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- Tasks: Lead the Technical Standards team to develop effective maritime regulations and promote safety.
- Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, dedicated to maritime safety and environmental protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workforce with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on maritime safety while fostering innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in regulatory development and proven leadership skills required.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking an Assistant Director Technical Standards. The MCA implements the government's maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea. As Assistant Director Technical Standards, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight across the Technical Standards function within UKTMS, ensuring the development and implementation of effective maritime regulations and standards that promote safety, sustainability, and innovation. You will drive high performance, foster a culture of accountability and inclusion, and ensure alignment with national and international maritime objectives. You will support the Deputy Director Technical Services in shaping strategic direction, workforce planning, and stakeholder engagement, while maintaining regulatory excellence and safety.
Top Responsibilities
- Responsibility for the Technical Standards team ensuring delivery of effective regulations and standards, building regulatory best practice within the team in the following areas:
- Cargoes, Safety and Pollution Prevention
- Clean Ship Operations
- Fishing Vessel Safety
- Ship Safety
- Ship Construction and Equipment
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:
- Demonstrable extensive experience of regulatory development, legislative and parliamentary processes and operating at a senior management level.
- Experience of interpreting and reframing ideas and goals into achievable technical and regulatory objectives, against which options can be developed and outcomes identified.
- Proven leadership skills and experience in managing a diverse team of staff and budgetary resources.
- Experience of working with a range of senior stakeholders and decision makers (for instance ministers, non-executive directors etc.) and their organisational processes.
- Experience of supporting others to identifying the cause of a problem and utilizing technical and regulatory knowledge to help solve.
Essential licenses
- A valid passport for international travel.
You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the links provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
Assistant Director Technical Standards in Southampton employer: Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Contact Detail:
Maritime & Coastguard Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Technical Standards in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime industry, especially those who work at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the MCA's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the agency's mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences managing teams and driving change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the team at the MCA.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Technical Standards in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director Technical Standards. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a diverse team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you’ve fostered accountability and inclusion in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maritime & Coastguard Agency
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest maritime regulations and standards. Understanding the specifics of cargo safety, pollution prevention, and ship construction will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about maritime safety.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in managing diverse teams. Think about times when you've fostered accountability and professional responsibility within your team, as this aligns perfectly with what the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is looking for.
✨Tailor Your Communication
Be ready to discuss how you can adapt your communication style to different stakeholders, from CEOs to ministers. This is crucial for the role, so think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about how you've developed strategic direction in previous roles. Highlight your experience in aligning objectives with broader organisational goals, as this will resonate well with the expectations of the Assistant Director Technical Standards position.