Head of Marine Governance & Safety

Careers On The Thames; Gravesend; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave (plus Bank HOL)

Private Medical Insurance

Generous pension – up to 14% employer

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing resources

Discounted gym memberships

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Discounts via portal

Job summary

Port of London Authority is seeking a senior leader to head marine governance, safety management and compliance. The role provides strategic guidance on governance arrangements, MSMS and assurance frameworks, with a focus on continuous improvement and external representation.

The successful candidate will drive safety culture, lead cross‑team collaboration and manage governance resources and budgets to support operational resilience and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Significant management experience in the marine/ports sector.
• Experience implementing and improving safety management systems.
• Understanding of PMSC requirements and Guide to Good Practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of the MSMS and Marine Safety Plan.
• Oversee governance, assurance, audit and compliance activities.
• Monitor safety performance, risks and incidents; drive corrective actions.
• Provide governance reporting to senior leaders and the Board.
• Lead risk management, horizon scanning and future readiness for marine operations.
• Act as lead for marine governance investigations when required.
• Build relationships with regulators and stakeholders; represent the PLA externally.
• Influence regulatory developments to protect organisational interests.
• Develop and support marine governance resources and standards.
• Manage governance resources and budgets; support priorities.
• Collaborate across teams to strengthen governance and safety culture.

Skills

Marine governance

Safety management

Stakeholder liaison

Decision making

Project management

Communication

MS Office

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Port of London Authority is seeking a senior leader to head marine governance, safety management and compliance. The role provides strategic guidance on governance arrangements, MSMS and assurance frameworks, with a focus on continuous improvement and external representation.

The successful candidate will drive safety culture, lead cross‑team collaboration and manage governance resources and budgets to support operational resilience and regulatory compliance.