At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage harbour-related infrastructure projects in a stunning island setting.
- Company: Orkney Islands Council, committed to sustainable marine operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on island communities through innovative project management.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in infrastructure or engineering project management required.
The predicted salary is between 62908 - 68529 € per year.
Orkney Islands Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Harbours Project Manager to provide leadership across the delivery of harbour-related capital, maintenance and infrastructure projects. This is a senior Service Manager role within Marine Services, with responsibility for leading complex engineering and infrastructure programmes across Orkney’s harbour estate.
The postholder will ensure projects are delivered to high technical standards, are commercially robust, represent Best Value and fully comply with statutory, regulatory and safety requirements. As Service Manager, you will work closely with the Head of Service, elected members, colleagues, regulators and industry partners, supporting the strategic development of Orkney’s harbour infrastructure, helping to maintain safe, resilient and sustainable marine operations that support island communities and the wider Orkney economy.
The purpose of the role is to lead, manage and develop high standards of service delivery, continuous improvement and a culture of high performance within harbour-related project delivery. You will support the Head of Service in setting strategic direction and ensuring effective governance, financial stewardship and outcomes across a diverse and high-value asset base.
This is an exciting opportunity to take forward major infrastructure programmes in a unique island setting. We are looking for a motivated and forward-thinking professional with significant experience in infrastructure or engineering-related project management. You will have strong leadership and people management skills, coupled with sound commercial and financial judgement.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants. This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check. This post is classed as a politically restricted post under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Interview expenses are payable for this post. Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post. Applications close at 23:59 on 7 June 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 8 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 22 June 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Douglas Manson, Harbour Master.
Senior Harbours Project Manager - ORK10324 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead significant harbour infrastructure projects in a stunning island setting. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a culture that prioritises continuous improvement and high performance, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to the sustainability of local communities. The role of Senior Harbours Project Manager not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on Orkney's economy and marine operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Harbours Project Manager - ORK10324 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in harbour management. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and project management experience, as these are key for the Senior Harbours Project Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Harbours Project Manager - ORK10324 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in infrastructure and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Senior Harbours Project Manager role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects. This will help us see your potential fit for the position.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information about the role and our recruitment process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific harbour-related projects you’ve managed. Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges faced, and how you ensured compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This shows you’re not just experienced but also detail-oriented.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and people management abilities. Think about times when you led a team through complex projects or improved service delivery. This will demonstrate your capability to manage high-performance teams effectively.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Orkney’s unique marine environment and the specific needs of its communities. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with the strategic development of the harbour infrastructure will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's future projects and challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding how you can contribute to the team and the wider community.
