Head of Site Services

Port of London Authority; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A major harbor authority in Gravesend is seeking a Head of Site Services to provide strategic direction and manage comprehensive site services. The role requires an undergraduate degree and a Chartered-level qualification, along with at least 10 years of senior management experience. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team, ensuring operations are conducted safely and sustainably. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and private medical insurance.

Benefits

30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

Private Medical Insurance

Generous pension

Onsite parking with electric charging

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in senior management roles.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering results.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and hands-on management of site services.
• Lead a dedicated team to ensure sites operate safely and efficiently.
• Shape the future of the Site Services function.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities Management

Project Management

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or Business Management

Professional qualification at Chartered level (CEng, MRICS, MIWFM)

Job description

Job title: Head of Site Services
Department: Marine Operations
Reporting to: Director of Marine Operations
Grade: 2
Salary: £84,955 per annum (plus car allowance)
Base: Gravesend, Kent
Closing date: 8 August 2025
Interview date: 4 &9September 2025

Who we are:
The Port of London Authority (PLA) 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 role:
We’re looking for an experienced and driven Head of Site Services to play a pivotal role at the PLA. In this influential position, you’ll provide strategic direction and hands-on management of our comprehensive site services, covering facilities management, electrical engineering, and stores operations – across all PLA properties, installations and remote sites.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of our Site Services function, lead a dedicated team, and ensure our sites operate safely, efficiently and sustainably. If you’re a proactive leader who thrives on variety and challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

What we are looking for:
You will have:
• An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business Management or a related field
• A relevant professional qualification at Chartered level (such as CEng, MRICS, MIWFM or equivalent)
• At least 10 years’ experience in senior management roles within facilities, engineering or operations, with a proven track record of leading teams and delivering results

Benefits package:
• 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling & 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 James Palmer, Director of Marine Operations([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.