Maritime Assurance Lead

Serco Limited; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international services company is seeking a Maritime Assurance Lead for their Portsmouth office, offering a hybrid work model. The role focuses on driving excellence in maritime assurance, ensuring compliance with regulations and managing risks through continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of maritime operations experience, strong leadership qualities, and proven auditing competency. The position encourages professional development and offers attractive benefits including competitive salary and pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus company car

Up to 6% contributory pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in maritime operations or safety management.
• 3-5 years in a senior maritime assurance or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of maritime integrated management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead maritime assurance and quality initiatives.
• Conduct internal and external audits for compliance.
• Champion training programs for maritime personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Proficiency in compliance software

Education

ISO45001 Lead Auditor

ISO9001 Lead Auditor

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Serco is recruiting for a Maritime Assurance Lead to join the team in Portsmouth on a hybrid basis. The key purpose of this role is to drive excellence in maritime assurance across DMS NG C2 & C4 operations and commercial activities. Ensure operational safety, compliance, and continuous improvement by leading audits, managing risk, and embedding best practices that exceed industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of maritime assurance/quality to ensure compliance with international regulations, industry standards (SOLAS, ISM Code, MARPOL), contractual obligations and best practices in maritime operations.
• Monitor and audit operational activities to ensure compliance with maritime laws and regulations; identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks, environmental impact, and vessel performance.
• Champion and support delivery of maritime assurance and company training programs for all maritime personnel, ensuring they are up-to-date with industry regulations and required corporate training.
• Coordinate and conduct internal and external audits of vessels and operations to ensure compliance with safety standards, risk management procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead investigations into accidents or safety-related incidents, identifying root causes, recommending corrective actions, and ensuring implementation of recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain thorough documentation of audits, inspections, risk assessments, and corrective actions; prepare and present detailed reports on assurance activities to senior leadership and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with vessel crews, technical teams, external stakeholders (such as classification societies, flag state authorities), and regulatory agencies to drive continuous improvement in operational safety and assurance practices.
• Stay updated on evolving maritime regulations, emerging risks, and technological advancements in the maritime sector; recommend and implement continuous improvement initiatives to elevate operational safety and assurance standards.
• Support and guide best assurance practice across MOD and commercial regulated (Explosives Management / Diving / Recompression Chambers) standards.

Qualifications

• SC Clearance required.
• Flexible to travel to other Serco sites when required.
• Minimum experience of 10-15 years in maritime operations or safety management, with 3-5 years in a senior maritime assurance or leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of maritime integrated management systems (IMS), risk management practices and regulatory frameworks IMO SOLAS MARPOL ISM Code).
• Proven experience in leading audits, inspections, and incident investigations in a maritime setting.
• ISO45001 Lead Auditor essential.
• ISO9001 Lead Auditor essential.
• ISM Lead Auditor desirable.
• Proven track record and experience operating specialist maritime environments.
• Experience and good understanding of governance of a regulatory environment (Maritime) relating to the contract.
• Experience and proven track record in MoD and commercial maritime relations.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess and mitigate risks.
• Proficiency in using maritime operational safety and compliance software, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of the MoD and commercial marine market in which the contract operates.
• Track record in developing and implementing a strategy and plans to achieve success in service delivery and growth.
• Ability to create and communicate a compelling vision and sense of purpose that motivates teams at all levels.
• Demonstrates ability to network internally and externally and influence effectively to navigate complexity and deliver results.
• Drive for delivering a quality service, values positive customer feedback, and improves effectiveness.
• Strong knowledge across all business functions, including finance, business development, people management and communications.
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to assimilate information quickly, and communicate key messages simply and effectively to the business.
• Effective communicator with the confidence and ability to deliver formal reports and presentations to clients and internal senior stakeholders.

What we offer

• Competitive salary plus company car.
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment, and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
• A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Health Cash Plans, free flu jabs and more.
• A safe and supportive culture.
• Interesting and enjoyable work.
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
• Committed to professional and personal development with a wide range of training and coaching opportunities to expand your capabilities.