time for assessments or interviews· Sharing interview formats in advance where appropriate· Providing interview questions in a clear, readable printed format for all candidates· Where possible, offering virtual interviews as an alternative to in-person attendance· Adjusting interview environments (e.g. quiet rooms or reduced distractions)· Allowing the use of assistive technology or support persons· Providing clear communication and instructions throughout the process
Our dedicated Diversity & Inclusion committee supports a range of employee networks, including our Women’s Network, PRIDE, Early Careers, Veterans & Reserves, Disability, and Culture groups.
The Recruitment Process - What is involved?
Our recruitment process has been designed for you to easily apply and highlight the best of your skills, expertise and personal attributes. We want you to be prepared, confident and the best version of you for this role.• Apply online – share your relevant experience and transferable skills by 21st June 2026.• Anonymous shortlisting – all identifiable details are removed before hiring managers review applications.• Pre-interview assessment – 24th – 26th June 2026• Interview & task – presentation + competency interview, w/c 29th June 2026.• Outcome – we aim to update all candidates as soon as possible.
Hutchison Ports UK is able to sponsor skilled worker visas in cases where the role fits the requirements set out by the UK government. Please refer to the government website via this link to understand the requirements needed. In cases where a post-study visa is used initially, it may be the case that the skilled worker visa requirements will not be met once this visa has expired.
Hutchison Ports is committed to creating and developing an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants and encourage discussion about flexible working opportunities. We offer a supportive, community environment and have been awarded Chartered status by Women In Maritime. Our D&I committee oversees multiple employee networks including - Women’s Network, PRIDE, Early Careers, Veterans & Reserves, Disability and Culture.

Apply TodayBring your commitment, teamwork and drive—and we’ll give you a career, not just a job.