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- Tasks: Lead Bristol Harbour's strategic direction and oversee its safe operation and commercial development.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Bristol City Council, shaping the future of a vibrant urban waterfront.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and stunning views from your office.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Bristol's transformation and influence at corporate and political levels.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Master Mariner or hold relevant Port Management qualifications.
- Other info: Diverse workforce valued; career-defining role with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Salary £99,598 plus relocation
Bristol City Harbour
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to opportunitybristol.com until the closing date of Sunday 14 September.
Shape the commercial future of Bristol Harbour. Bristol Harbour is a place of immense potential. It is a working harbour with a rich maritime heritage, a growing leisure destination, and the focal point of one of the UK's most ambitious regeneration programmes. As we move forward with the transformative Western Harbour development, we are looking for a commercially astute and strategically minded leader to take on the role of Director of Bristol Harbour Authority.
This is a rare opportunity to lead the Harbour into a new era. You will be responsible for the strategic direction, commercial development and safe operation of the Harbour and its estate. From overseeing marine services and engineering to managing estates and business support, you will lead a team of up to 50 staff and ensure the Harbour is run efficiently, safely and in line with all statutory obligations.
You will be the public face of the Harbour Authority, representing Bristol at local, regional and national levels. You will work closely with elected members, internal council teams, and a wide range of external partners including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Marine Accident Investigation Branch, Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation, British Ports Association, other Harbour Authorities, user groups, and voluntary and private sector organisations.
To succeed in this role, you must be a qualified Master Mariner (Class 1 or RN equivalent) or hold a Port Management or Harbour Master Diploma or Certificate, with membership of a relevant professional body. While this role carries the statutory responsibilities of the Harbour Master, it is well supported by a dedicated Harbour Operations Manager and a team of specialists in marine services, engineering, estates and business support.
You will also need to be a dynamic, confident and innovative leader, capable of developing and delivering business and marketing strategies, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and identifying new commercial opportunities to ensure the Harbour becomes financially self-sufficient. Strong communication, influencing and report-writing skills are essential, as is the ability to lead high-risk, high-impact projects and represent the Harbour at board level.
This is a career-defining role in one of the UK's most exciting urban waterfronts. With a competitive benefits package and panoramic views of the Harbour and city from your office, in this position you will have the ability to influence at both a corporate and political level playing a key part in the major transformation that will shape Bristol's future for generations to come.
At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit.
For further information please visit our microsite by clicking Apply and speak to our executive search partners GatenbySanderson: Ben Parsonage (ben.parsonage@gatenbysanderson.com) or Delicia Coutinho (delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com)
Closing Date: 14th September 2025
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Engineering, General Business, and Management
Industries: Government Administration and Maritime Transportation
Director, Bristol Harbour Authority (Harbour Master, Master Mariner Qualified) in West Bromwich employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Bristol Harbour Authority (Harbour Master, Master Mariner Qualified) in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the maritime industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or industry leaders, make sure to highlight your qualifications as a Master Mariner and your experience in managing complex projects. Confidence is key, so own your achievements!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Bristol Harbour and its current projects. Understand their vision and challenges, and think about how your skills can help shape the future of the Harbour. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the exciting developments at Bristol Harbour.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Bristol Harbour Authority (Harbour Master, Master Mariner Qualified) in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a Master Mariner and any relevant leadership roles. We want to see how your skills align with the strategic direction of Bristol Harbour!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to lead teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships. We’re looking for someone dynamic and innovative, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes in these areas!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use strong communication skills to convey your ideas effectively, as this role requires excellent report-writing abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website before the closing date! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your Maritime Stuff
As a Master Mariner, you need to showcase your deep understanding of maritime operations. Brush up on the latest regulations and best practices in harbour management. Be ready to discuss how your qualifications and experiences align with the strategic direction of Bristol Harbour.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires a dynamic leader. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, and influenced stakeholders. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a significant impact on safety or operational efficiency.
✨Understand the Commercial Landscape
Bristol Harbour is looking for someone commercially astute. Familiarise yourself with current trends in maritime commerce and regeneration projects. Be prepared to discuss innovative strategies you would implement to enhance the Harbour's financial self-sufficiency.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll be the public face of the Harbour Authority, so practice articulating your vision clearly. Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders, from local councils to user groups. Prepare to discuss how you would build and maintain these crucial relationships.
