Health & Safety Partner

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Health & Safety Partner to join our Safety Team and play a central role in delivering the Port’s mission of “looking after everyone and everything.”

In this influential role, you will provide expert Health & Safety advice, practical solutions and strong leadership across a rotating portfolio of operational and functional areas. You will help shape and implement our Port-wide H&S Strategy, partner with leaders at all levels, and drive a positive, data informed safety culture that empowers people to take personal responsibility for safety.

This is a dynamic, high-impact position that blends strategic thinking with hands-on operational engagement, ideal for someone who thrives in complex, mixed-risk, multi-activity environments.

What you’ll do

• Partner with operational & functional leaders to improve safety performance.
• Advise on H&S risk, governance and compliance.
• Lead investigations, audits, reporting and continuous improvement.
• Support emergency planning, contractor management & critical risk controls.
• Deliver training, coaching and cultural development.
• Contribute to the ISO 45001 management system and strategic safety initiatives.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• NEBOSH Diploma / NVQ Level 5 (or equivalent).
• Proven H&S experience in operational, high risk or complex environments.
• Working knowledge of ISO 45001.
• Strong understanding of UK H&S legislation.
• Experience conducting thorough incident investigations and audits.
• Pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to risk.
• Ability to work flexibly across varied environments.
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• Degree in H&S, construction, engineering or similar.
• Experience in Port, Marine or Cargo operations.
• Experience with contractor management and CDM Regulations.
• Trained in Continuous Improvement.
• Experience in behavioural safety.
• Ability to use AI and digital tools to help drive behavioural change.

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Birthday leave
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Private Health Care
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Benefits and reward platform
• Free Parking
• Employee volunteering scheme

Working hours: 37.5hrs per week Monday – Friday

Salary: £45k

Joining the Port of Dover means being part of an ambitious organisation delivering critical national infrastructure. You’ll be working within a supportive, collaborative team, making a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of colleagues, customers and the wider Port community.

You’ll also have the opportunity to influence major programmes, grow your professional capability, and help shape the future of one of the UK’s most important gateways.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date:  28 August 2026 at 5pm

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.