Head of Registration Regulations Reform

469045 Head of Registration Regulations Reform Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 27th July 2026

Location:

Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

Salary: £57,515 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Contract Type:
Fixed Term (24 months with potential for extension and/or permanency – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Head of Registration Regulations Reform implement the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom (UK) and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.

You will join the Directorate of UK Customer Maritime Services (UKCMS) which is responsible for the Registry of Shipping and Seafarers, Seafarer Certification, Seafarer Examinations, Seafarer Safety and Health, Business Transformation and Customer Insight, the Innovation Hub and the UK Shipping Concierge. The Directorate is responsible for the registration of all vessels on the UK Flag operating globally, provides support to UK seafarers working in the UK and internationally, issues certificates and conducts examinations for seafarers, represents the UK maritime offer, as well as horizon scanning for future regulatory change required in the maritime sector.

As the Head of Registration Regulations Reform, you will provide strategic leadership and overall accountability for the development and delivery of a programme to repeal and replace the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations.

• Setting the strategic direction, scope and objectives for the Registration Regulations reform, ensuring alignment with UKCMS transformation priorities and DfT policy intent.
• Translating complex legal, policy and operational issues into a clear, outcome‑focussed reform strategy.
• Providing leadership across the Directorate and wider MCA to establish a shared understanding of priorities, risks and delivery approach.
• Acting as the Senior Responsible Owner for the reform programme, accountable for delivery, governance, risk and benefits realisation.
• Establishing and maintaining effective programme structures, ensuring clarity of accountability, pace and delivery confidence.
• Overseeing the development of legislative solutions, including statutory instruments and associated mechanisms, ensuring coherence, quality and legal integrity.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Strong track record of leading complex, high‑risk programmes or regulatory/policy change in a government or comparable environment.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and evolving contexts, setting direction where clarity is not yet established.
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders across organisational and professional boundaries.
• Experience of managing risk, governance and assurance in high‑profile or sensitive work areas.
• Excellent judgement and ability to communicate complex issues clearly to non‑specialist audiences.

Read the full description and apply here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./4f5cC4l

This Final date to receive applications at 23:55 on Monday 27th July 2026