Job Description and Activities
A Passenger Team Leader is a passenger operative selected to ‘look after’ a group of 4 or 5 other operatives and report to the passenger supervisor. The role of Team Leader usually exists in larger ports and harbours, where a supervisor may have too many operatives to effectively supervise at once. A Team Leader will have some supervisory responsibilities, such as assigning work to their team, alongside reporting to their supervisor, and the general operations activities associated with their operative role.
- Physical tasks – the lifting of passenger baggage on and off baggage trailers, carrying baggage on or off the ship, assisting disabled passengers in their wheelchairs, positioning passenger barriers and directing vehicles.
- Customer service – passenger operatives are normally the only staff passengers will see when using the port. They are required to answer queries, provide updates on sailing/arrival times and delays, provide information on local facilities such as taxis and hotels, guide passengers and their vehicles on and off the vessel. Sometimes they may be required to check passports and tickets.
- Handling situations – a busy port passenger terminal filled with passengers can give rise to situations that require careful handling by the passenger operative. They may be required to deal with drunkenness, aggression, illness, emergencies and other demanding situations.
- Supervisory – Team Leaders will have some supervisory activities, such as assigning activities to their team, ensuring the work is done safely and on time, and reporting to their supervisor.
The Working Environment
- Passenger operatives must enjoy working with people and be able to remain calm under pressure.
- If the port handles sailings to other countries, a second language would be useful.
- Team Leaders must have strong leadership qualities to lead their team, and good communication skills for reporting to their supervisor.
Salary
A Team Leader can earn around £18,000 to £20,000, depending on the size and location of their port, and their level of experience.
Entry Requirements
Passenger Team Leaders traditionally have experience as passenger operatives prior to becoming team leaders. A Team Leading pathway has been designed for the N/SVQ in Port Operations level 2. Anybody wishing to become a team leader can either complete the qualification on this pathway, or if they have already completed the qualification with a different pathway, do the additional team leading units.
Career Development
Team Leaders are well placed to become supervisors for their area of operations. Promotion is usually based on experience, but a level 3 N/SVQ in Supervision of Port Operations is a useful and respected qualification for supervisors.