Natasha Bridges
Harwich ,Essex
Summary
Over 17 years of experience in operations and compliance, including 8 months as Business Support Manager at Hutchison Ports (UK). Expertise in operational audits, operations management, and Security management. Proven track record in ensuring regulatory compliance, optimising internal processes, and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders. Committed to fostering a culture of accountability and inclusion while driving operational excellence and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Business Support Manager/Examinations Manager
Hutchison Ports Uk
Harwich, Essex
2021.10 - Current
- Promoted to Business Support Manager in November 2025 following a departmental restructure; absorbed all legacy Examinations Manager responsibilities while taking on broader operational leadership.
- Lead business support, compliance, resilience, security, and Border Control Post (BCP) functions across critical port environment.
- Manage a team of operational supervisors, driving performances, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Delivered and oversee operation of £21 million BCP, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
- Direct BCP compliance inspection processes, security, health and safety, and governance activities.
- Serve as Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO), maintaining compliance with International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and national security regulations.
- Manage £1 million outsourced security contract and oversee approximately 30 contracted security officers.
- Manage outsourced labour contract (AMOUNT) and oversee approximately 13 contracted labour staff.
- Maintain and continuously improve Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) through audits, assessments, drills, exercises, and inspections.
- Lead security incident management, investigations, corrective actions, and business resilience activities.
- Built and maintained effective relationships with Border Force, Government Agencies, Shipping Operators and Contractors.
- Monitor budgets, contracts, KPIs, and performance metrics to improve service delivery, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Organise events and campaigns to raise awareness and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
- Delivered industry leading BCP for the Port ensuring customer satisfaction and raising company reputation with high-quality customer care.
- Fostered culture of safety consciousness, resulting in a safer work environment.
- Improved workplace safety through regular compliance assessments.
Acting Higher Officer and Border Force Officer
UK Border Force
Harwich/Felixstowe
2006.01 - 2021.10
- Advanced through ranks, taking increasing leadership responsibility over ten officers.
- Assisted in training new recruits, improving team performance and knowledge base.
- Built International Trade Team at Harwich and drove customer and stakeholder engagement.
- Maintained integrity through disciplined application of compliance rules and standards.
- Owned border-security outcomes by directing thorough checks of incoming passengers.
- Took part in criminal investigations supporting border-related law enforcement efforts.
- Coordinated with multiple government departments to reduce friction in procedures.
- Took accountability for preventing illegal entry to safeguard national safety.
- Steered joint operations by aligning actions with fellow officers effectively.
- Accounted for compliance by managing documents for entry criteria and taxes.
- Protected customs outcomes by targeting illegal firearms and drug imports through law-aligned checks.
- Provided excellent customer service when interacting with travelling public, reflecting positively on Border Force services.
Education
Evolving Leadership -
Springboard Learning Solutions
Growing Leadership Program -
Springboard Learning
FelixstoweIOSH Managing Safely -
Hutchison Ports UK
FelixstoweNVQ Level 3 - Customer Service
Career Track
Clacton on SeaNVQ Level 2 - Business Administration
Career Track
Clacton on SeaGCSEs -
The Harwich School
HarwichSkills
- Operational Leadership
- Service Delivery Management
- Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder Management
- Performance Management
- Change Management
- Contract & Budget Management
- Risk & Compliance Management
Timeline
Business Support Manager/Examinations Manager
Hutchison Ports Uk
2021.10 - Current
Acting Higher Officer and Border Force Officer
UK Border Force
2006.01 - 2021.10
Evolving Leadership -
Springboard Learning Solutions
Growing Leadership Program -
Springboard Learning
IOSH Managing Safely -
Hutchison Ports UK
NVQ Level 3 - Customer Service
Career Track
NVQ Level 2 - Business Administration
Career Track
GCSEs -
The Harwich School