Forth Ports Limited
Harbour Master - Forth and Tay
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Job Description
Location: Forth Ports, Terminal Building, Port of Rosyth, Rosyth
Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
About The Role
Reporting to the Chief Harbour Master, the Harbour Master is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of marine operations and the delivery of statutory harbour authority functions. The role oversees the safe, efficient and commercially successful movement of vessels, working closely with Port Operations and other key stakeholders to plan, implement and control marine activities across the port and areas under the Harbour Authority's remit.
As Harbour Master, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe navigation, berthing and movement of vessels while maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation, statutory obligations and company policies. Leading a skilled marine team operating 24/7, you will champion operational excellence, drive continuous improvement and ensure that shipping movements are carried out safely, efficiently and in support of the port's commercial objectives.
Beyond day-to-day marine operations, you will build and maintain strong relationships with customers, regulators, pilots, terminal operators and other stakeholders, contributing to the long-term growth, resilience and reputation of the port as a trusted, safe and innovative gateway for trade.
Hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1700 however due to the nature of port operations, there may be an occasional requirement to work weekends or evenings, particularly in the event of emergencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage Marine teams and assets across the ports, delegating Harbour Master responsibilities as appropriate to ensure safe, efficient and compliant marine operations.
- Plan and coordinate vessel movements with Port Operations, FTNS, pilots, agents and other stakeholders, ensuring safe navigation, berthing and compliance with marine guidelines.
- Manage the Marine budget and contribute to the identification and delivery of new business opportunities in collaboration with Port teams.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, port users, regulators and local stakeholders, representing the Marine function and the Port.
- Lead the Marine response to emergencies, including oil spills, and maintain Marine and Port Emergency Plans through regular training, drills and exercises.
- Manage third-party marine contractors, ensuring all works are delivered safely and in accordance with Port requirements.
- Oversee conservancy activities to maintain safe navigable depths, published ruling depths and under keel clearance.
- Ensure compliance with the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code through the management of risk assessments, audits, inspections and continuous monitoring, escalating significant issues to the Chief Harbour Master.
- Lead the investigation of marine accidents and near misses, ensuring timely reporting, corrective actions and organisational learning.
- Support marine aspects of port projects and contribute to the wider Marine Management Team, maintaining awareness of operations across the wider port network to enhance resilience and operational effectiveness.
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What are we looking for?
We are seeking an experienced and motivated marine professional with a proven background in port operations or harbour management. You will bring strong leadership qualities, the ability to manage complex marine operations under pressure, and the credibility to engage confidently with stakeholders from pilots and shipmasters to regulators and local authorities.
You will be decisive, safety-focused, and commercially aware, able to balance operational demands with strategic priorities. A natural communicator and problem solver, you will thrive in a role that combines hands-on operational oversight with long-term planning, ensuring that our ports remain safe, compliant, and forward-looking.
Skills & Qualifications Required
- Proven experience in a port environment or marine operations, ideally as a Harbour Master or Deputy Harbour Master.
- Minimum qualifications to; Master CoC; or Chief Officer (unlimited) or equivalent Navy qualification, or Harbour Master Certificate.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication, networking, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Working knowledge of the PMSC and PMSC GTGP.
- Computer literate with experience in marine systems.
- Full right to work in the UK and full UK driving license are both essential.
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:
- Competitive salary and car allowance.
- Private medical insurance.
- Bonus scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary.
- Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential 24/7 telephone support for you and your family.
- On-site Occupational Health Team with access to professional support and referrals to services such as counselling, physiotherapy and free flu jabs.
- An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees.
- GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms.
- Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting.
- On-site free parking available for all employees.
- Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover.
- Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays.
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We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to provide support.
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.
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.
Required Criteria
- Proven experience in a port environment or marine operations, ideally as a Harbour Master or Deputy Harbour Master.
- Minimum qualifications to; Master CoC; or Chief Officer (unlimited) or equivalent Navy qualification, or Harbour Master Certificate.
- Excellent communication, networking, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Working knowledge of the PMSC and PMSC GTGP.
- Full right to work in the UK and full UK driving license are both essential.
Desired Criteria
Closing Date: Wednesday 5th August, 2026
Contract Type: fulltime
Salary: Based on Experience
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