Port Profiles: Hazel Matthew
Meet Hazel Matthew, a member of Port of Aberdeen's Finance and Business Services Department who joined the port in July 2020.
A varied and dynamic role
As Contracts, Legal & Procurement Manager, Hazel oversees non-employment contracts to minimise risk, ensures compliance with public procurement rules, and leads all legal matters with external advisers. Additionally, she manages insurance policies and claims, and as Company Nominated Trustee and Scheme Administrator for the port’s defined benefit pension scheme, Hazel supports members, trustees, and governance processes for the scheme.
Hazel also works closely with the Engineering and Commercial Departments to ensure procurement processes and contracts are in place for project delivery, with a particular focus on complex initiatives such as the port’s £420 million Aberdeen South Harbour Expansion Project.
Achievements, challenges, and professional growth
Among her proudest achievements is seeing the Aberdeen South Harbour Expansion Project brought to completion under difficult circumstances. For Hazel, it was rewarding to witness how much the site transformed during her time as part of the project team, from mostly marine terrain to fully formed quayside and operational infrastructure.
One of the toughest aspects of Hazel’s role is dealing with insurers. The process tends to be slow and technical, translating complex technical or project-specific details into terms that non-technical stakeholders can easily understand is an ongoing requirement. She approaches this by providing clear, well-structured information, and engaging insurers directly, especially when it comes to clarifying claims during calls or meetings.
Working at Port of Aberdeen has also enabled Hazel to grow professionally. Through her role she has gained exposure to legal, insurance, and pension matters that were new to her. Supported by the port, Hazel is also currently studying towards a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, which she began in January 2025.
Inspiration and life outside the port
Hazel was drawn to Port of Aberdeen by the scale and complexity of its projects and the opportunity to work on initiatives that continually push the boundaries of the maritime industry. She encourages others to explore the many roles available across the ports and maritime sectors, highlighting the variety of opportunities beyond those immediately visible.
If she had the chance to step into another role within the port for a day, Hazel would choose to spend time with the Marine Department. In particular, Vessel Traffic Services or the Marine Pilots, to gain an insight into their daily work and understand the challenges faced beyond her primarily office-based role.
Away from her professional duties, Hazel enjoys travelling – using visits to Portugal, where she has family, to combine time with loved ones and exploring new places. She also enjoys theatre, live music, and reading in her spare time.
