Jetty and Logistics Operations Manager in Fife

At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe – for today, and tomorrow.

DE&S has recently been integrated into the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group). The NAD Group brings together key Ministry of Defence (MOD) organisations to unite expertise across science, technology, procurement, infrastructure, and support to provide integrated capabilities faster and more efficiently for our armed forces and our allies. This is an exciting new opportunity to enable better ways of working and empower greater collaboration across Defence.

We offer 25+ days’ holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of 28.97%, to help make work work for you.

Nationality, visas, and vetting: We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship. This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months.

Defence Munitions (DM) Crombie plays a vital role in supporting the UK Armed Forces, providing specialist storage, maintenance, and distribution of weapons and explosives. Our site features a deep-water jetty capable of supporting Royal Navy Warships, Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, and allied ships, delivering critical munitions and logistics support in a highly controlled environment.

We are seeking a Jetty and Logistics Operations Manager to join us in this challenging and rewarding position. This is an opportunity to take a hands‑on leadership role in a unique, safety‑critical environment where your work directly supports UK Defence. In this multifaceted role, you will act as the Building Officer and Area Manager for the DM Crombie Jetty and Road Transfer Facility, ensuring both are operated safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with relevant regulatory and safety standards.

You will lead, plan, and co‑ordinate the team delivering vessel berthing, unberthing, loading, unloading, and movements at the Crombie Jetty, while also managing a small team of staff supporting the safe handling and documentation of explosives moving through the road transfer facility. You will be the focal point ensuring DM Crombie Marine Operations are compliant with The Port and Marine Facility Safety Code, regularly collaborating with Navy Command – Port Operations Compliance Team receiving training and support.

You’ll be joining an organisation that is committed to your development. You will receive structured training and support to build specialist expertise, including becoming an Authorised Representative (AR) and a Government Authorised Explosives Representative (GAER), both key roles in the safe management of dangerous goods. There is also an opportunity, on a voluntary basis, to undertake Duty Control Officer duties, part of a 24/7 operational rota, which attracts additional pay at enhanced rates.

Due to the nature of the role, you’ll be based on site at DM Crombie, working a compressed 4.5‑day week. Where operational demands allow, working from home may be supported on a limited basis, if required. As part of our collaboration with DM Glen Douglas, you may occasionally be required to support their jetty operations. There will also be opportunities to work across other DM sites, giving valuable exposure and helping to broaden your experience and skillset. Transport and assistance to these locations will be provided.

This role offers the chance to work within a site of outstanding natural beauty, with first‑rate facilities on‑site including a gym, and a strong culture of teamwork, inclusivity, and professional collaboration across the wider DM community.

What you’ll be doing

• Supervising and managing a small team of permanent staff and a larger transient workforce during periods of jetty activity.
• Providing coaching, support, and development to team members.
• Planning and co‑ordinating jetty shipping operations.
• Working with transport providers and external partners to ensure the safe and efficient movement of explosives and hazardous materials.
• Undertaking Building Officer duties, including monitoring infrastructure and its condition, reporting defects.
• Ensuring full compliance with explosive regulations and safe operating procedures across the jetty and road transfer facility.

Person specification

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

• Lead Criterion – Leadership and management of a team in a regulated environment.
• Experience of working with stakeholders to deliver high‑quality operational outcomes.
• Demonstrable IT skills, including the use of the MS Office Suite.
• Background in maritime, logistics, transport, or defence.
• Strong safety and compliance mindset.

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

• Core Behaviour 1: Leadership - CSBC3.
• Core Behaviour 2: Working together - CSBC3.
• Technical Competence 1: Managing support, supplier, and customer networks – Practitioner Level.
• Technical Competence 2: Making evidence‑based decisions – Practitioner Level.

Offered benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday.
• Market‑leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
• Annual performance‑based bonus and recognition awards.
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications.
• Support for progression.
• Huge range of discounts.
• 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.