PD Ports

We are looking for an experienced full time Business Development Manager to join the Unitised team at PD Ports based at Teesport to:

- Identify and pursue new business opportunities with shipping lines/carriers, freight forwarders and cargo owners.
- Analyse trade flows, market trends and competitor activity to target emerging routes and growth opportunities.
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of new opportunities, clearly prioritising and forecasting.
- Prepare compelling commercial proposals, lead negotiations and deliver new business growth.
- Represent PD Ports at industry events, conferences and networking forums.

PD Ports is a leading UK port business offering end-to-end supply chain solutions, employing over 1,400 people in the UK. With headquarters based in the Northeast of England, PD Ports owns and operates the UK’s sixth largest port by volume. Operating out of 11 key ports and logistics centres across the UK, we are committed to retaining and developing talent nationwide.

For more information on this exciting opportunity visit: https://www.pdports.co.uk/careers/vacancies/business-development-manager/

If you are interested in this role please apply in writing, outlining relevant skills & experience, to [email protected] and use job reference BDMNW3066.

In response to prime minister-elect Andy Burnham's NEET promises, Michelle Robson, Chief People and Compliance Officer at PD Ports spoke to Tees Business alongside other Tees Valley leaders.

"Better alignment between skills, education and what employers need from the future workforce would make a real difference for young people – particularly those at risk of becoming NEET.

But businesses, educators and initiatives like Tees Maritime need to work alongside devolved government to show young people what’s possible and how to get there.

I’d also argue strongly for a more flexible, local approach to the apprenticeship levy, so it better reflects regional barriers to accessing work, like transport and financial realities facing families.

At PD Ports, we work to raise awareness about career routes through Teesport Explorers, High Tide Foundation, apprenticeships and entry-level roles, but a more cohesive regional structure would strengthen that approach."

To read the full article visit: https://teesbusiness.co.uk/2026/06/30/wholescale-change-is-needed-tees-leaders-response-to-burnham-neets-promise/

‘Wholescale change is needed’ – Tees leaders response to Burnham NEETs promise

Tees Valley business leaders have responded with strong messages after prime minister-elect Andy Burnham announced his plans to devolve powers over employment support, skills and post-16 education to tackle the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Read more online, 🔗 in the comments 👇

Last week we were honoured to be invited to celebrate at the Middlesbrough College Student Awards, the room was absolutely bursting with incredible talent across such a wide range of disciplines.

Emma Dickinson, Learning and Development Manager said: "My cheeks genuinely hurt from smiling; every single winner was so thoroughly deserving, and the energy in the room made it impossible not to beam."

We had the pleasure of presenting two categories:
Supported Internship Student of the Year – Thomas Reader
Access to Higher Education Student of the Year – Ionica Petrea

Unfortunately Thomas couldn’t accept his award in person, he’d flown out on a college trip that very morning from Newcastle Airport, but he still got his moment. In true Middlesbrough College style, the team surprised him with a 3am award presentation, ensuring he didn’t miss out on celebrating his achievement.

Nights like this make it really clear that the industry pipelines are strong. With this level of passion, skill, and ambition coming through, the future looks incredibly bright.

After 47 years on the River Tees, Pilot Cutter Skipper Rodney Thompson has hung up his lifejacket with a send off attended by friends and colleagues from across PD Ports.

Rodney’s role is one of the most challenging on the river. As skipper of a pilot cutter – a fast, highly manoeuvrable boat – he transferred maritime pilots on to incoming vessels in Tees Bay, often in the toughest sea and weather conditions, so they could safely guide merchant ships into Teesport.

In a job that demands skill, calm judgement and reliability, Rodney is renowned for delivering all three.

Starting out in 1979, long before modern tech, Rodney has also been involved in a number of shipping rescues and served with the Redcar RNLI crew. His career has been defined by professionalism and pride in the river.

Reflecting on his time with PD Ports at the event, he said: “When I started out there was no GPS – we used a compass and a watch and had one radar between three cutters.

"When the fog comes in it’s like driving down the motorway with a blindfold on.

"I’ve been involved with plenty of rescues over the years because we were out there 24/7… we were always nearby.

"I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve met some great friends and colleagues and I’ll miss it. But that’s me – over and out.”

Frans Calje, PD Ports' Chief Executive Officer, said: “Rodney’s story is woven into the history of this business - he has shown the kind of steady commitment that leaves a lasting mark.

“It is clear that he has given this business far more than years of service – he has given dedication, knowledge and a standard of professionalism that others have looked up to for decades.”

Congratulations Rodney and good luck with whatever comes next.

Read more about Rodney and his time on the River Tees:
https://www.pdports.co.uk/news/celebrating-a-remarkable-47-years-of-service-on-the-river-tees/