Deputy Harbour Master/Senior Pilotage Operations Manager

Associated British Ports; Hessle; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated British Ports seeks an experienced maritime professional to lead Humber marine operations as Deputy Harbour Master & Senior Pilotage Operations Manager. Reporting to the Harbour Master, you will oversee pilotage, statutory duties and safety standards across one of the UK's busiest estuaries.

The role requires extensive piloting operations management experience, strong leadership, and the ability to drive continuous improvement while engaging with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in pilotage operations management.
• Thorough knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and related legislation.
• Proven leadership of pilots and marine staff.
• Ability to balance commercial and operational needs with safety.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to obtain security clearance.
• Experience in marine incident investigations and emergency response.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe and efficient delivery of pilotage services across the Humber Estuary.
• Deputise for the Harbour Master and perform Statutory Harbour Authority duties.
• Ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code and related legislation.
• Develop and mentor a skilled team of pilots and marine staff.
• Coordinate with Vessel Traffic Services and port operators.
• Lead marine incident response and investigations.
• Contribute to planning and delivery of marine projects.
• Liaise with MCA, MAIB, HSE and regulatory bodies.
• Participate in Humber marine management on-call rota.

Skills

Pilotage operations management

Port management

Port Marine Safety Code knowledge

Navigational risk management

Leadership and people management

Stakeholder engagement

Decision-making and problem-solving

Full UK driving licence

Security clearance eligibility

Harbour Master qualification progress

Pilotage experience in CH Authority

Education

Harbour Master qualification (or working towards)

Job description

Role: Deputy Harbour Master & Senior Pilotage Operations Manager

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Competitive with fantastic company benefits

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

An opportunity to lead marine operations in the UK's largest trading estuary

Associated British Ports is the UK's leading ports group, handling approximately one quarter of the nation's seaborne trade. The Humber Estuary is the UK's largest port industrial complex, handling around 65 million tonnes of cargo each year, and one of Europe's most complex port marine environments, supporting a diverse range of commercial shipping, and onshore and offshore energy projects.

We are seeking an experienced maritime professional to join our Humber marine team as Deputy Harbour Master & Senior Pilotage Operations Manager. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced marine professional to take a leading role in the management of one of the UK's busiest and most challenging waterways, working alongside an experienced team of Harbour Masters, Dockmasters, Pilots, VTSOs and marine specialists dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of navigational safety and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the Harbour Master, you will play a key role in delivering safety of navigation functions, including overseeing pilotage operations, supporting Statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities, and ensuring the safe and efficient conduct of marine traffic throughout the Humber Estuary.

The Role

The role combines people leadership, management of marine safety, leading pilotage operations, supporting regulatory compliance, incident response, and stakeholder engagement, providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to influence both day-to-day operations and the strategic direction of marine service provision across the Humber.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the safe and efficient delivery of pilotage services throughout the Humber Estuary.
• Deputising for the Harbour Master and undertaking Statutory Harbour Authority functions when required.
• Supporting compliance with the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code and associated marine, health, safety, security and environmental legislation.
• Maintaining and continually improving marine safety management systems.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a highly skilled team of pilots and marine personnel.
• Acting as the Deputy Port Facility Security Officer for the Humber Statutory Harbour Authority.
• Working closely with Vessel Traffic Services, terminal operators, ship operators, and key maritime stakeholders to ensure the safe conduct of marine operations.
• Providing effective pilotage representation and input across the planning, development, and delivery of marine projects.
• Taking a lead role during marine emergencies, navigational incidents, and conducting investigations.
• Liaising with externally bodies including the MCA, MAIB, HSE and other regulatory agencies.
• Supporting marine risk management, audit programmes and statutory reporting requirements.
• Participating in the Humber marine management on-call rota.

About You

You will be a marine professional with extensive operational experience and a sound understanding of modern port operations, pilotage, and marine safety management practices.

You will possess the professional credibility, judgement and leadership skills required to operate effectively within a demanding and highly regulated environment.

• Significant experience within pilotage operations management and port management
• Detailed knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and associated legislation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of navigational risk management and marine safety management.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• An understanding of, and ability to balance, commercial and operational requirements, ability to facilitate continuous improvement and deliver consistent safe and high-quality marine services.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong decision-making, organisational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Hold, or be eligible to obtain an appropriate UK security clearance
• Strong IT literacy.
• Harbour Master's qualification or working towards one.
• Pilotage experience within a Competent Harbour Authority, or equivalent.
• Experience managing marine incidents and investigations.
• Experience in emergency planning and incident command structures.

Why Join ABP?

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your maritime expertise within one of the most significant marine environments in the UK.

You will work alongside some of the most experienced marine professionals and pilots in the industry, helping to shape the future of marine safety on an estuary that handles thousands of vessel movements each year.

ABP offers:

• A senior management role within the UK's largest port operator.
• Opportunities to work and develop in a diverse range of ports across the UK.
• The opportunity to influence marine safety, navigational risk management in the UK's largest ports group.
• Ongoing professional development and support towards Harbour Master qualifications where applicable.
• A collaborative, supportive, and professional marine team environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.