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- Tasks: Lead operational planning and commercial strategy in a dynamic maritime environment.
- Company: Trinity House, a leading maritime organisation focused on safety and development.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension scheme, annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime safety while advancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational planning and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 83085 - 86688 £ per year.
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.
About the role
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 welcome qualified individuals to apply and we look forward to reviewing your applications for this exciting opportunity. We are committed to equity within a respectful, diverse and inclusive environment.
Head of Planning & Commercial employer: Trinity House
Contact Detail:
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 insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on Aids to Navigation operations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your passion for operational planning and commercial strategy!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led high-performing teams or driven performance improvements using data. We love to see candidates who can inspire and motivate others.
✨Tip Number 4
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 in the maritime sector.
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 qualifications or achievements that align with what we’re looking for.
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 specific examples from your past that demonstrate your skills in asset coordination and team leadership, and how they relate to our mission at Trinity House.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves performance management and data-led insights, make sure to highlight your analytical capabilities. Share examples of how you've used data and KPIs to drive improvements in previous roles – we love seeing those numbers!
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 into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Trinity House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trinity House
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of operational planning, especially in asset-intensive environments. Familiarise yourself with Aids to Navigation operations and the standards set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the industry inside out.
✨Show Off Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with contract management, negotiation, and business development. Think of specific examples where you've successfully driven revenue growth or improved performance through data analysis. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can contribute to the organisation's commercial strategy.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, be ready to talk about your influencing and negotiation skills. Have a few anecdotes ready that showcase how you've effectively managed relationships and led high-performing teams. This will highlight your leadership capabilities and fit for the senior management team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current challenges the organisation faces in fleet and aviation planning or how they measure success in their commercial operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.