05/08/2026
From Marine Operative to Chief Operating Officer: There Really Is No Wrong Path.
Exam results day can bring excitement, uncertainty and lots of questions about what comes next. That's why Forth Ports is supporting this week (3-7 August 2026). Led by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the campaign shines a spotlight on real career journeys, showing young people that success comes in many forms and that there are countless ways to build a rewarding future.
Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer said:
“I’m proud that Forth Ports is taking part in 2026 to help inspire young people as they consider what comes next.
When I left school at 16, I didn't have a clear career plan mapped out. Like many people, I wasn't entirely sure where my future would take me, and I certainly didn't imagine that one day I would become Chief Operating Officer of one of the UK's leading port businesses.
I joined Forth Ports as a Marine Operative and learned quickly that careers are rarely a straight line. Over the last 20+ years, I've had the opportunity to work across different parts of the business, taking on new challenges, developing new skills and building experience in both operational and support function roles. Every step taught me something valuable and helped prepare me for the next opportunity.
Alongside my role at Forth Ports, I'm also Chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust and a Trustee of Thurrock’s new OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway, a state-of-the-art youth centre due to open in Tilbury in 2027. Through that work, I see first-hand the importance of helping young people realise that success looks different for everyone and that there are many routes to achieving your goals.
Whether your results are exactly what you hoped for, better than expected, or not quite what you were aiming for, they do not define your future. Stay curious, be open to opportunities, and don't be afraid to take a path that looks different from the one you originally planned. Sometimes the opportunities you least expect can lead to the most rewarding careers.”
We’re one of the UK’s leading port operators, employing more than 1,300 people across Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. Every day our teams play a vital role in keeping trade moving, supporting customers, and driving economic growth in the communities we serve. From Port Operations, Engineering and Marine Operations to Business Support Functions, you can find details of all our live vacancies here: https://bit.ly/3RALpz4