Job Title: Lockgate Lead
Location: Port of Grangemouth
Hours: 12-hour shift pattern (2 days, 2 nights)
Compensation: £41,543 package (Salary £31,241 + £3,965 responsibility payment + £6,337 shift allowance). There is additionally paid overtime.
At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Every day, our teams support the flow of goods, materials, and services that businesses and communities rely on, helping to power economic growth across the UK and beyond. Our people are at the core of everything we do, and their expertise, commitment, and innovation drive our success.
With our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, we're investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies, including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations. For you, this means joining a business that's evolving, ambitious, and making a real difference.
About The Role
As Lock Gate Lead at the Port of Grangemouth, you will take a lead role in overseeing all lock-side operations, ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient transit of vessels through the lock system. Working as part of the Marine Department, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the operational readiness of the lockside environment and equipment, supervising line handling activities, and supporting a wide range of port operations. This is a hands-on role that also includes crewing the port’s workboat and participating in emergency preparedness activities. The role operates on a 12-hour shift pattern (2 days, 2 nights), with additional overtime requirements based on operational needs.
Key responsibilities:
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Lead and oversee safe vessel movements through the locks, including advanced line handling and lock gate operations
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Monitor and maintain the lockside as a secure, hazard-free environment, reporting and resolving defects or infrastructure damage promptly
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Operate control systems for pumps, sluices, and gates, while managing dock water levels and communicating with Marine Management as needed
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Coordinate and deliver inductions, training, and supervision for Port Operators and contractors working on the lockside
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Manage fresh water provision to vessels, ensuring equipment hygiene, maintenance, and sterilisation processes are followed
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Carry out complex fender maintenance, including rope work, power tool use (e.g. chainsaws), and workboat operations
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Lead toolbox talks, shift briefings, and contribute to risk assessments, safety reviews, and method statement updates
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Perform routine inspections across port infrastructure including life-saving equipment, lighting, and crane rails
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Oversee lockside admin tasks: monitor team inboxes, arrange shift cover and overtime, and update maintenance systems
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Support emergency response efforts including oil spill drills, first aid provision, and participation in port-wide exercises
What are we looking for?
We are seeking a reliable and experienced individual with a strong background in marine operations or port services. You will have proven leadership skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work confidently in a safety-critical environment. Flexibility is essential, as the role involves 12-hour shift work, including nights and weekends, as well as the potential for overtime to support vessel operations or other business needs. You should be local to the area or able to travel to the port while on call, and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. Strong communication skills, a hands-on approach, and a commitment to safety and operational excellence are key.
Skills and Qualifications:
Essential Requirements
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A driving licence, valid in the UK
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Good level of physical fitness and ability to carry out manual work in an outdoor, all-weather environment
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Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team
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Willingness and flexibility to work regular overtime, including nights and weekends
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Basic IT proficiency, including use of Microsoft Office, email, digital forms, and mobile devices
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
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Valid forklift truck licence
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Certified chainsaw operator
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Lift Supervisor qualification
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Confident using power tools in a safe and efficient manner
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Experience in boat handling, ideally holding an RYA Level 2 Powerboat certificate
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Previous experience in a port, marine, or similar operational environment
What Forth Ports can offer you:
At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:
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A competitive salary
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Discretionary bonus
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Shift allowance & responsibility payment
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Paid overtime
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Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary
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In‑house Occupational Health — Provides professional workplace health advice, support, and guidance for employees across all sites
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Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — Delivered through Health Assured, offering 24/7, 365‑day confidential wellbeing support via the Wisdom app or telephone access, covering mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and emotional wellbeing
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Physiotherapy Support — Access to physiotherapy sessions through three external providers in Scotland, plus an onsite physiotherapist once per week in Tilbury
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An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees
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GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms
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Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting
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On-site free parking available for all employees
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Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover
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Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service.
We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.
Required Criteria
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A valid UK driving licence and good physical fitness for manual, outdoor work
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Strong communication skills and a flexible approach to shift work and overtime
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Basic IT skills, including use of email, digital forms, and mobile devices
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Full right to work in the UK
Desired Criteria
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A forklift licence, chainsaw or lift supervisor certification, power tool and boat handling experience
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Experience in a port or marine environment is a plus
Skills Needed
About The Company
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies.
The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries.
Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Company Culture
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London.
A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day.
The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Company Benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance.
Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.
Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme
Salary
£41,543.00 per year
