Marine Governance Manager in Gravesend

Department: Harbour Masters

Reporting to: Senior Harbour Master

Grade: 3

Salary: £78,108

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: London River House, Gravesend

Closing date: Wednesday 7th October (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: Friday 16th October

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port. We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

To lead the Port of London Authority’s marine governance, safety management and compliance functions, ensuring effective development, implementation and continuous improvement of marine governance arrangements, the Marine Safety Management System (MSMS), and associated assurance frameworks. The role provides strategic leadership on marine safety, governance, risk management, engagement and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead development and continuous improvement of the MSMS and Marine Safety Plan. Ensuring compliance with the PMSC, Guide to Good Practice and relevant legislation.
• Oversee governance, assurance, audit and compliance activities, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor safety performance, risks, incidents and emerging trends, ensuring effective corrective actions and lessons learned are embedded across the organisation.
• Provide expert governance advice, assurance and reporting to senior leaders and the Board.
• Lead strategic risk management, horizon scanning and future readiness activities to support safe and sustainable marine operations.
• Act as the Authority's lead for marine governance investigations and support incident investigation processes where required.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, government bodies, industry organisations and key stakeholders, representing the PLA externally.
• Influence and respond to legislative, regulatory and industry developments, ensuring organisational interests are effectively represented.
• Lead, develop and support marine governance resources, promoting high professional standards, accountability and effective delivery.
• Manage governance-related resources and budgets to support operational, assurance and strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively across operational, technical and corporate teams to strengthen governance, safety culture and organisational resilience.

What we are looking for:

• Significant relevant management experience in the marine or ports industry, including safety management systems.
• A detailed understanding of the requirements of the PMSC (and supporting Guide to Good Practice).
• Demonstrable experience of general management and administrative functions, including decision making, problem solving, planning and project management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to ensure effective liaison, both internally and externally.
• Good communication/presentation skills; writing, time management and administrative skills.
• PC skills including an effective knowledge of current relevant MS Office suite and the ability to develop ideas for the improved use of IT in relevant areas of responsibility.
• Extensive knowledge of marine governance, marine safety management systems and safety assurance within a safety-critical environment.
• In addition, the following skills would be desirable: ISM Lead Auditor, or other equivalent audit qualification.
• Hold STCW OOW unlimited Certificate of Competency or equivalent, with relevant experience or hold an MCA approved Harbour Master's qualification.
• Strong understanding of harbour authority responsibilities and the interfaces between pilotage, vessel traffic services, conservancy, towage and wider marine operations.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Car allowance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Generous pension - up to 14% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Reward and recognition portal, with access to a range of discounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Cathryn Spain, Senior Harbour Master at Cathryn.spain@pla.co.uk.

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.