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Driver / Plant Operator – Scapa Terminal Orkney

1. Job Purpose


To provide operational, driving, administrative and terminal support at Scapa, ensuring the safe and efficient running of the depot. The role will provide essential cover for driving and office personnel during periods of annual leave or sickness, support tanker and terminal
operations, and assist with the development of operational skills and succession planning within the team. The post is key to maintaining adequate staffing, operational resilience and continuity in a high-risk working environment, ensuring that suitably trained personnel are available to cover essential duties in the absence of the Depot Manager or Depot Supervisor.


2. Key Responsibilities


A. Driving and Delivery Operations

  • Provide relief driving cover during periods of annual leave, sickness or other staffing shortages.
  • Support the delivery team during periods of increased workload.
  • Act as a second person on delivery runs when required.
  • Assist with delivery planning and coordination, including abnormal operational circumstances.
  • Ensure all driving and delivery duties are completed safely and in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.


B. Office and Administrative Support

  • Provide relief cover for office personnel during periods of annual leave or sickness.
  • Answer customer calls and process customer orders.
  • Complete delivery confirmations and associated documentation.
  • Carry out daily administrative duties.
  • Undertake daily, mid-monthly and monthly bulk stock reconciliations.
  • Assist with load planning and delivery coordination when required.


C. Terminal Operations and Tanker Support

  • Attend tanker discharges to provide appropriate terminal operational coverage.
  • Carry out line inspections, product sampling and valve alignment checks.
  • Assist with the calculation and verification of tanker outturn figures.
  • Support jetty personnel with tanker discharge preparations, including hose setup.
  • Carry out manual dipping and temperature checks of bulk storage tanks.
  • Undertake terminal inspections and routine operational checks.
  • Support the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the terminal.
  • Identify and report operational issues, defects, hazards and maintenance requirements.


D. Terminal Maintenance and Housekeeping

  • Carry out routine terminal maintenance duties.
  • Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the terminal and associated areas.
  • Undertake grounds maintenance, including strimming and weed control.
  • Assist with general upkeep to ensure the terminal remains safe, tidy and operationally effective.
  • Report maintenance issues requiring further attention.


E. Operational and Management Support

  • Provide assistance to the Depot Manager and Depot Supervisor as required.
  • Support the day-to-day running of the depot and terminal.
  • Assist with operational planning and coordination during periods of staff absence or increased workload.
  • Develop the skills and knowledge required to support terminal operations in the absence of key personnel.
  • Help maintain operational continuity and reduce reliance on a limited number of experienced staff members.


F. Training, Development and Succession Planning

  • Develop and maintain competence across driving, administration and terminal operations.
  • Undertake training to gain the skills required to cover key operational responsibilities.
  • Build experience in tanker discharge operations, stock management, terminal inspections and associated procedures.
  • Work towards the ability to provide competent operational cover in the absence of the Depot Manager or Depot Supervisor, subject to appropriate training, authorisation and demonstrated competence.
  • Support the development of less experienced team members and contribute to a sustainable succession plan for the terminal.


3. Health, Safety and Compliance

  • Comply with all company health and safety policies, operating procedures and applicable legislation.
  • Follow relevant terminal, tanker discharge and bulk storage procedures.
  • Complete required inspections, checks and records accurately.
  • Identify, report and help address unsafe conditions, incidents and operational risks.
  • Ensure all duties are undertaken within the individual's training, competence and level of authorisation.
  • Participate in relevant training, safety briefings and competency assessments.


4. Key Skills and Experience

  • Appropriate driving qualifications and experience relevant to the company's delivery operations.
  • Practical aptitude for plant and terminal operations.
  • Good organisational, administrative and record-keeping skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, drivers, jetty personnel and management.
  • Good attention to detail, particularly when undertaking stock reconciliations, inspections and operational checks.
  • A strong commitment to health, safety and compliance.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and respond effectively to changing operational requirements.
  • Willingness to undertake cross-training and develop competence across multiple areas of the business.
  • Previous experience in bulk storage, tanker operations or a similar industrial environment would be advantageous.


5. Key Objectives of the Role


The successful postholder will contribute to the following objectives:

  • Maintain sufficient skilled staffing to cover essential driving, office and terminal duties.
  • Reduce operational vulnerabilities caused by staff absence or the departure of experienced personnel.
  • Ensure tanker discharges and terminal activities can be supported safely and effectively.
  • Improve flexibility across the depot through cross-training and multi-skilled working.
  • Provide a structured pathway for developing future operational capability and succession.
  • Support the Depot Manager and Depot Supervisor in maintaining safe, reliable and efficient depot operations.


6. Reporting Structure


The postholder will report to the Depot Manager and work closely with the Terminal
Manager, drivers, office personnel and terminal operators.

 

7. Overall Role Summary

The Driver / Plant Operator is a multi-skilled operational position designed to provide flexibility across driving, administration, terminal operations and maintenance. In addition to fulfilling day-to-day operational requirements, the role will strengthen resilience at Scapa by
ensuring that essential skills and experience are developed and retained within the team. The position will play an important part in maintaining safe terminal operations, providing reliable cover during staff absences and establishing a sustainable succession plan for key
operational responsibilities.

 

Benefits

  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee Discount Hub
  • Pension
  • Private Health Care provided after qualifying period
  • Employee Owned Trust: become a member after qualifying period

 

If interested, please apply by submitting a cover letter and CV to HR@highlandfuels.co.uk.