At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead deck operations for training and rescue missions, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a global leader in underwater capabilities and innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with global deployment opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global safety and rescue operations while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in maritime or subsea operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the Role
Operations Manager x2 – Deck (Surge)
United Kingdom
Zero hour contract (approx. 40 days a year)
Please note that this role requires security checks.
The Role
Are you an experienced operations professional with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork and operational excellence?
We are seeking two Operations Managers – Deck (Surge) to provide critical operational support across the global SERS portfolio, ensuring the successful delivery of training, exercises, mobilisations and rescue operations whenever and wherever required.
In this dynamic role, you will be responsible for the safe coordination and execution of deck operations, including Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) launch and recovery activities and SRV/Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) mating operations.
Working as part of the SERS Surge Operations Team, you will play a vital role in ensuring all activities are carried out safely, efficiently and in full compliance with approved procedures and operational requirements.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual who thrives in a challenging operational environment and is passionate about delivering world-class rescue readiness and support on a global scale.
The role is part of the SERS Surge Operations Team with global deployment at short notice to support training, exercises, mobilisations, contingency operations and emergency response activities.
What you'll be doing
- Lead and coordinate deck operations during training, exercises, mobilisations and rescue operations, ensuring safe and effective execution in line with approved procedures.
- Oversee SRV launch and recovery operations, SRV/TUP mating activities and associated deck interfaces, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment and assets.
- Maintain the operational readiness of assigned systems, equipment and personnel to meet global SERS requirements.
- Coordinate activities with vessel personnel, customers, contractors and support teams to ensure successful operational delivery.
- Monitor operational and environmental conditions, assess risks and implement controls to support safe mission execution.
- Promote the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational discipline, including adherence to company policies, procedures and Life Saving Rules.
- Support the development and assurance of workforce competence through participation in training, exercises and readiness activities.
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying risks, capturing lessons learned and enhancing safety, readiness, capability and operational performance across the SERS portfolio.
What we're looking for
Essential
- Experience delivering complex maritime, subsea, diving, submarine rescue, offshore or similar operations.
- Leadership in safety-critical environments, with strong decision-making under pressure.
- Knowledge of submarine rescue, diving, subsea or marine systems and interfaces.
- Understanding of seamanship, operational readiness, risk and safety management in regulated environments.
- Familiarity with maritime, offshore and defence standards and management systems.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
- Strong communication and briefing skills.
- Ability to maintain deployment readiness, including medical, security and competence requirements.
Desirable
- Experience in submarine rescue, defence, offshore, diving, ROV or submersible operations.
- Familiarity with dynamic positioning, hyperbaric, launch/recovery or subsea systems.
- Experience supporting training, exercises and readiness programmes.
- Experience in international, defence or emergency response environments.
- Relevant leadership, safety or instructional qualifications.
- Training & Qualification
- Role-specific training and competence aligned to the SERS Framework.
- Maritime survival, emergency response and medical certifications.
- Company-required HSE, security and business systems training.
- Participation in submarine rescue training, exercises and readiness activities.
Why Join us?
- Competitive package.
- Clear pathways for career development andorganisationalvisibility.
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.
About Us
James Fisher is a global engineering services companyoperatingacross Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport.
With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments.
Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc
James Fisher Defence(JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, deliveringcutting-edgediving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial anddefencemarkets.
Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training.
We’realso at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.
To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida.
You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA
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Operations Manager - Deck (Surge) employer: James Fisher and Sons plc
James Fisher and Sons plc is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Westhill, Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow, where innovation thrives. With competitive salaries, early Fridays, and a strong emphasis on employee growth and support, we foster a culture that values collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in product development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Deck (Surge)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In transportation and logistics, hands-on experience is golden. If you're looking for a temporary position, don't just sit back; consider volunteering at local logistics companies or joining community transport initiatives. It’s a great way to gain industry insight and showcase your commitment!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring
Temporary roles in logistics often peak during busy seasons, like holidays or sales events. Keep an eye out for those hiring windows and brush up on your local networks. Joining industry groups on social media or attending local job fairs can be your golden ticket to snagging a role!
✨Show You’re Flexibly Awesome
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability, so make sure you highlight your flexibility and problem-solving skills in every discussion. When chatting with recruiters or at interviews, be ready to give examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted in past roles—this will help you stand out among other candidates.
✨Hit Us Up Directly!
Don't forget to apply through our website directly to see the freshest temporary opportunities available at James Fisher and Sons plc! It’s always a good idea to follow up after submitting your application, just to show you’re keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Deck (Surge)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to emphasise any previous experience in this field. Whether you've worked as a warehouse operative or in a delivery role, make sure you showcase those skills and experiences that will help you hit the ground running right away!
Focus on Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, your availability and flexibility are key. In your cover letter, be clear about when you can start and any scheduling flexibility you might have. Employers love candidates who can jump in without a hitch, so show off that readiness!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to logistics, like forklift licenses or health and safety training, don’t leave them out! These certifications can give you an edge, showing that you’re not just capable but also qualified for the job. Mention these in your CV to catch the hiring manager’s eye!
Tailor Your CV to Logistics Jargon:When crafting your CV, use industry-specific terms and jargon that reflect your understanding of transportation and logistics. Whether it’s ‘supply chain management’ or ‘route optimisation’, sprinkle these phrases throughout your CV and cover letter. This shows that you’re not just applying at random, but that you know the industry well!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons plc
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the transportation and logistics field, demonstrating your knack for problem-solving can really set you apart. Be ready to talk about specific challenges you’ve faced in past roles or during your studies, especially those involving route planning or supply chain issues, and how you tackled them.
✨Get Familiar with Key Tools
This role will likely involve using industry-specific tools like SAP or Microsoft Excel for logistics management. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be ready to discuss how you've used them in the past – or how you'd approach using them if you're not familiar yet!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this position is temporary, companies are keen on finding someone who can hit the ground running. Share examples from previous roles or projects where you quickly adapted to new processes or worked under tight deadlines to show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Key Regulations
In the transportation and logistics sector, regulations play a huge role. Familiarising yourself with relevant laws and compliance standards can give you an edge. If you can drop in some specifics about how these impact logistics operations, it’ll show you're serious about the industry and that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.