Commercial Project Manager

Port of London Authority; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading authority in port operations is seeking a Commercial Project Manager to lead tender processes and manage marine infrastructure projects. With a focus on business development and client engagement, the successful candidate will join a motivated team. Extensive marine experience and project management certification are required. A generous benefits package including annual leave and pension will be offered.

Benefits

28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

Medical Cash Plan

Generous pension

Onsite parking with electric charging

Access to Occupational Health

Cycle to Work Scheme

Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)

Access to MyGymDiscounts

Qualifications

• Extensive marine related experience in commercial roles (+10 years).
• Professional certification/accreditation in Project Management.
• Proficient organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project tender processes.
• Oversee project-related documentation management.
• Support business development and client income streams.

Skills

Project Management

Customer Focus

Self-Motivated

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

BSc or MSc in Surveying, Engineering

Recent Project Management Training

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Job title: Commercial Project Manager

Department: Hydrographic

Reporting to: Port Hydrographer

Grade: 4

Salary: £65,443 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 9 July 2025

Interview date: 21 and 22 July 2025

Who we are:

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

The PLA's Hydrographic Service is responsible for surveying 400 sq. miles of the River Thames and estuary, from the tidal limit in the west out to the southern North Sea. Surveys are primarily conducted for safety of navigation, but a significant effort goes into conservancy and environmental monitoring surveys, as well as detailed engineering works. In all over 400 surveys a year are made.

The department undertakes approximately 50% of its work for third parties under contract, and it is accepted as a centre of excellence in the field of port surveying and has recently gained a reputation for innovative use of high resolution multibeam in the support of infrastructure projects and ongoing inspection and maintenance and works closely with the UKHO and MCA on chart production and national interest mapping.

The role:

This interesting and varied post offers considerable potential for someone seeking to join a highly respected, motivated and friendly team that is seeking to develop and expand its capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the specified project tender process through from notification of interest to tender proposal and project planning and management.
• To oversee production & management of project-related documentation from base documents.
• Responsible for contract management for specific commercial project delivery.
• The role will also involve supporting the Port Hydrographer with business development so as to focus the commercial offering to the market sector needs, and to maintain and develop new and existing client income streams.

What we are looking for:

• BSc or MSc in Surveying, Engineering or similar discipline
• Recent Project Management or General Management training qualification and professional certification/accreditation.
• Extensive (+10 years) marine related experience in a commercial role across a range of commercial projects including marine infrastructure development and nearshore or offshore geophysical survey environment.
• Customer focussed, self-motivated, target driven and proven team player.
• Confident and with the proven ability to take the initiative and work independently in managers’ absence yet recognise and escalate when necessary.
• Proficient use in MS office suite to advanced level.
• Proficient organisational and time management abilities.

Benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Jim Powell, Hydrographic Operations Manager on 01474 562539 or [e-mail]

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.