Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining historic ship rigs and oversee conservation projects.
- Company: Join the National Museum of the Royal Navy, a unique heritage environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension plan, and discounts at shops and cafes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving naval history while working in a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Experience in traditional rigging, leadership skills, and knowledge of safety regulations required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a friendly workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 48185 - 54185 £ per year.
Salary (Grade 7): £48,185 - £54,185 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week - Permanent
Location: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Linking Navy to Nation with inspiring stories and experiences. Here you can come aboard the most famous ships, planes, and submarines of the Royal Navy and experience them through the stories of the people who served on them. As well as being truly captivated by the thousands of unique, emotional, and sometimes quirky stories that have shaped the Royal Navy into what it proudly stands for today.
You are pivotal in us achieving our vision, and to support this we embrace diversity and want everyone to feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
This is a great opportunity to join the team: We are looking for a Principal Rigger to lead a team of Lead Riggers and Riggers in the maintenance and upkeep of our historic ship rigs. They will oversee the planning and execution of programmes of work on HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS M33 in Portsmouth, as well as HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool and HMS Caroline in Belfast. The Principal Rigger works collaboratively with colleagues across the Conservation Team and HMS Victory: The Big Repair project team, to uphold the highest standards of conservation in all our work. They lead the design, reinstatement and ongoing care of HMS Victory’s rigging as part of the current conservation programme, including commissioning, procuring and managing specialist contractor support where required. The role also involves working closely with colleagues in the Collections and Visitor Experience teams, offering rigging advice, guidance and practical assistance as appropriate to support both the care of the ship and the experience of those who engage with it.
What you can bring:
- Managing safe work procedures and programmes is a key element of this role, and the successful candidate will be an experienced leader in the field of traditional rigging and rope access.
- A professional qualification, IRATA level 3 preferred, with knowledge of LOLER and H&S legislation and requirements.
- Demonstrable experience of leading rigging works aloft, traditional rigging and rope access work.
- Confidence managing a team of riggers.
- Specialist knowledge of maintaining masts, yards and rigging of historic ships.
- Experience of working at height.
- Knowledge of best practice approaches to conservation of historic ships, within static contexts.
- A positive attitude and passion for communicating the principles of conservation to different audiences.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
- Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) pro rata for part time employees, increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, pro rata for part time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
- Discounts at our shops and cafes.
- Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
- A range of other benefits including cycle to work.
- Paid reservist leave.
We want you to succeed and showcase your skills and experiences, so if you are invited to interview, we will share our interview questions with you ahead of time. If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding the role, or ask any questions, please contact Stuart Sheldon, Lead Rigger, on email.
All applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs.nmrn.org.uk/ by midnight on 25th February 2026. The selection processes will be held on site in Portsmouth on 11th March 2026. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team for support.
This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas.
Occupational pension, Sick pay, Annual leave, Flexible working, Family friendly policies, Staff discounts, EAP Region: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth
Locations
Principal Rigger in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: National Museum of the Royal Navy
Contact Detail:
National Museum of the Royal Navy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Rigger in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the National Museum of the Royal Navy and its projects. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your interview by rehearsing answers to common questions related to rigging and conservation. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role of Principal Rigger. We want you to feel confident when discussing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During the interview, share your enthusiasm for traditional rigging and the conservation of historic ships. Talk about any relevant projects you've worked on and how they’ve shaped your approach to leadership and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, take the opportunity to ask about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the conservation techniques they use. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Rigger in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in traditional rigging and rope access. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Rigger, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for conservation and historic ships shine through in your application. We love candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely excited about the work we do at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and qualifications are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there too.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museum of the Royal Navy
✨Know Your Rigging Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of traditional rigging and rope access techniques. Be prepared to discuss your experience with maintaining masts, yards, and rigging of historic ships, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Rigger, you'll be leading a team. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team of riggers or similar roles. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and inspire others in your answers.
✨Understand Conservation Best Practices
Familiarise yourself with best practice approaches to the conservation of historic ships. Be ready to share your thoughts on how you would uphold the highest standards of conservation in your work, especially regarding HMS Victory’s rigging.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Since the interviewers will share questions ahead of time, take advantage of this! Prepare detailed responses that reflect your expertise in managing safe work procedures and your knowledge of LOLER and H&S legislation. This will show your readiness for the role.