At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical excellence in maritime operations, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, company car, private medical insurance, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence and maritime services while fostering growth.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in marine engineering and a Chief Engineer Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
Location: Home based with regular travel to port contract locations including Clyde, Portsmouth, Devonport and Kyle
Salary: Competitive salary plus company car or car allowance, Private medical insurance and company bonus
Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with regular travel to contract locations
As a Head of Technical in our Defence Marine Services – Next Generation (DMS NG) team, you'll provide technical leadership across a complex maritime operation supporting the UK Defence customer. You'll shape engineering standards, asset strategy and technical governance, helping to ensure vessels remain safe, compliant, reliable and ready to deliver critical services.
This is a role where your work has purpose. By driving technical excellence, innovation and continuous improvement across the fleet, you'll help create impactful solutions that support national defence capability, strengthen operational resilience and deliver a positive impact on communities and the future of maritime services. You'll also help create headroom for people to grow by developing technical capability and fostering a culture built on trust, care and pride.
What you'll do as a Head of Technical:
- Act as the principal technical authority for DMS NG, providing expert advice and challenge to senior leaders.
- Develop and deliver the technical strategy, aligning engineering priorities with customer requirements, contract obligations and wider business objectives.
- Establish and maintain technical governance, engineering standards and assurance frameworks across vessels and shore-based support functions.
- Drive improvements in reliability, asset management, maintenance planning, lifecycle strategy and operational availability.
- Lead the development of a dry-docking and refit excellence framework, promoting consistent, safe and cost-effective delivery across the fleet.
- Build strong relationships with customers, regulators, suppliers and internal stakeholders while supporting future growth, mobilisation and business development opportunities.
Does this sound like you?
- Flexible to travel across UK & Scotland contracts when required
- Hold a full UK driving licence
- Able to achieve SC Clearance and have resided in the UK continuously for last 5 years.
- Hold a Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (STCW III/2) or Royal Navy equivalent.
- Bring significant senior leadership experience in marine engineering, fleet technical management or a related technical environment.
- Have expert knowledge of marine engineering, technical governance, asset management and reliability within a regulated maritime setting.
- Be confident influencing senior stakeholders and translating complex technical information into clear, risk-based decisions.
- Demonstrate experience leading technical standards, engineering assurance and continuous improvement across geographically dispersed operations.
What we offer:
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- A performance-based bonus scheme
- A company car or cash alternative
- Private medical insurance
- Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- 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 across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme
- Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging.
This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you will need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments.
A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview.
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com. Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Head of Technical employer: Serco
Serco Inc. is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work culture and opportunities for professional growth in the heart of Virginia Beach. With a focus on supporting government contracts, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and teamwork, alongside competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements that enhance work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Technical role you’re after at Serco.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Serco a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Serco.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Technical at Serco, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Technical, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Serco a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Serco specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Serco, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Serco want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
