Port Operations Controller

Port Operations Controller, Manchester Ship Canal

Are you excited by the opportunity to be responsible for operating and controlling the Manchester Canal River entrances, Bridges and Water Management Systems including Queen Elizabeth Dock and regulating the movement of vessels?  We are seeking a Port Operations Controller to join our team at the Manchester Ship Canal and help us keep the world moving!

Your Role

In this role you will plan and control the docking and undocking and movement of vessels and vessel movements within the Manchester Ship Canal, including operating bridges and locks.  This includes the coordination of vessel bookings by agents and advising on berth availability.  You will respond to VHF communication from vessels within area of responsibility and interaction with Tugs and Line handlers.

You will provide a medium for liaison between vessels, tugs, stevedores and/or allied services, controlling the transit of small craft including tugs and workboats that are not subject to the Online Booking Portal, through any suitable lock an on ad-hoc basis. You will manage water levels and operation of the dock SCADA system, whilst also ensuring relevant data entry to the Peel Ports VMS or Online Booking Portal as required.  You will operate from isolated fall back locations when directed, and responding to emergencies within the dock systems.

What you’ll bring

You will have previous experience of working in a Port Marine environment, alongside:

• An ex-mariner officer of the watch with a strong appreciation of ship manoeuvring, berth and docking operations would be beneficial
• Effective listening skills and superb communication skills, performing all tasks in a structured manner in accordance with agreed procedures.
• RYA VHF Radio Certificate (or higher) would be advantageous (training will be provided).
• Capable of working effectively under pressure in a fast moving, operational environment.
•  Willing and able to work a shift pattern (days and nights).

Who are we?

Already one of the UK’s leading port and logistics companies, we are planning substantial capital investment over the next 5 years to achieve our vision of becoming the UK’s leading port operator.  We have ambitious plans to grow and transform the supply chain to benefit our customers.  Our investments are decarbonizing our operations, which in turn is helping us work towards our goal of having Net Zero Port Operations by 2040.  Much of our success depends on our unrivalled facilities and technology. But in our sector, it comes down to having the right talent to enable our organisation to grow.

What we can offer you

In addition to a competitive salary, we have a strong track record of developing our people to expand their skills and experience and develop their careers.  Valuing and rewarding our workforce is important to us which is why we offer a fantastic range of flexible benefits to choose from, such as:

• 27 Days Annual Leave (plus bank holidays)
• Up to 10% Matched Contribution Pension
• Peel Ports Flexible Benefits including salary sacrifice car scheme, healthcare cash plans, Cycle2Work Scheme, Critical Illness insurance, Gym Membership Scheme, Retail Vouchers, plus more!
• Commitment to learning and personal development – Last year we supported over 50,000 hours of training and personal development!
• We promote good physical and mental health and can provide additional support to colleagues via our Employee Assistance Programme when required

If you believe you have the skills and experience we are seeking and you want to join a thriving and ambitious place to work, we’d really like to hear from you! Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 25th September 2025.