At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage lifeboat stations, ensuring safe and effective operations.
- Company: Join the RNLI, dedicated to saving lives at sea for over 200 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and health options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in people management and the marine environment is essential.
- Other info: This role requires flexibility, including evenings and weekends, and a valid driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 36200 - 42600 £ per year.
Salary: £41,242 to £48,520 (dependent on experience)
Vehicle: A vehicle will be made available to carry out your duties
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Location description: This AOM role will cover the RNLI's North East Area 3: Happisburgh to Mablethorpe, the successful candidate will need to live within Area 3
Interview date: To be confirmed
Closing Date: 29-06-2025
Reference: 19708
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue, and our crews need a dedicated, talented team behind them, and that is where you come in. We are looking for an Area Operations Manager to join our North East regional team, who will be responsible for visibly leading and managing the people across your designated area, to ensure you are delivering a safe, effective and inclusive lifeboat service.
The Benefits
- 26 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holiday days)
- Outstanding pension scheme (contributions of up to 16% of basic salary)
- Life Insurance
- Health and dental cash plan option
About the role
As Area Operations Manager, working alongside an Area Technical Manager, you will provide leadership, direction and support to your teams in an active maritime operational environment, looking after both full-time staff and volunteers. Working as a part of the North East regional team, you will be a credible people manager used to leading in an operational maritime environment.
You will:
- Provide leadership, direction, management and guidance to a group of lifeboat stations, ensuring they are operating in line with RNLI values, policies and procedures, to deliver the core lifeboat service.
- Inspire, lead, support, coach and develop your team, promoting interpersonal relationships to create an inclusive environment for all RNLI people.
- Collaborate with other colleagues within the North East region to deliver the RNLI’s lifesaving service and objectives through operational support, education, influence, and education.
About you
The role of the RNLI Area Operations Manager is to provide support and management to our lifeboats within the North East. This includes: Happisburgh, Cromer, Sheringham, Wells, Hunstanton, Skegness and Mablethorpe lifeboat stations. Each of these stations is managed by a volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, with the majority of boat and shore crew being volunteers. In addition to providing day-to-day support to your stations, you will be busy carrying out assurance activities at your stations throughout the year to ensure that they are being run in a safe and legally compliant way.
You will be an experienced people manager and have experience in the marine environment, although you will not be a formal part of the lifeboat crews, you will be expected to go afloat with your team, as you are ultimately accountable to the Regional Operations Lead for the operational effectiveness and safety of your station teams. You will be expected to provide leadership, direction, and support to your teams in an active operational environment, looking after both full-time staff and volunteers.
You will:
- Inspire, lead, support, coach and develop your team of staff and volunteers, promoting interpersonal relationships to create an inclusive environment for all RNLI people.
- Actively manage and be responsible for the safe and effective delivery of the RNLI’s lifesaving services through all aspects of a defined assurance framework.
- Collaborate with other managers within the North East Region to deliver the RNLI’s lifesaving service and objectives through operational support, influence, and education.
We are looking for a genuine team player who can bring their skills and experience to help deliver lifesaving services in this area. This is not a 9-5 job; for you it will be a passion, being prepared to work in the evenings and occasional weekends to support your stations and volunteers at a time that suits them. You will also be on an 8-10 week duty rota and will be prepared to turn out to support your stations when they need you, sometimes at unsociable hours. The successful candidate will need to live within the area covered by these stations. As part of the role, the successful candidate will be expected to travel throughout the RNLI North East Region for meetings and to support other regional managers, as well as undertake occasional travel within the UK and Ireland.
This post requires a valid driving licence. As this is a sea-going appointment, you will need to satisfy the Institution's medical and eyesight standards.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Area Operations Manager - North East Area 3 employer: RNLI
Contact Detail:
RNLI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Operations Manager - North East Area 3
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RNLI's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to saving lives at sea will help you align your leadership style with their objectives, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former RNLI staff and volunteers. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your experience in managing teams in operational environments. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led diverse groups, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. Highlight any previous work with volunteers or community initiatives, as this aligns well with the RNLI's focus on teamwork and inclusivity.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Operations Manager - North East Area 3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leadership and operations management, particularly in a maritime or volunteer environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the RNLI's mission to save lives at sea. Discuss how your values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in challenging environments.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills such as team leadership, operational management, and safety compliance. Mention any experience you have with assurance frameworks or working with volunteers, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your willingness to work flexible hours and your readiness to support your team during unsociable hours. This shows that you understand the demands of the role and are committed to the RNLI's mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Know the RNLI Values
Familiarise yourself with the RNLI's core values: trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your leadership style and decision-making processes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, especially in operational environments. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop both staff and volunteers, as this is crucial for the Area Operations Manager role.
✨Understand the Maritime Environment
Brush up on your knowledge of maritime operations and safety regulations. Being able to speak confidently about your experience in this field will show that you're well-prepared for the challenges of the role.
✨Show Your Commitment
This role requires flexibility and a passion for the RNLI's mission. Be ready to discuss your willingness to work outside of standard hours and your dedication to supporting the lifeboat stations and their volunteers.