Fleet Docking Manager

Serco Limited; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime support company is seeking a Fleet Docking Manager to lead docking and MRO activities. This role involves managing dockings, compliance, procurement, and contract negotiations. The successful candidate will ensure operational readiness of the fleet, support technical strategies, and work collaboratively with various teams. Offering a competitive salary up to £80,000 plus benefits including a company car and medical cover, this position is based in the UK with hybrid working available.

Benefits

Company car

Company bonus

Private Medical cover

Pension scheme

25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Training and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee networks

Qualifications

• Experience in the docking, refit and repair of small to medium-sized commercial vessels.
• Understanding of Class, Flag and Naval Requirements.
• Detailed marine engineering knowledge, both practical and theoretical.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall docking programme for the fleet.
• Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate on procurement and contract management.

Skills

Docking and repair experience

Senior management experience

Commercial shipyard contracting

Marine engineering knowledge

Asset management experience

Collaborative working skills

Strong communication skills

Job description

Fleet Docking Manager

Can be based at either Portsmouth, Devonport or Clyde

37 hours per week- Monday- Friday (Hybrid working available)

£70,000 - £80,000 plus company car, bonus and private medical cover

Serco plays a vital role in sustaining the UK's naval support fleet. Operating approximately 90 vessels across Portsmouth, Devonport, Clyde and Kyle of Lochalsh as well as a number of vessels operating globally These range from tugs, passenger transfer boats and workboats to product barges and a select number of larger ocean‑going ships.

To ensure this diverse fleet remains safe, compliant and mission‑ready, Serco delivers comprehensive in‑service support including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

We are now seeking a Fleet Docking Manager to lead the management of docking and MRO activities. This is a high‑impact position working alongside vessel managers and procurement with responsibilities for procurement, contracting and programme management, while also supporting the Fleet Technical Manager on wider marine engineering matters. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support technical strategy from the outset and play a central role in shaping the future of fleet management.

Main Accountabilities:

Docking programme management

Develop and maintain overall docking (and yard‑based project) programme management for the fleet

Monitor detailed programme and report to each Head of Service Deliver Area

Assist procurement with the management of all commercial framework agreements and Long Term Relationships

Manage compliance alongside Technical managers with budgets for dockings doing forecasting and delivery

Manage programme risk for dockings overall

Supporting Procurement in providing deep subject expertise to ensure the ability to negotiate specific large docking contracts to be commercially advantageous.

Ensure an outage programme that is matched to the available budget, the Statutory Docking Cycle and availability requirement in each Service Delivery area, and support in the provision of substitute vessels when this is not possible.

Overall responsibility for the outage and docking process for the fleet of vessels as defined by the contractual terms and responsibilities.

Assistance to the preparation, maintenance and monitoring of engineering budgets and ensuring reporting compliance with QDC and SSCR cost requirements as required by law.

Analysis of engineering data and information to suggest and implement improvements to contract performance around docking primarily.

Supporting appropriate resource planning in the SDAs to deliver the docking solution to the required regulatory and contract standards.

Overall definition of the processes and policies are in place to support the delivery of the Docking solution.

From a docking perspective ensure compliance with all applicable Flag, Class. MCA, DMR and other regulatory requirements

Transitional activities

Carry out gap analysis of current docking situation - fleet review, safety criticality and issues to be resolved.

Integration of the existing and new ways of working for the fleet.

Line management

This post has no line management responsibilities. For clarity the SDA Technical Managers report into the Head of SDA roles, however there is a dotted line to this role as a key interaction and peer.

Other accountabilities

Maintenance and the promotion of the Serco Values.

Ensuring business is conducted in accordance with Serco policies, procedures and plans (Corporate and Contract specific), with emphasis on those relating to safety and protection of the environment.

Performing any other duties, as directed by the Serco Defence Managing Director within competency and skill level.

Managing the continuous improvement and development of business processes and systems to meet the contract objectives and goals.

Promote and enable a diverse and inclusive Future Technical Capability Development Program (including Trainee/Apprentice Engineers)

What you’ll need to do the role:

• Experience in the docking, refit and repair of small to medium sized commercial vessels, ideally similar in nature to those in the Serco fleet.
• Senior management experience in maritime engineering programs.
• Experience of commercial shipyard contracting.
• Understanding of Class, Flag and Naval Requirements.
• Detailed marine engineering knowledge, both practical and theoretical.
• Experience of asset management in the marine sector.
• Experience in dealing with multiple Suppliers/Subcontractors.
• Proven skills and experience in collaborative working in a matrix organisation.
• Very strong communication skills, verbally and in writing.

What we offer:

• Company car
• Company bonus
• Private Medical cover
• Salary: Competitive salaries with annual reviews
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Holidays: 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Training and development: We offer a wide range of learning opportunities with over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres
• Discounts: Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Employee networks: Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community
• Charity: Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax‑free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme