Head of Marine Engineering – Port Authority

Head of Marine Engineering – Port of London Authority

Gravesend, Kent

Start:
Next three months

Our client is seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Marine Engineering to direct and control the provision of mechanical and electrical engineering and associated skills and services to the Port of London Authority (PLA).

• Determine and produce specifications from operational requirements and manage and deliver a variety of capital expenditure, enhancement and broader managerial projects.
• Work closely with the Asset Management Strategy Manager to plan, devise and implement a programme of major and routine maintenance of craft, plant, equipment and facilities (including Richmond Lock), to ensure operational needs are met within affordable budgets.
• On behalf of the PLA, authorise (i.e. sign acceptance and take legal responsibility) for all designs within the scope of accountability and manage implementation. Accept completed projects and authorise invoice payments, in accordance with the Delegations of Authority document.
• Contribute to operational assessment of PLA activity and identify, analyse and recommend appropriate engineering and managerial solutions to overcome emerging challenges.
• Review and develop engineering policies and procedures for the PLA.
• Assist the Head of Procurement in the review and development of PLA procurement and tendering policies.
• Act as senior technical advisor to the PLA Certifying Authority.
• In conjunction with the HR Department, recruit, retain, train and develop staff, to provide a motivated and efficient workforce capable of meeting planned and future workloads.
• Support other PLA departments with development of policies, procedures and business activities as required, including the provision of comments on River Works Licences.
• Represent the PLA with external agencies to ensure the Port’s interests are protected with regard to development of policies, regulations and guidance in the following areas:
  Port and maritime operations;
  Ships’ environmental practice;
  Marine fuels, machinery & other technical issues.
• Responsible for PLA compliance and legal responsibilities for electrical safety.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive and exclusive and the post‑holders will undertake any other duties as required commensurate with the role and responsibilities of the post.

An experienced engineer, educated to Master’s Degree level or appropriate equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline. The job holder will be chartered status and is required to demonstrate good technical, business and financial standards, appropriate to this senior position within the PLA.

Authority for approving all designs, specifications and modifications associated with the scope of responsibility.

• Authority for making plans and decisions for departmental performance delivery, in accordance with PLA policies and procedures.
• Authority for raising contracts and making contract payments, on behalf of the PLA, within the scope and financial limits set out in the PLA Delegations of Authority and as approved by the Head of Procurement.
• Authority for external communication and publication of external documents within scope, in accordance with the limitations described in the PLA Delegations of Authority and in accord with the guidance of the Director of Corporate Affairs.

• Internally – Frequent contact with operating departments mainly within the Marine Operations and Harbour Master’s Departments areas.
• Externally – Where authorised on maritime operational, regulatory and environmental matters on behalf of the PLA and on operational matters with contractors and suppliers as required.

• Capital expenditure (typically) £1.5m
• Annual major and routine maintenance £2.3m Group 1. PLA turnover £54m (Contributory)

Direct – Four managers (Chartered / Incorporated Engineer/Experienced level) and 12 Technicians (skilled & un-skilled).

• Monthly report to Director of Marine Operations
• Board level papers on major procurement and technical matters as required by the…