Port Health Team Leader

Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents and staff at the heart of everything we do. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.   

As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly and diverse working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about. 

 

Lead on the Front Line of UK Biosecurity 

Every day, thousands of vehicles, passengers and goods pass through the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel, making them two of the UK's most critical gateways. 

At Dover Port Health Authority, we're at the forefront of protecting the UK from biosecurity threats, illegal imports, unsafe food and potentially catastrophic animal diseases. Our work has national significance and supports public health, animal welfare and the UK economy. 

In recent years, our teams have removed hundreds of tonnes of illegally imported products of animal origin from the border, helping to protect public health, animal welfare and the UK economy. 

Now we're looking for exceptional leaders to join us. 

If you're motivated by purpose, thrive on challenge and want to make a genuine difference every day, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. 

 

What You'll Be Doing 

As a Port Health Team Leader, you'll work with a Port Health Supervisor to lead a multidisciplinary frontline team, delivering critical biosecurity and imported food controls across both the Port of Dover and Coquelles. 

You will provide operational leadership, technical expertise and support to officers working in a fast-paced and continually evolving environment, helping to protect one of the UK's most important border crossings. 

 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Leading and motivating teams delivering frontline biosecurity and imported food controls. 

• Managing operational activity across Dover and Coquelles. 

• Supporting complex enforcement and prosecution decisions. 

• Providing technical advice and guidance on port health and imported food matters. 

• Responding to emerging risks and changing legislative requirements. 

You will hold a BSc or MSc in Environmental Health and ideally have a level of technical knowledge across port health, food safety, public health, health and safety, and people management. 

Strong communication, sound judgement and a thorough understanding of the relevant legislative framework are essential. 

 

Who We Are Looking For 

We're seeking confident and capable leaders with experience in Port Health or Environmental Health, who are motivated and enjoy making decisions, solving problems and leading people in challenging operational environments. 

 

You will: 

• Hold a BSc or MSc in Environmental Health (or equivalent relevant qualification). 

• Have experience leading operational teams. 

• Possess strong technical knowledge across port health, food safety, public health and enforcement. 

• Demonstrate excellent communication and people management skills. 

• Be resilient, adaptable and able to make sound decisions under pressure. 

• Be able to work a flexible shift-based pattern including nights, weekends and bank holidays.   

• Be able to work across the Port of Dover, Coquelles and Dover District Council offices. 

• Have strong IT skills; experience of IPAFFS and PHILIS would be advantageous. 

• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for business use. 

• Be physically fit to undertake the role; any offer of employment will be subject to occupational health clearance. 

 

Most importantly, you'll share our passion for protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the UK's border. 

 

Why Join Us? 

This is a rare opportunity to work within one of the most high-profile Port Health Authorities. 

 

What We Offer 

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment in which you can grow and succeed. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer: 

• 14% Shift Allowance 

• Car Allowance (£7,819 per annum) 

• Opt-in Local government pension scheme with AVC options to top up their pension 

• Generous Annual Leave Entitlement 

• Benenden Healthcare Membership 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Cycle2Work Scheme (eligibility criteria applies) 

• Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (eligibility criteria applies) 

• Leisure Centre Discount Scheme 

• On-site Parking 

• Learning and Development Opportunities 

The successful applicant will be required to undertake DBS and Counter Terrorist checks as part of their pre-employment clearances.  

What Next? 

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

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. 

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 these roles. 

Closing date: Sunday 8th November 2026. 

If you have attended for an assessment centre or interview for this role in the last 3 months, there is no need for you to reapply on this occasion.