Head of Marine Engineering – Port of London Authority in Gravesend

Location: Gravesend, Kent.

Start: Next three months.

Contact: Mark Fortnum.

Overview

Our client is seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Marine Engineering to direct and control the provision of mechanical and electrical engineering and associated skills and services to the PLA.

Key Responsibilities And Primary Deliverables

• Supervise the building and introduction into service of ships, launches and other vessels, shore based facilities or plant determined by the PLA’s operational departments.
• Determine and produce specifications from operational requirements and manage and deliver a variety of capital expenditure, enhancement and broader managerial projects.
• Work closely with the Asset Management Strategy Manager to plan, devise and implement a programme of major and routine maintenance of craft, plant, equipment and facilities (including Richmond Lock), ensuring operational needs are met within affordable budgets.
• On behalf of the PLA, authorise (i.e. sign acceptance and take legal responsibility) for all designs within the scope of accountability and manage implementation, accept completed projects and authorise invoice payments in accordance with the Delegations of Authority document.
• Contribute to operational assessment of PLA activity and identify, analyse and recommend appropriate engineering and managerial solutions to overcome emerging challenges.
• Review and develop engineering policies and procedures for the PLA.
• Assist the Head of Procurement in the review and development of PLA procurement and tendering policies.
• Act as senior technical advisor to the PLA Certifying Authority.
• In conjunction with the HR Department, recruit, retain, train and develop staff to provide a motivated and efficient workforce capable of meeting the planned and future workloads.
• Support other PLA departments with the development of policies, procedures and business activities as required, including comments on River Works Licences.
• If required represent the PLA with external agencies to ensure Port interests are protected when developing policies, regulations and guidance in the following areas: Port and maritime operations; Ships’ environmental practice; Marine fuels, machinery & other technical issues.
• Responsible for PLA compliance and legal responsibilities for electrical safety.

Qualifications And Education Requirements

An experienced Engineer, educated to Master’s Degree level or appropriate equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline. The job holder will be chartered status and is required to demonstrate good technical, business and financial standards, appropriate to this senior position within the PLA.

Job Context

• Authority for approving all designs, specifications and modifications associated with the scope of responsibility.
• Authority for making plans and decisions for departmental performance delivery in accordance with PLA policies and procedures.
• Authority for raising contracts and making contract payments on behalf of the PLA within the scope and financial limits set out in the PLA Delegations of Authority and as approved by the Head of Procurement.
• Authority for external communication and publication of external documents within scope, in accordance with the limitations described in the PLA Delegations of Authority and the guidance of the Director of Corporate Affairs.

Communication

• Internally – Frequent contact with operating departments mainly within the Marine Operations and Harbour Master’s Departments areas.
• Externally – Where authorised on maritime operational, regulatory and environmental matters on behalf of the PLA and on operational matters with contractors and suppliers as required.

Financial

• Departmental Capital expenditure (typically) £1.5m
• Annual major and routine maintenance £2.3m Group 1. PLA turnover £54m (Contributory)

Staff Responsibilities

Direct – Four managers (Chartered / Incorporated Engineer/Experienced level) and 12 Technicians (skilled and un-skilled).

Report Preparation

• Monthly report to Director of Marine Operations
• Board level papers on major procurement and technical matters as required by the Director of Marine Operations
• Internal reports and presentations on engineering and environmental matters as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Do The Right Thing - Sets the strategic direction, ensuring resources are identified and allocated to deliver. Drives ownership and accountability, empowering teams to deliver the strategy and make decisions at the right level. Role models decisive and authentic leadership, striking the right balance between commercial performance, service excellence and safety. Proactively identifies and addresses the strategic and operational barriers to performance.
• One Team - Sets the tone and encourages collaboration and collective success through strategic planning and cross‑functional delivery. Strategically influences and communicates to a range of internal and external stakeholders, building trust and confidence in leadership. Acts as a visible and inclusive leader, creating engagement across the organisation.
• Always Improving - Is aspirational and ambitious, identifying transformation and continuous improvement opportunities for the benefit of PLA. Sets and drives the change agenda, ensuring the business has the right resources and capability to deliver. Balances strategic leadership and operational management to ensure the business is commercially viable and cost effective. Takes a strategic approach to workforce planning, talent development and succession planning to future‑proof the business.

Personal Attributes For The Role

It is essential that the job holder be an informed and effective communicator, both orally and in writing, capable of communicating effectively at all levels both internally and externally. As the principal marine and electrical engineering project manager, the job holder must have a proven track record of successfully delivering major projects and, in order to effectively communicate, possess knowledge of and experience with project management techniques and systems.