Terminal Liaison Officer

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Terminal Liaison Officer

Location: Southampton
Reporting to: Cruise Manager

Contract: Zero Hours – Seasonal work based on demand.  Peak season April – October.

Closing Date: 17th August 2026

Join ABP Southampton Cruise

Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK's leading ports group, handling around a quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and operating one of Europe's leading cruise turnaround ports. As we continue to deliver exceptional experiences for cruise lines and their guests, we are looking for a highly motivated Terminal Liaison Officer (TLO) to join our Southampton Cruise team.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of Southampton's thriving cruise operation, coordinating stakeholders, ensuring safe and efficient terminal operations, and delivering outstanding customer service throughout every cruise call. You’ll need to be flexible as during high season (April – October), there will be early starts and late finishes.

The Role

As a Terminal Liaison Officer, you will act as the primary coordination point for cruise operations on the day, bringing together cruise lines, terminal stakeholders, operational teams, and port customers to ensure a safe, efficient and seamless experience. You will work closely with Cruise Managers and the wider operations team, taking responsibility for operational delivery within the terminal and supporting continuous improvement across Southampton's cruise business.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate all operational and customer service requirements during cruise turnaround and transit calls.
• Act as the primary point of contact between cruise stakeholders on the day of operation.
• Ensure cruise operations are delivered safely and in accordance with terminal procedures.
• Support safe working practices across all terminal users and coordinate with wider port operations teams.
• Monitor terminal infrastructure and coordinate solutions when operational issues arise.
• Report defects, incidents and operational concerns promptly and accurately.
• Develop a detailed understanding of Southampton's cruise terminals and cruise line requirements.
• Support operational improvements and contribute to the ongoing development of Southampton Cruise services.
• Assist with terminal preparations, port events and other operational activities as required.
• Collaborate with fellow Terminal Liaison Officers to manage duty coverage and roster requirements.

About You

You will thrive in a fast-paced operational environment and be confident making decisions, coordinating multiple stakeholders and maintaining a strong focus on safety and customer experience.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a demanding operational environment where priorities can change quickly.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to safe working practices and operational excellence.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
• Experience identifying and implementing operational improvements.
• Resilient, proactive and able to influence and engage others positively.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Knowledge of Southampton cruise terminal operations or a willingness to quickly develop this expertise.

Why Join ABP?

At ABP, you'll be part of a business that keeps Britain trading and welcomes millions of cruise guests through Southampton every year. You'll join a supportive team environment where safety, customer service and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.

We offer competitive rewards, development opportunities and the chance to play a key role in one of the UK's most exciting passenger port operations.

Want to see what it’s like to work for the UK’s largest port operator? Our virtual work experience programme gives you an inside look at trade, sustainability, safety, and careers in one of the UK’s most vital indutries- https://www.talentxp.co.uk/track/e2e029cd

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels