đź“Ť Location: Southampton (Hybrid)
đź’· Salary: ÂŁ76,157
This role comes with an allowance of up to: Out of Hours Contactability & Tasking (A) - ÂŁ3,000, Advanced Capability (A) - ÂŁ3,000 and Operating in Hazardous Environments - ÂŁ1,250
🕒 Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
As a senior leader, you will foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and innovation, while maintaining robust workforce planning, financial control, and performance management. The Assistant Director contributes to the strategic direction of the Directorate, supports governance functions, and champions the use of digital and data-driven solutions to improve safety outcomes and customer service.
Responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
* Operational Leadership: Manage the Seafarer Technical Delivery Team and Seafarer Safety and Health section, ensuring delivery of high-quality services across training, certification, welfare, and medical standard as well as alignment to the Business Plan.
* Modernisation and Innovation: Lead updates of technical training and health standards in line with Government and Maritime Skills Commission priorities, including digital assessment, autonomous vessel training, alternative fuels, and medical protocols.
* Policy Advice and Representation: Provide expert advice and briefing materials on training, certification, and seafarer safety and health policy to senior leaders. Represent the MCA at high-level meetings.
Benefits
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:
* 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.
About you
Essential qualifications/licenses:
* A valid passport for international travel
* MCA STCW II/2 Master unlimited Certificate of Competency; or MCA STCW III/2 Chief Engineer unlimited Certificate of Competency.
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
* Knowledge of International Maritime Conventions, UK Merchant Shipping Legislation & Maritime Policy, UK/International Port State Control policies and regime, Safety Management, Fishing Industry, Seafarer Welfare, Search & Rescue, and Counter Pollution.
* Ability to explain complex issues, provide authoritative advice, and positions to a variety of audiences (internally and externally including internationally) in order to influence and effectively build consensus to achieve strategic objectives.
* A sound understanding and knowledgebase of the working regime of IMO and ILO, and how government operates.
* An understanding of media management and the ability to handle criticism and complaints, with well-developed interpersonal, oral, presentational and written communications.
* Strong leadership and experience in managing a diverse team of staff and budgetary resources, with experience in strategic planning and analytical skills.
How to Apply
👉 Read the full job description and apply here
đź“… Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 1st December 2025