Deputy Harbour Master​/Senior Pilotage Operations Manager

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We're the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It's a story we're proud of but it doesn't end there.

We're transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Associated British Ports is the UK's leading ports group, handling approximately one quarter of the nation's seaborne trade. The Humber Estuary is the UK's largest port industrial complex, handling around 65 million tonnes of cargo each year, and one of Europe's most complex port marine environments, supporting a diverse range of commercial shipping, and onshore and offshore energy projects.

We are seeking an experienced maritime professional to join our Humber marine team as Deputy Harbour Master & Senior Pilotage Operations Manager.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced marine professional to take a leading role in the management of one of the UK's busiest and most challenging waterways, working alongside an experienced team of Harbour Masters, Dock masters, Pilots, VTSOs and marine specialists dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of navigational safety and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the Harbour Master, you will play a key role in delivering safety of navigation functions, including overseeing pilotage operations, supporting Statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities, and ensuring the safe and efficient conduct of marine traffic throughout the Humber Estuary.

The role combines people leadership, management of marine safety, leading pilotage operations, supporting regulatory compliance, incident response, and stakeholder engagement, providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to influence both day-to-day operations and the strategic direction of marine service provision across the Humber.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the safe and efficient delivery of pilotage services throughout the Humber Estuary.
• Deputising for the Harbour Master and undertaking Statutory Harbour Authority functions when required.
• Supporting compliance with the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code and associated marine, health, safety, security and environmental legislation.
• Maintaining and continually improving marine safety management systems.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a highly skilled team of pilots and marine personnel.
• Acting as the Deputy Port Facility Security Officer for the Humber Statutory Harbour Authority.
• Working closely with Vessel Traffic Services, terminal operators, ship operators, and key maritime stakeholders to ensure the safe conduct of marine operations.
• Providing effective pilotage representation and input across the planning, development, and delivery of marine projects.
• Taking a lead role during marine emergencies, navigational incidents, and conducting investigations.
• Liaising with externally bodies including the MCA, MAIB, HSE and other regulatory agencies.
• Supporting marine risk management, audit programmes and statutory reporting requirements.
• Participating in the Humber marine management on-call rota.

You will be a marine professional with extensive operational experience and a sound understanding of modern port operations, pilotage,…