Port Health Team Leader

We are looking for experienced Team Leaders with port health, environmental health or portal veterinary experience to join our supportive and proactive team.  

With previous experience of leading on day-to-day operations, you will be responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team of port health colleagues to ensure the effective and efficient delivery and implementation of biosecurity and imported food control checks at both Dover and Coquelles. 

Supported by your BSc or MSc in Environmental Health or Veterinary Medicine and 3 years post qualification experience, you will require a demonstrable level of technical knowledge in port health, food safety, public health, health and safety, and extensive experience of managing people.  

An in-depth knowledge of current legislative requirements will be essential as you will provide technical advice and guidance to the team and lead on enforcement action decisions. Strong communication and people management skills are essential. 

Please read the job description attached to this advert for further details on the role and requirements. 

Who We Are Looking For 

These roles work in a range of challenging environmental conditions within busy port settings.  A strong awareness of health and safety is essential, with strict adherence to risk assessments and method statements. 

The role requires working in confined spaces e.g. around moving vehicles and in walk-freezers and potential occasional work at heights. The work will often require prolonged periods of standing, frequently outdoors and in all weathers, whilst carrying out inspections. Personal protective equipment, including high visibility clothing, safety boots and sometimes a hard hat and potentially hearing protection, will frequently be required to be worn. 

Due to the fast paced and high value nature of this work, this can be extremely emotionally challenging and can often result in sustained pressure from the customer and facility provider to make complex decisions quickly and efficiently. The work is extremely reactive and the legislation and areas for concern frequently changing, adding extra pressure. 

You will need to be physical fit to do these roles, and any offer of employment will be subject to occupational health clearance. 

We work a flexible shift-based pattern including nights, weekends and bank holidays.  Previous experience of shift working will be an advantage.  These roles will require you to work at the Port of Dover, Coquelles and Dover District Council offices so flexibility is a necessity. 

Along with strong IT skills, experience of IPAFFS and PHILIS would be an advantage. 

Due to the nature of the role, you will have the ability to work flexibly and will require a current full driving licence effective in the UK and use of a motor vehicle for business use. 

Please read the job description attached to this advert for further details on the role and requirements. 

What Can We Offer? 

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, including: 

• Shift allowance of 14% 

• Car allowance 

• Benenden Healthcare Membership and access to Employee Assistance Program 

• An Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension 

• A generous annual leave provision 

• A discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre 

• On-site parking 

• Cycle2Work scheme (eligibility criteria applies) 

• Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (eligibility criteria) 

Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake DBS and Counter Terrorist checks as part of their pre-employment clearances.  

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process. 

For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us. 

What Next? 

If you would like a further discussion about the post, then please contact the Port Health team via email at porthealthrecruitment@dover.gov.uk 

Assessment centres and face to face interviews will form part of the recruitment process for all roles. 

Closing date: Monday 20th July 2026