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- Tasks: Lead the maintenance and care of historical rigging on iconic naval vessels.
- Company: Join the National Museum of the Royal Navy, a unique heritage environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a group pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of preserving history while inspiring visitors with captivating stories.
- Qualifications: Experience in traditional rigging techniques and leading maintenance teams.
- Other info: Friendly, diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 38961 - 41340 £ per year.
Salary (Grade 6): £38,961 - £41,340 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week – Permanent
Location: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
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. We are looking for a Lead Rigger to join our team and play a key role in the ongoing care and maintenance of the wide range of rigs within NMRN’s collection. This role helps ensure that all rigging is maintained to a high standard while retaining historical accuracy. Several projects are planned over the coming years to renew and replace rigging across the collection, and the Lead Rigger will be fundamental in delivering this work, working closely with the Principal Rigger to plan and coordinate rigging activity across all vessels.
What you can bring:
- Knowledge of square rig standing and running rigging.
- Knowledge of traditional rigging techniques, and experience in completing.
- Experience in completing rigging maintenance on traditional vessels.
- Experience in the planning and completing of rigging maintenance with teams of staff.
- Experienced in leading the completion of complex rigging work aloft.
- Experience maintaining records and ordering materials and equipment.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety associated with working aloft, lifting and workshop operations.
- An ability to engage with and inspire our visitors.
- Experience working with subcontractors.
- Good planning and coordination skills.
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.
- Flexible working.
- 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 Stuart.Sheldon@nmrn.org.uk.
All applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs.nmrn.org.uk/ by midnight on 4th March 2026. The selection processes will be held on site in Portsmouth on 18th March 2026. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on recruitment@nmrn.org.uk 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.
Category: Conservation
Contract type: Permanent
Telephone: 23928 94170
Lead Rigger in 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 Lead Rigger in 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. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the rigging techniques and experiences you've had, and be ready to discuss them in detail. We want to hear how your skills can contribute to maintaining the historical accuracy of the rigs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for heritage! When you talk about your experience, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for preserving history and engaging with visitors. This is key to fitting into our diverse workplace.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you have any questions, reach out to Stuart Sheldon for an informal chat before applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Rigger in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with square rig standing and running rigging. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific projects where you’ve led rigging maintenance or worked with teams. We love a good story about your hands-on experience!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, we also want to get a sense of who you are. Share your passion for traditional rigging techniques and how you engage with visitors – it’s all part of the package!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 square rig standing and running rigging. Be prepared to discuss traditional rigging techniques and share examples of your past experiences in maintaining rigging on traditional vessels.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Rigger, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Think of specific instances where you've successfully planned and coordinated rigging maintenance with staff, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Health and Safety First
Familiarise yourself with the health and safety regulations associated with working aloft and lifting operations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety in your work and any relevant experiences you've had managing safety protocols.
✨Engage and Inspire
Remember, part of your role will involve engaging with visitors. Think about how you can inspire them with the stories behind the rigs. Prepare to share your ideas on how to connect with the audience and make their experience memorable.
