Job Description

Department: Harbour Masters

Reporting to: Senior Harbour Master

Grade: 5

Salary: £60,168 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing Date: Friday 27th November (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview Dates: Tuesday 8th & Wednesday 9th December

Who we are:

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel. As part of our duties under the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, we manage and maintain the port’s navigational safety management system and marine emergency planning function.

The role:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Marine Policy and Risk Manager to join the Chief Harbour Master team and play a leading role in the development and continuous improvement of the PLA's navigational Safety Management System (SMS). The post-holder will be responsible for marine policy development, navigational risk oversight, incident investigation, and the ongoing enhancement of marine safety arrangements across the tidal Thames.

Working closely with Harbour Masters and operational teams, you will:

• Lead the review, development and maintenance of marine regulatory publications, policies, procedures and guidance, ensuring compliance with legislation, industry best practice and the PMSC.
• Support the ongoing development and implementation of the Marine Safety Management System, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring documentation remains current, proportionate and effective.
• Conduct and facilitate significant navigational risk assessments and review risk information to identify emerging trends, recurring issues and opportunities to strengthen safety controls.
• Lead the management of significant navigational and pollution incident investigations, supporting enforcement activity where required and ensuring lessons learned are captured and acted upon.
• Produce reports, briefings and analyses that support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement in marine safety performance.
• Represent the PLA at industry meetings, forums and working groups, contributing to wider discussions on marine safety, risk management and regulation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced marine professional to influence navigational safety policy and risk management at one of the UK's most important ports, helping to shape the future of safety management on the River Thames.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a STCW II/2 (Chief Mate) Certificate of Competency or equivalent, or a relevant STCW/BML qualification supported by appropriate industry experience.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, marine risk assessment methodologies and relevant marine and ports legislation.
• Have proven and effective interpersonal skills.
• Have good analytical and writing skills, including technical report writing.
• Have an ability to work effectively under pressure.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension - up to 14% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Reward and recognition portal, with access to a range of discounts

To view the job description click here

For further information, or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact the Senior Harbour Master, Cathryn Spain at cathryn.spain@pla.co.uk

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.