Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Manager and Deputy Harbour Master within our Harbours team.
The Team Manager and Deputy Harbour Master supports the Harbour Master in the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of Tor Bay Harbour. This role plays a key part in enforcing statutory obligations, overseeing harbour operations, ensuring compliance with national legislation, local bylaws, and Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
* Assist the Harbour Master in managing daily harbour activities across Torquay, Brixham, and Paignton harbours.
* Monitor and control vessel movements to ensure the safe navigation and berthing of commercial, fishing, and leisure craft.
* Manage and supervise harbour personnel and support staff, including providing operational leadership and responding to incidents and emergencies.
* Enforce local bylaws, directions, and statutory harbour regulations.
* Maintain up-to-date marine safety management systems and contribute to ongoing compliance with the PMSC.
* Coordinate and conduct patrols, inspections, and audits of facilities and moorings.
* Support the management of marine assets and infrastructure, including maintenance planning and operational readiness.
* Act as Duty Harbour Master when required, including out-of-hours and on-call responsibilities.
* Liaise with stakeholders including port users, commercial operators, local authorities, and emergency services.
* Assist in the organisation of marine events and ensure appropriate risk assessments and safety measures are in place.
Requirements:
* Relevant maritime qualifications such as STCW certification, RYA/MCA qualifications, or a Harbour Master's Certificate.
* Substantial marine or port operations experience, preferably in a supervisory or leadership role.
* Sound knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code, health and safety legislation, and maritime regulations.
* Ability to manage operations in a busy, multi-user harbour environment.
* Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
* IT literacy and experience with marine or port management systems.
* Experience with environmental and conservation issues in a coastal setting.
* Training in incident command systems or emergency response coordination.
* Full UK driving licence.
This role involves working in all weather conditions and may require flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, as part of an on-call duty rota.
As we have engaged The List to conduct this recruitment assignment for us, please apply with an up-to-date CV direct to dephm@thelistuk.com.
About Torbay Council: There has never been a better time to be part of the Torbay team. There is real momentum building, fuelled by our shared sense of purpose and ambition. Everyone who works here has the same thing in common: to see a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay. Our ambition goes beyond our council offices. The whole community is keen to see good ideas take hold and develop into something amazing.
We are a small unitary authority, and you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We are responsible for all local government functions, from highways and planning to social care and housing – and of course the harbours, beaches, and inshore and offshore waters. We are a team of over 1,000, working across hundreds of services, making us one of the largest employers in Torbay.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/team-manager-harbours-and-deputy-harbour-master/
For an informal chat please contact The List UK on 01803 208597 or dephm@thelistuk.com.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 4th August 2025.
Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills
Essential:
* Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate, enabling a demonstrable and successful team working ethos that fosters employee engagement.
* Ability to collaborate both internally and externally, to benefit from partnerships, shared learning, and best practice.
* Budget management – able to control operational budgets and deliver efficiencies.
* Effective Risk Management skills in a maritime environment.
* Proven ability to work in a time-critical function, managing conflicting priorities effectively.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
Essential:
* Proven detailed and effective knowledge and understanding of the work of ports/harbours and of small boats, basic ship requirements and good seamanship.
* Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of relevant Harbour Acts, Byelaws and Regulations.
* Significant knowledge and experience of procedures, guidelines and legislation relating to Bathing Water and Coastal Pollution.
* A high level of knowledge and clear understanding of the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code and its application.
* Detailed knowledge and understanding of the role of a Deputy Harbour Master and the workings of a busy leisure marine facility as well as a commercial fishing port.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
* Qualified to Degree level or equivalent relevant experience.
* VHF/DSC Radio Certificate of Competence.
* RYA Power Boat.
* Experience of managing a busy customer facing service where health and safety is a priority.
* Extensive experience of acting as Safety Officer within a harbour/marine environment.
Please review the available pages within the careers site .
A list of employer benefits can be found here .