Southampton Job Vacancies

The docks, airport, roads and railway make Southampton a logical choice for anyone looking for a career in distribution - or transport logistics as it's also known. There was a time when a job in this industry meant nothing more than an HGV licence and a willingness to drive for long hours. But today it's a real science with the business acumen to move goods around in the cheapest and quickest way able to make a company millions of pounds. Future managers are increasingly needing a degree or HND when they enter the industry but you'll certainly need qualifications in business studies or economics to demonstrate you've got what it takes to climb the career ladder. You'll also need IT and personnel skills.

One of the biggest employers in Southampton is University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust which employs around 7,500 medical and non-medical staff - plus many more in the support industries. As a teaching hospital, education and training are integral to much of the hospital's work. The Trust's commitment to staff includes the supply of creche and nursery facilities, flexible working, subsidised restaurants and, in some instances, access to key worker accommodation. Doctors and nurses are needed of course but there are many other jobs covering other health professionals, healthcare scientists, pharmaceutical work, admin and support staff.

Southampton is perhaps rather late in creating a Cultural Quarter to the city. Most cities have had one for years but Southampton has just begun work on theirs which will incorporate museums, libraries, galleries, theatres and the like and will look to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to the city. Of course, Southampton already has much of the above offering attractive careers but bringing them all together in one 'quarter' will maximise their potential and increase employment in this sector.

Ford Transit Vans are an iconic part of the distribution and transport sector worldwide and their home is at their plant at Swaythling, near Southampton. Again, Southampton's location has proved key with about half the vans leaving the city via the docks for export around the world. With 500 employees it is one of the biggest manufacturing plants in the city.

Other major employers in the city include Ordnance Survey (the map people) who moved their headquarters to the city in 2011, retail centres such as West Quay and Southampton City Council. B&Q was created in Southampton in 1969 and has grown to be a world leader with stores all over the world. They have a large presence in the Southampton area including their Store Support Office at Eastleigh.