Code Vessel Team Lead in Southampton

Location

Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

Salary

£57,515 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Lead a specialist team at the forefront of maritime safety, helping to shape standards and policy that support the safe operation of small commercial vessels.

Working collaboratively with industry, government and technical experts, you'll contribute to the development of practical, risk-based solutions that make a real impact.

This is an opportunity to influence the future of the sector, tackle complex challenges and play a key role in maintaining confidence in the UK's maritime regulatory framework.

Shape the future of small commercial vessel safety and regulation.

As the Code Vessel Team Leader, you'll play a key role in developing and implementing initiatives that improve safety, security and environmental standards across the UK’s small commercial vessel sector.

Working closely with industry and government stakeholders, you'll provide technical leadership, influence policy and regulatory frameworks, and help deliver evidence-based solutions that support safe, sustainable and commercially successful maritime operations.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of UK maritime safety.

• Top Responsibilities
• Lead and support the team in developing and maintaining technical standards, policies, and procedures for the small commercial vessel sector.
• Deliver team objectives, manage risks, and ensure compliance with Civil Service and MCA expectations.
• Provide strategic direction on the development, implementation and review of regulations and standards, particularly for Code Vessels.
• Represent the MCA and UK at national and international forums, preparing and presenting technical papers where required.
• Act as the key contact for industry and stakeholders, fostering effective collaboration across the MCA, Df T and external partners.
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 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:
• Technical expertise in small vessel operations, engineering standards, safety-critical systems, naval architecture, marine surveying, or the development and application of maritime regulations and codes of practice.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing others, contributing to governance activities, and delivering effective outcomes within a regulatory or technical environment.
• Excellent communication and drafting abilities, producing high-quality technical and regulatory documentation, confidently using Microsoft Office tools, and able to undertake occasional international travel.
• This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 30th August 2026
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