Marine Governance Manager

Department: Harbour Masters
Reporting to: Senior Harbour Master
Grade: 3
Salary: £78,108
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Base: London River House, Gravesend
Closing date: Wednesday 7th October (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)
Interview date: Friday 16th October

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

To lead the Port of London Authority’s marine governance, safety management and compliance functions, ensuring effective development, implementation and continuous improvement of marine governance arrangements, the Marine Safety Management System (MSMS), and associated assurance frameworks. The role provides strategic leadership on marine safety, governance, risk management, engagement and continuous improvement.

• Lead development and continuous improvement of the MSMS and Marine Safety Plan. Ensuring compliance with the PMSC, Guide to Good Practice and relevant legislation.
• Oversee governance, assurance, audit and compliance activities, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor safety performance, risks, incidents and emerging trends, ensuring effective corrective actions and lessons learned are embedded across the organisation.
• Provide expert governance advice, assurance and reporting to senior leaders and the Board.
• Lead strategic risk management, horizon scanning and future readiness activities to support safe and sustainable marine operations.
• Act as the Authority's lead for marine governance investigations and support incident investigation processes where required.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, government bodies, industry organisations and key stakeholders, representing the PLA externally.
• Influence and respond to legislative, regulatory and industry developments, ensuring organisational interests are effectively represented.
• Lead, develop and support marine governance resources, promoting high professional standards, accountability and effective delivery.
• Manage governance-related resources and budgets to support operational, assurance and strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively across operational, technical and corporate teams to strengthen governance, safety culture and organisational resilience.

• Significant relevant management experience in the marine or ports industry,
• including safety management systems
• A detailed understanding of the requirements of the PMSC (and supporting Guide to Good Practice).
• Demonstrable experience of general management and administrative functions, including decision making, problem solving, planning and project management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to ensure effective liaison, both internally and externally.
• Good communication/presentation skills; writing, time management and administrative skills.
• PC skills including an effective knowledge of current relevant MS Office suite and the ability to develop ideas for the improved use of IT in relevant areas of responsibility.
• Extensive knowledge of marine governance, marine safety management systems and safety assurance within a safety-critical environment.

In addition, the following skills would be desirable:

• ISM Lead Auditor, or other equivalent audit qualification.
• Hold STCW OOW unlimited Certificate of Competency or equivalent, with relevant experience or hold an MCA approved Harbour Master's…