Managing Director - Ports

Company Description

Stobart Ports is a leading player in the UK's port operations, offering integrated logistics solutions that connect global supply chains. With a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability, Stobart Ports ensures the seamless movement of goods for diverse industries.

Job Description

As Managing Director, you will be responsible for driving strategic and operational excellence for Stobart Ports operations, focusing on business growth, operational efficiency and innovation. You will develop and implement a long- term vision aligned with company goals, identify market opportunities and enhance customer engagement while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and environmental sustainability. Your leadership will foster a culture of innovation and partnership, ensuring the organisation meets its commercial objectives and remains competitive in the industry.  

Key Duties

• Deliver and develop a strategy to increase business revenue.
• Achieve coverage and clear succession plans for critical roles with at least one identified successor.
• Develop and execute the long-term strategy for Stobart Ports, aligned with group objectives.
• Identify and capitalise on new market opportunities to drive revenue growth and expand service offerings.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across all port facilities (Felixstowe & Widnes), ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead initiatives to streamline processes, adopt new technologies, and enhance productivity.
• Ensure optimal asset utilisation and maintenance of port infrastructure.
• Own the P&L responsibility for Stobart Ports, ensuring delivery of financial targets and sustainable growth.
• Prepare and present budgets, forecasts, and financial reports to the Board.
• Implement robust cost management strategies to maximise profitability.
• Foster strong relationships with key customers, stakeholders, and partners to deliver exceptional service.
• Negotiate and manage high-value contracts and agreements.
• Represent Stobart Ports at industry events, conferences, and forums.
• Inspire and lead a diverse team of operational and commercial professionals.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Invest in talent development to build a pipeline of future leaders.
• Ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance across all operations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a senior role within the ports, logistics, or transportation industry.
• Strong understanding of port/container operations, supply chain dynamics, and global trade.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering financial and operational excellence, including P&L accountability.
• Track record of developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive business growth.
• Exceptional relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.
• Deep knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations in the ports/logistics sector.
• A strong commitment to sustainability and innovation.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance visionary leadership and operational detail.
• Resilient, adaptable, and results-driven.
• Collaborative leader who inspires confidence and fosters a positive organisational culture.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Additional Information

As part of our drive to make Stobart a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:

• Annual Leave – Competitive holiday entitlement of 25 days plus 8 bank holidays. 
• Company Bonus  – We do our best work to succeed together. When we achieve our goals you'll be rewarded through our bonus scheme
• Company Car or Car Allowance
• Private Medical Cover  – This gives you peace of mind, you have choice, flexibility and speed of access to the most clinically appropriate care via Bupa
• Pension scheme – We want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirements so we offer a great company contribution pension scheme.
• Life Assurance - x4 your annual salary.
• Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programme we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year.
• Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts - Via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam!