At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a diverse team for effective Search and Rescue operations on the River Thames.
- Company: Join the RNLI, dedicated to saving lives at sea with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 26 days’ leave, pension scheme, and health cashplan.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity at a new lifeboat station with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading teams in safety-critical environments; coaching skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Station Manager to join our team at the new Wandsworth Lifeboat station. Reporting to the Area Operations Manager, this position is available as a full time, permanent contract. This is one of the RNLI's busiest locations. Wandsworth Riverside will be a completely new lifeboat station, planned to replace our station at Chiswick in Autumn 2026.
The role of Station Manager is an important tactical post, and part of a multi-disciplinary team that has responsibility for the operational management of the lifeboat station and area lifesaving plan.
Some of the benefits:
- Salary: c.£44,000 (dependent on experience)
- Flexible working
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Health cashplan option
Your role
As Station Manager, you will be responsible for the operational performance of Wandsworth Lifeboat, managing and leading a team of full time and volunteer crew to deliver a safe, effective and reliable Search and Rescue (SAR) capability on the River Thames. Using your exceptional people skills, you will act as an ambassador for the RNLI to further develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders. In this role you will be based at Wandsworth Lifeboat Station, where you will be expected to spend approximately 85% of your working week. There will also be the occasional requirement for travel within London and across the region.
About you
You’ll be someone that has a proven record of leading diverse teams within a challenging operational environment. You will be able to adapt your leadership style to mentor, motivate and manage your team whilst delivering the RNLI’s values, vision and strategy. Willing to continually develop and improve both your own capabilities as well as those who work for you, you will be flexible, inclusive and able to balance good planning and preparation with dealing with the unforeseen.
To be our Station Manager at Wandsworth, you will need:
- Experience of leading and managing a large, diverse team within a safety critical operational environment.
- A demonstrable track record in driving improvement against clear and measurable targets and ensuring and monitoring compliance.
- Extensive experience in people management including coaching and influencing, ideally including working with volunteers.
- Whilst this role does not require you to have previous maritime experience, an understanding of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, the River Thames environment, or dealing with local authorities, other SAR agencies and community groups would be advantageous. As would holding IOSH or an equivalent H&S qualification.
Station Manager employer: RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a life-saving mission while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, RNLI provides comprehensive training and career advancement opportunities, all within a flexible hybrid working model based in the beautiful city of Perth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Station Manager
✨Get Some Hands-On Experience
If you're looking to land that full-time gig in emergency medical services, don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience! Volunteering with local ambulance services or first aid organisations can give you a great insight into the field and show potential employers you’re dedicated.
✨Connect with EMS Communities
Join local EMS associations or online groups where professionals chat about job opportunities and trends. These communities are goldmines for networking, and you might just overhear about openings at places like RNLI that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Certifications
Make sure you’re up to date with your certifications—CPR, first aid, and any relevant EMS training. Having these on your CV or mentioned in interviews can really set you apart from the crowd when applying for that full-time role.
✨Leverage Local Job Fairs
Don’t forget about job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare and emergency services. These events are perfect for meeting representatives from companies like RNLI face-to-face and making a lasting impression. Plus, they often have a ton of insider info about the hiring process!
We think you need these skills to ace Station Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In the emergency medical services world, certifications like EMT or Paramedic are crucial. Make sure to prominently display any relevant qualifications on your CV to show you’re qualified and ready to jump in.
Showcase Your Experience in High-Pressure Situations:This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we want to see how you’ve handled emergencies. Share specific examples from your past roles, focusing on your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure—this will really make your CV stand out!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for EMS. Share a brief story about why you got into this field and what drives you. This personal touch helps us connect with you beyond just your qualifications.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Being part of an EMS team means communication is key. Highlight your experiences working in teams, especially in stressful environments, and how you effectively communicate with both your team and patients. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced world.
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
As we're stepping into the emergency medical services world, it's crucial to have a solid grasp on medical protocols and procedures. Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, so reviewing your medical textbooks or guidelines might just give you the edge!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
In EMS, teamwork and communication can literally save lives. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past settings or during training exercises. They might throw in questions about managing stressful interactions with patients or colleagues, so highlighting your soft skills could really set you apart.
✨Familiarise Yourself With Local Protocols
Since you'll be serving the community, knowing the specific EMS protocols and guidelines of RNLI is key. Research their operations and any recent changes they might have implemented. Demonstrating that you're well-informed about local practices shows your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Don't be surprised if your full-time interview includes a hands-on assessment. Practising skills like CPR, patient assessment, and using EMS technology will show you're ready for the rigours of the job. So gather your training materials and maybe even practice with a mate to simulate the scenario-based tests you might encounter.
