At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist team to ensure high-quality certification services for small commercial vessels.
- Company: Join the Royal Yachting Association, a leader in boating safety and standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days holiday, hybrid working, and a strong pension contribution.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety standards in the UK's boating sector.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and analytical skills; no marine experience required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
Certifying Authority Manager Royal Yachting Association • Hamble, Southampton with some UK travel required
Organisation: Royal Yachting Association
Location: Hamble, Southampton (hybrid working, with some UK travel required) Contract type: Permanent (Full time) Closing date: 17 August 2026
Job
Description: We're looking for a commercially minded and people-focused leader to manage our Certifying Authority function.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a specialist team, work with regulators and industry experts, and influence safety and standards across the UK's small commercial vessel sector.
Importantly, you do not need marine industry experience to be successful in this role.
We welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills from a range of sectors including engineering, manufacturing, construction, transport, utilities, professional services, accreditation, inspection, quality management and regulatory environments.
Reporting to the Head of Competition & Technical Services, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality certification services, maintaining regulatory compliance and identifying opportunities to develop and grow the service.
About the Role
You will
- Lead and develop a specialist team of two administrators
- Manage the authorisation and ongoing oversight of the RYA's network of coding surveyors, inspectors and tonnage measurers.
- Oversee certification services for small commercial vessels and tonnage measurement services for vessels undertaking Part I Registration.
- Ensure compliance with Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) agreements and other regulatory requirements.
- Manage a commercially focused service area and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Build relationships with regulators, technical experts, industry stakeholders and customers.
- Contribute to discussions that help shape future regulatory and safety standards across the sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and develop the Technical Commercial team.
- Ensure all certification and tonnage services are delivered efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Maintain and enhance the Certifying Authority Quality Management System.
- Manage relationships with surveyors, regulators, government bodies and industry partners.
- Monitor performance and identify opportunities to improve customer experience and commercial outcomes.
- Provide guidance and interpretation of technical regulations and standards.
- Contribute to national and international discussions on maritime standards and regulation where required
About You
We are looking for someone who combines strong leadership skills with the ability to understand and apply technical, regulatory or compliance requirements.
Essential
- Experience leading, managing and developing a team
- Experience interpreting and applying technical, regulatory, compliance or quality standards.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand complex information.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to build effective working relationships both internally and externally.
- Commercial awareness and experience supporting the performance or growth of a service, function or business area.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple stakeholders.
Desirable
- Knowledge of marine regulations or the small commercial vessel sector.
- Experience working with regulators, government agencies or accreditation bodies.
- Familiarity with Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001.
- Background in surveying, engineering, naval architecture or a related technical field
Why Join the RYA?
This is a rare opportunity to take on a nationally influential role, helping to maintain and develop safety and quality standards across the UK boating sector.
You'll join a supportive organisation with a strong sense of purpose, where you'll have the opportunity to work with subject matter experts, industry leaders and key regulatory bodies while developing your own professional expertise.
We offer a collaborative working environment, hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to personal development and wellbeing.
Benefits
- 36 days holiday including public holidays
- Birthday day off
- 10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme,
- Free life insurance
- Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
- Two paid volunteering days per year
- Free on-site electric vehicle charging
- Social Events
- RYA Membership
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Certifying Authority Manager in Eastleigh employer: Royal Yachting Association
The Royal Yachting Association is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hamble, where you can lead a dedicated team focused on compliance and safety in the maritime industry. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from continuous growth opportunities and a collaborative culture that values innovation and high standards. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a prestigious organisation committed to excellence.
Contact Details:
Royal Yachting Association Recruitment Team
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