Job Title: Field Safety Advisor
Location: Port of Leith
Hours: 35hr contract – 0900-1700 (can be flexible)
Compensation: Dependent on experience - We are open to applications from candidates at different stages of their health and safety career. Whether you are looking to build on early health and safety experience or bring more extensive operational safety expertise, we will consider your application against the requirements of the role. The salary will be discussed with shortlisted candidates and will reflect relevant skills, qualifications and experience.
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 Field Safety Advisor, you will work in partnership with operational teams, managers and Health & Safety colleagues to promote a positive and proactive safety culture across the business. You will provide practical health and safety support, coaching and guidance to help ensure safe, compliant and efficient operations within the port environment. Through collaboration, risk management, continuous improvement initiatives and employee engagement, you will support the development and implementation of effective health and safety standards, helping to protect people, assets and the environment while driving continual improvement in safety performance.
Key responsibilities:
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Promote and reinforce safe behaviours across the business, supporting compliance with Life Saving Rules and intervening appropriately where unsafe acts or conditions are identified
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Provide practical health and safety advice, coaching and guidance to operational teams and managers, helping them identify and implement effective solutions
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Build positive working relationships with employees, supervisors and management to support a strong and proactive safety culture
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Facilitate and support risk assessments, ensuring hazards are identified, evaluated and controlled effectively
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Conduct regular safety inspections, observations and workplace conversations to identify opportunities for improvement and encourage safe working practices
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Support the investigation of accidents, incidents, unsafe conditions and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions
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Carry out internal audits and compliance reviews against legislative requirements, company standards and ISO 45001 requirements
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Analyse health and safety data, identify trends and produce reports that support informed decision-making and continuous improvement
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Assist in the development, implementation and review of health and safety policies, procedures and standards, ensuring they remain practical and effective
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Work collaboratively with Health and Safety Committees, Occupational Health, Learning and Development, HR and operational teams to deliver health and safety initiatives and improvement programmes
What we're looking for:
We are seeking a proactive and engaging health and safety professional who can build strong relationships and positively influence safe behaviours across a dynamic operational environment. You will have a recognised health and safety qualification, a sound understanding of relevant legislation and experience providing practical health and safety support within an industrial, logistics, marine, port or similar setting. With excellent communication and problem-solving skills, you will be confident coaching managers and employees, conducting audits and investigations, and translating health and safety requirements into practical solutions. A collaborative approach, strong analytical ability and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement will be key to success in this role.
Skills & Qualifications:
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NEBOSH General Certificate in Health and Safety, or equivalent, is required
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Health and Safety Management experience within a port, logistics, marine, industrial or similar operational environment would be advantageous
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NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ Level 4 or equivalent qualification is desirable. Where this is not already held, the post holder would be expected to work towards an agreed appropriate qualification
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Membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is expected, with Chartered status or progression towards Chartered status being desirable
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Strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation and regulations, with the ability to apply this practically within a changing operational environment
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Good understanding of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)
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Awareness of operational methods and commercial considerations within a port or similar operational setting
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A practical, proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to support managers through health and safety matters in a constructive and collaborative way
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Ability to prepare reports, analyse data, identify trends and communicate findings clearly to a range of stakeholders
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Good IT, administration, literacy and numeracy skills
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Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships and encourage safe behaviours without relying on formal authority
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Awareness of how to respond appropriately to visits or interventions by regulators, whether announced or unannounced
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Full Driving Licence, valid in the UK
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Full UK Working Rights
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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Generous annual leave entitlement
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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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NEBOSH General Certificate in Health and Safety, or equivalent, is required
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Strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation and regulations, with the ability to apply this practically within a changing operational environment
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Full right to work in the UK
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Full driving licence, valid in the UK
Desired Criteria
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NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ Level 4 or equivalent qualification is desirable. Where this is not already held, the post holder would be expected to work towards an agreed appropriate qualification
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Membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is expected, with Chartered status or progression towards Chartered status being desirable
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
Not disclosed
