At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining and conserving historic ship rigs at the National Museum.
- Company: Join the National Museum of the Royal Navy, a unique heritage environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at museums.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a supportive, diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving naval history while working with passionate colleagues.
- Qualifications: Experience in traditional rigging, leadership skills, and safety management required.
The predicted salary is between 48185 - 54185 £ per year.
- Principal Rigger
- Salary (Grade 7): £48,185 - £54,185 per annum
- (dependent upon experience)
- Permanent
Linking Navy to Nation with inspiring stories and experiences.
Here you can come aboard the most famous ships, planes, and submarines of the Royal Navy and experience them through the stories of the people who served on them.
As well as being truly captivated by the thousands of unique, emotional, and sometimes quirky stories that have shaped the Royal Navy into what it proudly stands for today.
You are pivotal in us achieving our vision, and to support this we embrace diversity and want everyone to feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
This is a great opportunity to join the team
We are looking for a Principal Rigger to lead a team of Lead Riggers and Riggers in the maintenance and upkeep of our historic ship rigs.
They will oversee the planning and execution of programmes of work on HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS M33 in Portsmouth, as well as HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool and HMS Caroline in Belfast.
The Principal Rigger works collaboratively with colleagues across the Conservation Team and HMS Victory: The Big Repair project team, to uphold the highest standards of conservation in all our work.
They lead the design, reinstatement and ongoing care of HMS Victory’s rigging as part of the current conservation programme, including commissioning, procuring and managing specialist contractor support where required.
The role also involves working closely with colleagues in the Collections and Visitor Experience teams, offering rigging advice, guidance and practical assistance as appropriate to support both the care of the ship and the experience of those who engage with it.
What you can bring
- Managing safe work procedures and programmes is a key element of this role, and the successful candidate will be an experienced leader in the field of traditional rigging and rope access.
- A professional qualification, IRATA level 3 preferred, with knowledge of LOLER and H&S legislation and requirements.
- Demonstrable experience of leading rigging works aloft, tradition rigging and rope access work.
- Confidence managing a team of riggers.
- Specialist knowledge of maintaining masts, yards and rigging of historic ships. Experience of working at height.
- Knowledge of best practice approaches to conservation of historic ships, within static contexts.
- A positive attitude and passion for communicating the principles of conservation to different audiences.
What we offer
- The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
- Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) pro rata for part time employees, increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, pro rata for part time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
- Flexible working.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
- Discounts at our shops and cafes.
- Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
- A range of other benefits including cycle to work.
- Paid reservist leave.
We want you to succeed and showcase your skills and experiences, so if you are invited to interview, we will share our interview questions with you ahead of time.
If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding the role, or ask any questions, please contact Stuart Sheldon, Lead Rigger, on email Stuart.
Sheldon@nmrn. org. uk
All applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs. nmrn. org. uk/ by midnight on 29th March 2026.
We may look to interview throughout the period of the advert being live, if not the selection processes will be held on site in Portsmouth shortly after the closing date.
This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on a naval base.
This role has the opportunity for VISA sponsored.
If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on recruitment@nmrn. org. uk for support.
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Principal Rigger in Portsmouth employer: The National Museum of the Royal Navy
The National Museum of the Royal Navy is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work with a historic collection while leading a dedicated team. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package including a pension plan and enhanced annual leave, this role not only promises meaningful work but also fosters a supportive and enriching work culture in a prestigious environment.
Contact Details:
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Rigger in Portsmouth
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Rigger in Portsmouth
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