Operations Lead

Operations Lead

Date: Apr 30, 2026

Location: Portland, Dorset

Company: Bunge

The Operations Lead will support the Site Manager in the safe, compliant and efficient day-to-day running of the Portland site, providing operational coordination and leadership support across labour planning, compliance, reporting, vessel activity and site communication. This is a hands-on role requiring strong operational awareness, sound judgement and the ability to support people, plant and processes in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Site Manager and work in collaboration with the Maintenance Coordinator and Site Administrator on the day-to-day coordination of site activity.
• Help coordinate labour, rotas, workflow planning, site readiness and vessel costing.
• Management of site open and close routines and completion of relevant documentation.
• Ensure handover of site operations when absent.
• Promote and enforce health, safety, environmental and site compliance standards.
• Work closely with group Health and Safety, Maintenance Coordinator and third party technical/mechanical support to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Coordinate plant availability, support maintenance planning and operational continuity.
• Ensure records, reports, stock figures, vessel paperwork and other site documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Communicate effectively with site personnel, head office, contractors, port contacts and other stakeholders.
• Assist with inductions, toolbox talks, training compliance and staff development.
• Help resolve operational issues, customer concerns and day-to-day site challenges in a proactive and professional manner, taking into account financial implications.
• Review processes and contribute to continuous improvement across the site.
• Provide hands-on operational support where required during daily activities and vessel discharges.
• Act as a key operational point of contact on site in the absence of the Site Manager, supporting communication and coordination with relevant internal and external parties.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience of grain handling machinery for example bobcat, 360 digger, loading shovel, telehandler and crane
• Previous experience in industrial, agricultural, logistics or port handling facilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards in an industrial environment
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Good problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop peers and subordinates
• Commercial awareness and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel.
• Full UK driving licence.

Personal Attributes:

• Calm, fair, honest and approachable.
• Proactive, practical and adaptable
• Positive and supportive
• Resilient and mature in attitude

Benefits:

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
• Salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Generous pension contribution.
• Life insurance, income protection and private healthcare, subject to qualifying period.
• Occupational health program.
• Long-term career opportunity with Bunge UK Limited.