ROV Supervisor

Ready to dive into a career like no other? If you're driven by innovation, thrive in high-stake environments, and inspired by the idea of working with cutting-edge subsea technology, then this is your moment. The ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) team within the Ministry of Defence’s SALMO (Salvage and Marine Operations) unit is on the lookout for a passionate and skilled ROV Supervisor to lead operations at the forefront of underwater engineering and marine recovery.

Why join SALMO? SALMO is the MOD’s centre of excellence for marine salvage and emergency response. Our multidisciplinary team, ranging from Master Mariners and Naval Architects to Environmental Scientists and ROV/AUV Operators, delivers critical support to UK Defence operations around the globe. Whether it's locating downed aircraft on the seabed, surveying WWII wrecks, towing warships, or conducting emergency response drills, our work is as varied as it is vital.

As the ROV Supervisor, you’ll be at the helm of a highly skilled team, overseeing the safe and effective delivery of deep-water salvage missions using state-of-the-art commercial ROV systems. This role bridges the responsibilities of an IMCA Superintendent and Supervisor, offering a unique leadership opportunity that blends technical oversight with operational command.

You’ll manage a close-knit team of six, including pilot technicians, surveyors, and maintainers, both offshore and onshore, and report directly to the ROV Senior Superintendent. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring mission success in some of the most challenging and rewarding environments imaginable.

What’s in it for you? This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to make a real impact. The role is operationally critical and comes with additional allowances under SALMO terms & conditions, reflecting the importance and intensity of the work you’ll be doing.

What you’ll be doing

• Deploy afloat to deliver the in-service operation of the ROV system and work?offshore for up to 120 days per year
• Lead and manage the ROV operational team whether deployed or at base
• Support the Senior Superintendent in planning routine and reactive deployments
• Ensure all ROV maintenance is carried out in accordance with the planned maintenance system and defects are reported in a timely manner
• Create and update routine and emergency procedures for use with the SALMO ROV systems
• Ensure the SALMO ROV capability is operated in line with industry best practice
• Manage all deployments in a the safe and environmentally sound manner, being the SALMO Appointed Person responsible for Operating Safely, adhering to the deployment Safety Management Plan and any platform interface responsibilities
• Act as the party chief for deployed tasks and liaise closely with all stakeholders afloat and ashore

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a minimum IMCA ROV Supervisor (R/R02) (or company equivalent) with at least 180 days of logbook demonstrated offshore experience as ROV Supervisor with work class vehicles
• Experience managing complex /challenging work class ROV tasks with evidence of technical problem-solving and risk management.
• Hold a RQF Level 4 qualification or STCW 1 Master (Unlimited) or STCW 1 Chief Engineer (Unlimited)

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions.

For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook.

Due to the nature of this role, you are:

• Required to be fit to pass and maintain a two-yearly ENG1 seafarers medical (no geographical limitations)
• Required to enlist as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve
• Expected to work extended hours as and when required in support of operational commitments
• Required to live within 60 minutes travelling time of the base to which you are appointed
• Required to hold an in-date UK driving licence

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• ECF 1.1 Suitable Systems and Policy Principles – Practitioner
• ECF 3.3 Technical Issues and Risk – Practitioner

BEHAVIOURS:

• Leadership – CSBC 4
• Making Effective Decisions – CSBC 4

Benefits

• Full time staff employed for less than 5 years are entitled to 26.5 days’ annual leave per year, rising to 31.5 days per year after 5 years of service
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.