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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic publications team to produce high-quality reports and enhance online presence.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in marine safety while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in publications and report production.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
Department for Transport
Location: Southampton (Hybrid)
Salary: £35,663 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
The successful applicant will be responsible for publication of procedures and investigation reports, supporting a multi-disciplinary team of office staff and inspectors responsible for investigating a wide range of marine incidents, both in the UK and worldwide.
Top Responsibilities
- Overseeing the publications team activities, to ensure delivery of agreed targets and standards for accident investigation reports.
- Ensuring MAIB’s online presence and public profile is kept up-to-date, and that content is published appropriately for each medium and improving any accessibility requirements.
- Coordinate the delivery of publication work outside of the routine scope, including any promotional material or in-house documentation, prioritising requests.
- Overseeing the work within the publications team and working along with senior leaders within the branch, across the three Accident Investigation Branches and wider DfT to provide and maintain efficient workflows.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About you
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- You will be highly motivated and confident, with the ability to work under pressure both as part of a team and independently. You will be required to ensure that all MAIB publication outputs, such as accident investigation reports, are produced to a high standard, in a timely manner and most appropriate format.
- You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be capable of producing accurate and clear written reports to challenging deadlines and have good presentation skills.
- Highly experienced with a background specifically publications related, report production and online content including social media and other platforms.
- You will have an awareness of emerging technologies, including AI and automation tools, and their potential application in publication workflows within government-approved frameworks. Knowledge or understanding of Civil Service or Department for Transport procedures, including policy, approvals and publication governance processes.
- Due to the nature of MAIB operations, you may be exposed to information, recordings and material of a sensitive or potentially distressing nature.
How to Apply
Read the full job description and apply using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 4th January 2026.
Publications Manager in Southampton employer: Department for Transport
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Publications Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the Department for Transport and their publications. This will help us tailor our conversations during interviews and show that we’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to publications management. We should also think about how we can demonstrate our experience with report production and online content effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Publications Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you dive into your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to highlight your experience in publications and report production. Show us how your background fits the specific needs of the Publications Manager role.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Publications Manager and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the types of reports and publications the MAIB produces, as well as any recent incidents or changes in regulations that may be relevant.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role, prepare to demonstrate these during your interview. Bring examples of past reports or publications you've worked on, and be ready to discuss how you ensure clarity and accuracy under tight deadlines.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Highlight your experience with emerging technologies, especially AI and automation tools, and how they can enhance publication workflows. Be prepared to discuss how you've used technology in previous roles to improve efficiency or accessibility in your work.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the Civil Service and Department for Transport procedures, including publication governance processes. Showing that you understand the context in which the MAIB operates will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to contribute effectively from day one.
