Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for a position in which you can set direction and help shape our company? If so, then you could be the newest addition to our team as an Operation’s Supervisor.

Be part of the movement – and play your part

About the role

The Operations Supervisor is responsible for ensuring smooth daily operations by managing passenger and freight processes, maintaining communication with relevant authorities, and supporting the Duty Manager and Operations team. They oversee check-ins, vessel loading, and discharging while ensuring compliance with safety standards and company policies. The role requires attention to detail to ensure high levels of customer service are delivered when supervising passenger loading alongside freight cargo. Vigilance when updating systems accurately and addressing discrepancies promptly. Additionally, the Operations Supervisor monitors service quality, assists passengers with reduced mobility, and ensures all operational data and reports are completed and distributed correctly.

You will be responsible for

• Ensuring a positive travel experience for passengers whilst maintaining the smooth operation.
• Managing passenger interactions during loading and discharge operations.

Coordinate operations, ensuring optimal use of vessel capacity and adherence to allocations between passenger and freight vehicles.

Provide timely updates to customers regarding service changes, delays, or cancellations as directed by management.

Handle and resolve operational discrepancies, including shipping manifest issues, in collaboration with the Duty Operations Manager.

Conduct checks on hazardous cargo ensuring all documentation and stowage comply with regulations.

Support the Duty Manager and Operations team by monitoring operational statistics, generating reports, and maintaining accurate records.

Monitor and maintain operational systems and compile the "voyage envelope" as per MCA and company standards.

About you

To succeed as an Operation’s Supervisor, the candidate must possess strong leadership skills to make effective decisions under pressure while guiding the team. Operational knowledge is key to managing passenger ferry operations, logistics and health and safety compliance. Problem-solving ability is crucial for resolving discrepancies, managing disruptions, and ensuring smooth processes. The candidate must be able to adapt easily to a fast-paced environment – this is essential to handle shifting priorities during busy periods, while clear communication skills enable effective collaboration with teams, clients, and stakeholders. Finally, being a team player ensures seamless teamwork while maintaining the ability to work independently when needed.

The candidate must remain calm under pressure, providing steady leadership in high-stakes situations. They should be approachable and trustworthy, inspiring confidence within the team. Bringing energy and motivation is essential to drive the team, while understanding individual strengths and challenges helps foster growth. Taking ownership of decisions ensures accountability and high standards. You may be asked to work between the Poole and Portsmouth ports on occasion.

We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. And we cannot wait for you to join.

Working at DFDS

Join the movement and grow with us.

Be a valued member of a diverse team at DFDS and help drive change together.

While you’re with us, we want you to develop. At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We will also offer training courses that can support you in your role, if needed.

Be a valued member of a diverse team at DFDS and help drive change together.

Please note - the recruitment process for this role will be subject to the impact of an ongoing TUPE consultation process.

Now about what we can give you. You’ll be able to access some fantastic benefits such as:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Concessionary offering on our passenger ferry routes such as Portsmouth/ Poole / Jersey, Dover / France & Newcastle / Amsterdam
• Full employee assistance programme including:
• Proactive financial, emotional, mental, and physical health care support
• Huge range of retail discounts from high street and online retailers
• Access to an award-winning Wellbeing platform.
• Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing.

Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now.

If you think your personality, skills, experience, and desire match this role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV as soon as possible, as we’re keen to meet potential candidates on an ongoing basis.

We look forward to hearing from you.