Chief Officer (XO - SDPO) in Hampshire, Portsmouth

Overview

Offshore Operations (RFA Support) supply key Merchant Navy professionals to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), delivering specialist support to ensure safe, efficient, and mission‑ready crewing for global defence operations. We are now seeking an experienced Chief Officer / Senior Dynamic Positioning Officer (SDPO) to join our team and serve aboard RFA vessels under the operational command of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the organisation, administration, and operational readiness of ship operations.
• Oversee seamanship activities to maintain a continuous state of preparedness.
• Maintain ship husbandry standards, ensuring equipment, machinery, and designated areas remain serviceable and well preserved.
• Plan and manage the ship's programme and tasking to deliver commitments safely and efficiently.
• Manage the ship's sea safety training requirements in line with continuation training guidance.
• Oversee the welfare, safety, discipline, effectiveness, and training of embarked Officer Cadets.
• Coordinate the vessel's security organisation in line with relevant doctrine.
• Work with the Master to ensure correct loading, discharge, and ballasting, complying with stress, strain, and stability requirements.
• Ensure all cargo, stores, and deck equipment are secured before departure and confirm hatches, holds, and openings are watertight.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to achieve Security Check (SC) clearance (Candidates will need a UK Passport to achieve).
• NI SDPO qualification with relevant experience.
• Certificate of Competence as Chief Officer (Unlimited).
• Valid STCW refresher training (Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Proficiency in Survival Craft; Designated Security Duties; Elementary First Aid).
• Unrestricted ENG1 medical and valid passport.
• Ship Security Officer Certification.
• A methodical, organised approach and a high standard of general education.

Benefits

• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year).
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
• Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity.
• Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging.

Additional Information

• Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent benefits.
• Schedule: Fixed Term - 24 months. Full time - 5 weeks on / 5 weeks off.
• Vetting and checks: This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which includes verification of your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record in line with UK Government security standards.
• Occupational Health Questionnaire: You will also be asked to complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to help us identify and provide any support you may need to perform the role effectively.

Company Culture

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How to Apply

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