Head of Domestic Survey Operations

Job summary

Can you lead and develop a high-performing team of technical and policy specialists?

Do you have a strong understanding of maritime survey, certification or regulatory frameworks?

Are you able to provide expert technical advice and guidance on complex cases in the Maritime sector?
Could you influence operational procedure to make a positive difference?

Would you love to be part of a dynamic team where no two days are the same?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) delivers the UK Government’s maritime safety policy, helping to protect lives at sea and prevent pollution around the UK coastline. Through inspection, survey and certification activities, the MCA ensures ships comply with UK and international safety, security and environmental standards.

Within the MCA, UK Maritime Services (UKMS) works closely with the UK Ship Register, supporting ship operators, seafarers and vessel registration, while helping maintain the high standards expected of the UK flag.

UK Technical Services (Operations) [TS(Ops)] provides specialist technical expertise and operational support across the directorate. Acting as the central technical focal point, the team supports survey and inspection operations, safety management, maritime security and maritime labour matters. Through expert advice, assurance and collaboration, TS(Ops) helps ensure consistent standards, effective regulation and the safe operation of the maritime industry.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• 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), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

The Head of Domestic Survey Operations leads a team of policy specialists responsible for survey operations across domestic and non-SOLAS vessels. The post holder will shape and implement operational policy, provide expert technical advice, oversee survey and certification systems, and work closely with industry, operational teams and policymakers. Acting as a key link between innovation, regulation and operations, they will help deliver the MCA’s response to emerging technologies while promoting the highest standards of maritime safety and supporting strategic business objectives.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Managing the Domestic Survey Operations Branch, working closely with the Head of International Survey Operations and Head of Technical Performance and acting as focal point and point of contact for internal and external customers by giving advice and decisions on survey policy related to the domestic and non-SOLAS fleet - dealing with various stakeholders such as marine surveyors, industry, public, classification societies, certifying authorities and other flag and port state administrations; and actively participate in the Flag in panel for domestic vessels.
2. Maintaining operational liaison with Marine Offices, other HQ Branches and Technical Support Team (TST) within UK Maritime Services (UKMS) to provide policy support for Marine Office Surveyors as and when required.
3. Managing the oversight of UK vessels operating under the Codes of Practice, taking the responsibility of the MCA as a Certifying Authority, overseeing the procedures for surveys of UK registered coded vessels.
4. Promoting and maintaining Instructions for Guidance to Surveyors in connection with Survey and Certification of non-SOLAS domestic vessels as appropriate
5. Managing the maintenance, development and use of the Pelorus system within the Directorate.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

Required experience:

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

1. Significant experience in a managerial role on board ship or in a technical position of responsibility within the maritime industry.

• Experience applying maritime legislation, classification rules and technical standards in an operational or regulatory environment.
• Experience making sound technical decisions, managing risk and providing professional judgement on complex maritime matters.
• A strong understanding of vessel operations, survey, inspection, audit or certification activities.

2. Experience engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and communicating complex technical information clearly and effectively.

• Experience working collaboratively with industry, government bodies, classification societies, operators or technical specialists.
• Ability to influence outcomes, build effective working relationships and manage challenging or sensitive discussions.
• Experience translating complex technical or regulatory requirements into practical advice for diverse audiences.

3. Experience managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes in a demanding environment.

• Proven ability to organise and prioritise a varied workload while balancing operational demands and strategic objectives.
• Experience analysing complex information, exercising sound judgement and making effective decisions within tight timescales.
• A track record of delivering against deadlines while maintaining accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.

4.The ability to make quick, effective decisions and manage a varied workload with competing priorities

5.Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a physical medical for this role. Please see the attached document for further information.

Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) is the largest and most diverse professional community across the Civil Service. Many of us will have an association with several professional communities or specialisms, ODP applies to all public facing roles / or a role that is primarily aligned to supporting the work of those with public facing roles. All critical to the delivery of UK public services.

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Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 35 hours per week.

This role