Port Operative

Stafforce are Recruiting for Port Operatives to work as part of our Ports Team Unloading/Loading Vessels for our prestigious client who are a National Port Operator based in Ipswich.

The role involves working Monday to Friday & will require additional weekend working  will need to be flexible regarding shift start times and the pay rate includes a shift premium for this reason. The role is varied as the port currently handles timber, aggregates, salt, grain & fertiliser cargo's. You will be mainly working in the Fertiliser Bagging Operation so will at times drive a B2 FLT but will also be asked to perform manual labour on the Bagging Hopper you will also be a Front Loading Shovel Driver when required & additional training will be provided where required for these duties.

This is a varied role where all members of the team learn all aspects of the job and rotate duties, so you will need to be a Team Player. From time to time there will be opportunities to work on other port operations.

• A flexible and reliable approach to work - shifts can be up to 12 hours long, and day and night availability is required.
• A Willingness to work across both port operations and bagging operations.
• A valid B2 Forklift Licence with a minimum of 12 months proven experience - in-house certificates cannot be accepted. (preferred but must have B1 Licence).
• Front Loading Shovel Licence with a minimum of 12 months experience is preferred but not essential as future training can be provided.
• A Slinger/Banksman certificate - preferred but not essential, as full training can be provided.
• Compulsory drug and alcohol testing - all operatives must be able to pass screening prior to assignment and on a random basis.
• Safety Critical Medical - this will be provided as part of the recruitment process to ensure fitness for work.
• You will also be required to attend the following training courses, if not already attained:
  • CHIPS (Cargo Handling in Ports)
  • Ammonium Nitrate Awareness.
  • Working at Height & Manual Handling.
• Ideally some previous experience in cargo handling, logistics, or heavy industry (not essential - full training provided in other areas).
• Ability to work as part of a team in a physically demanding environment.
• Commitment to working safely.

• £16.21 per hour (including shift allowance) - paid via PAYE on a weekly basis.
• Saturday Overtime paid at 1.5 time and Sunday at double time.
• Initial Training Period at Training Rates will be confirmed at Interview.
• Paid holiday based on accrued hours.
• Access to our Worker Portal, providing:
  • Free medical advice
  • Well-being support
  • Financial advice
  • Store and online discount offers
  • All PPE provided (hard hat, hi-vis, boots, gloves, etc.).
• Ongoing opportunities to cross-skill across vessel discharge, bagging, and logistics operations.
• Potential for long-term, stable work across multiple operations in East Anglia.
• Potential for guaranteed hours contracts for the right candidate.
• If you are interested in one of these exciting opportunities please apply online or contact Neil Pearson directly.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.

• Job Title:
  
  Port Operative
• Company:
  Stafforce Recruitment
• Posted:
  Feb 25th 2026
• Closes:
  Mar 28th 2026
• Sector:
  Distribution
• Contract:
  
  Temporary
• Hours:
  
  Full Time