Managing Director (Subsea Services)

ZipRecruiter; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime technical services provider in Southampton is seeking a Managing Director to lead global subsea services. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in marine/subsea services and proven success in defence tenders. Responsibilities include strategic planning, operational oversight, and stakeholder management. This role requires frequent travel and the ability to attain UK Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in marine/subsea services, including senior leadership roles.
• Proven success in defence/government tenders and strategic partnerships.
• Experience with cargo/leisure underwater services and global operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global subsea services business and drive growth.
• Manage tendering lifecycle and maintain contractor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with defence standards and manage operations.

Skills

Strategic planning and execution

Defence and commercial procurement expertise

Operational excellence and risk management

Stakeholder engagement and executive communication

Leadership in high-compliance environments

Understanding of Diving At Work Regulations

Innovation in service delivery

Job description

Overview

Managing Director (Subsea Services) – Permanent – Southampton – Excellent package

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a global maritime technical services provider based in Southampton.

You will lead the global subsea services business, strategically positioned to drive growth, efficiency and profitability. It spans naval and defence clients, as well as cargo and leisure segments such as hull cleaning and propeller polishing.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan aligned with the companies goals.
• Position the business across defence, cargo, and leisure segments.
• Build go-to-market strategies and pricing models tailored to procurement cycles.
• Engage major defence contractors and government agencies.
• Design a global agency model for cargo and leisure services, covering main ports with vetted diving networks

Business Development

• Lead the full tendering lifecycle, including bid strategy and submission.
• Maintain relationships with defence procurement bodies and prime contractors.
• Secure long-term contracts and framework agreements across all segments.

Operational Oversight

• Manage diving, IRM operations, inspections, hull maintenance, and NDT operations.
• Ensure compliance with defence standards and UK diving work regulations.
• Drive cost control and productivity across global service locations.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the senior liaison with naval representatives, shipyards, and stakeholders.
• Build long-term relationships through consistent delivery and proactive engagement.
• Report KPIs and performance metrics in line with contract requirements.

Team Leadership & Compliance

• Lead a cross-functional team across engineering, commercial, and technical domains.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and compliance.
• Manage legal, risk, and confidentiality obligations under defence contracting standards.

Experience Required

• Extensive experience in marine/subsea services; some of which has been in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success in defence/government tenders and strategic partnerships.
• Experience in cargo/leisure underwater services and global operations.
• Background in naval operations, marine engineering, or defence contracting.

Key Competencies

• Strategic planning and execution
• Defence and commercial procurement expertise
• Operational excellence and risk management
• Stakeholder engagement and executive communication
• Leadership in high-compliance environments
• Understanding of Diving At Work Regulations
• Innovation in service delivery and digital platforms

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel to naval bases, defence institutions, and client sites globally.

You must have the right to work in the UK and be able to attain UK Security Clearance to be considered.