Code Vessel Team Lead

Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer pension contribution 28.97%

25 days annual leave (+1 per year up 2

8 Bank Holidays + Privilege Day

Staff discount portal

Career development opportunities (CIPD

Diversity and inclusion

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working options

Job summary

Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Southampton is seeking a Code Vessel Team Lead to oversee a specialist team advancing safety standards for small commercial vessels. You will collaborate with industry and government, shaping risk-based policies and delivering practical regulatory solutions.

The role leads development and implementation of initiatives to improve safety and environmental standards, with opportunities to influence regulatory frameworks and international engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in small vessel operations or governance.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Excellent drafting and communications skills, with regulatory documentation proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the team in developing and maintaining technical standards, policies, and procedures for the small commercial vessel sector.
• Deliver team objectives, manage risks, and ensure compliance with Civil Service and MCA expectations.
• Provide strategic direction on development, implementation and review of regulations and standards, particularly for Code Vessels.
• Represent the MCA and UK at national and international forums, preparing and presenting technical papers as required.
• Act as the key contact for industry and stakeholders, fostering collaboration across the MCA, DfT and external partners.

Skills

Small vessels

Engineering standards

Safety systems

Naval architecture

Maritime regulations

Job description

Code Vessel Team Lead

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

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: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Available Positions: 1

Lead a specialist team at the forefront of maritime safety, helping to shape standards and policy that support the safe operation of small commercial vessels. Working collaboratively with industry, government and technical experts, you'll contribute to the development of practical, risk-based solutions that make a real impact. This is an opportunity to influence the future of the sector, tackle complex challenges and play a key role in maintaining confidence in the UK's maritime regulatory framework.

Shape the future of small commercial vessel safety and regulation. As the Code Vessel Team Leader, you'll play a key role in developing and implementing initiatives that improve safety, security and environmental standards across the UK’s small commercial vessel sector. Working closely with industry and government stakeholders, you'll provide technical leadership, influence policy and regulatory frameworks, and help deliver evidence‑based solutions that support safe, sustainable and commercially successful maritime operations. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of UK maritime safety.

Top Responsibilities

• Lead and support the team in developing and maintaining technical standards, policies, and procedures for the small commercial vessel sector.
• Deliver team objectives, manage risks, and ensure compliance with Civil Service and MCA expectations.
• Provide strategic direction on the development, implementation and review of regulations and standards, particularly for Code Vessels.
• Represent the MCA and UK at national and international forums, preparing and presenting technical papers where required.
• Act as the key contact for industry and stakeholders, fostering effective collaboration across the MCA, DfT and external partners.

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

• Technical expertise in small vessel operations, engineering standards, safety‑critical systems, naval architecture, marine surveying, or the development and application of maritime regulations and codes of practice.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing others, contributing to governance activities, and delivering effective outcomes within a regulatory or technical environment.
• Excellent communication and drafting abilities, producing high‑quality technical and regulatory documentation, confidently using Microsoft Office tools, and able to undertake occasional international travel.

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 30th August 2026