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- Tasks: Lead operational planning and commercial strategy in a dynamic maritime environment.
- Company: Trinity House, a leading maritime organisation dedicated to safety and development.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension scheme, annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on maritime safety while advancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational planning and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 83085 - 86688 £ per year.
Permanent position in Harwich with a salary range of £83,085.00 - 86,688.00 per annum (Successful candidates will be appointed on the starting salary of this range). 37 hours per week.
Trinity House works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity. Our people are central to our reputation as a leading maritime organisation, as is our commitment as an employer to developing the skills, capabilities and potential of our workforce.
As a member of the senior management team, you will be responsible for bringing together operational planning, asset coordination and commercial performance within a complex and safety‑critical maritime environment. You will ensure the efficient and resilient deployment of marine, aviation and engineering resources, while also driving forward the organisation's commercial strategy and income generation activity. Working across the tri-GLA landscape, you will play a key role in shaping coordinated fleet and aviation planning, ensuring resources are optimised, compliant and aligned to operational need. This is a highly influential role that combines strategic oversight with operational assurance and commercial leadership.
What will you do:
- Lead the integrated planning, scheduling and deployment of marine, aviation and engineering assets.
- Ensure effective 24/7/365 AtoN monitoring and rapid response to incidents, casualties and navigational risks.
- Oversee performance management, KPI reporting and data‑led insight to support organisational decision‑making.
- Represent Trinity House at senior tri‑GLA forums and contribute to coordinated fleet and aviation planning.
- Lead the development and delivery of coordinated fleet plans, ensuring efficient use of shared resources.
- Own the Commercial Plan, delivering sustainable revenue growth across a diverse portfolio of services.
- Lead contract negotiation, commercial management and business development activity.
- Oversee tourism and wider commercial operations, ensuring compliance, quality and reputational integrity.
What are we looking for:
- Proven experience in operational planning within an asset‑intensive environment (marine or engineering desirable).
- Strong understanding of Aids to Navigation operations and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities standards.
- Demonstrable commercial acumen, including contract management, negotiation and business development.
- Strong analytical capability with experience using data and KPIs to drive performance improvement.
- Experience of leading and developing high‑performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills.
- A relevant Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience.
- Commitment to professional leadership standards, such as those of Chartered Management Institute.
What can we offer:
- Membership in the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with generous employer pension contribution.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Annual Bonus.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Corporate eyecare plan.
- Commitment to your professional development and leadership growth.
We are committed to equity within a respectful, diverse and inclusive environment.
Head of Planning & Commercial employer: The Corporation of Trinity House
Contact Detail:
The Corporation of Trinity House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning & Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime industry, especially those who work at Trinity House or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission of safety and efficiency in maritime operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in operational planning and commercial strategy aligns with the role. We want to hear how you can lead teams and drive performance improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning & Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Planning & Commercial role. Highlight your experience in operational planning and commercial management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of Aids to Navigation operations and how your skills can contribute to Trinity House’s mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading high-performing teams, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams and driven performance improvement using data and KPIs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Corporation of Trinity House
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of operational planning, especially in asset-intensive environments like marine or engineering. Brush up on Aids to Navigation operations and the relevant standards. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with contract management, negotiation, and business development. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've successfully driven revenue growth or improved performance in previous roles. This is key for a position that involves owning the Commercial Plan.
✨Data is Your Friend
Since the role requires strong analytical skills, come equipped with examples of how you've used data and KPIs to drive performance improvements. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you can apply this to support decision-making at Trinity House.
✨Engage and Influence
This role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, so practice your influencing and negotiation skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to persuade others or lead a team effectively. Showing that you can communicate well and build relationships will set you apart from other candidates.