Service Manager - Harbours
Location: Moray, Scotland
Senior Leadership Opportunity | Strategic & Operational Role
Why Apply?
* Play a key role in shaping the future of a vital coastal service
* Lead high-profile harbour operations with real community impact
* Drive investment, regeneration, and commercial growth
* Influence strategic decisions at senior leadership level
* Competitive salary + excellent public sector benefits
* Flexible working and strong work-life balance
The Opportunity
My client, a Local Authority in Moray, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Service Manager to lead its Harbours function. This is a senior leadership role responsible for both the strategic direction and day-to-day delivery of harbour operations across a diverse and active coastal portfolio.
You’ll be at the forefront of service innovation, ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially sustainable harbour operations, while also identifying opportunities for growth, development, and investment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Development
* Shape and deliver a long-term vision for harbour services
* Lead on regeneration initiatives and infrastructure development
* Develop business cases to secure funding and inward investment
* Identify and maximise commercial and income-generating opportunities
Operational Management
* Ensure harbours operate safely, efficiently, and in full regulatory compliance
* Oversee marine operations, assets, and associated services
* Maintain and improve safety systems, policies, and procedures
* Manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong partnerships with regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and local communities
* Act as a key advisor on all harbour-related matters
* Engage with senior leadership and elected members to support decision-making
People Leadership
* Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team
* Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation
* Support workforce planning and capability development
About You
You’ll be a confident leader with a strong track record in managing complex services, ideally within a marine, infrastructure, or public sector environment.
Essential Experience & Skills
* Proven leadership experience with responsibility for service delivery and performance
* Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving income
* Ability to develop and implement strategic plans
* Experience working with multiple stakeholders and regulatory frameworks
* Excellent communication and influencing skills
Desirable
* Background in harbour, maritime, or coastal operations
* Knowledge of relevant marine legislation and safety standards
* Professional maritime or harbour-related qualifications
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary and pension package
* Generous annual leave entitlement
* Flexible and hybrid working options
* Opportunity to make a lasting impact on a key regional service
* Supportive leadership environment with scope for progression
FOOTNOTE
If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the rate, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Traffic & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Our specialist team has a combined 40+ years' experience in this market. Please call Charlie at Carrington West on [phone number] for more information.
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please email
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