Port Strategy Manager Wick Harbour Authority

McDonald's Inverness High Street; Scotland; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

34 days annual leave

Sick pay

Job summary

Wick Harbour Authority is seeking an experienced Port Strategy Manager to lead the Harbour Masterplan and shape Wick Harbour's development from its Harbour Office in Wick.

The role focuses on delivering commercial growth, pursuing investment in offshore wind and marine infrastructure, and managing major capital projects with strong board reporting and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• Senior management experience in commercial development, infrastructure or maritime operations.
• Proven track record delivering complex infrastructure or capital projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development skills.
• Experience preparing business cases and securing funding or investment.
• Excellent project and programme management abilities.
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• Leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence decisions and build partnerships.
• Comfortable reporting to a Board and working independently.
• Experience in ports, marine infrastructure or offshore wind is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver Wick Harbour’s commercial growth and development strategy.
• Lead the Harbour Masterplan and major marine infrastructure projects.
• Identify new business opportunities across offshore wind, renewable energy, cargo, cruise, fishing and marine leisure.
• Prepare business cases, investment proposals and funding applications.
• Identify and pursue investment and external funding opportunities.
• Manage consultants, professional advisers and project delivery partners.
• Develop relationships with existing customers and potential new businesses.
• Build partnerships with investors, government agencies and industry organisations.
• Represent Wick Harbour Authority in discussions with stakeholders and local communities.
• Provide strategic advice and regular progress reports to the Harbour Board.
• Work closely with the Harbour team to deliver sustainable commercial growth.
• Help strengthen Wick Harbour’s contribution to the wider Caithness economy.

Skills

Senior management

Commercial development

Infrastructure

Maritime operations

Business development

Funding & business cases

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership & negotiation

Influence & partnerships

Board reporting

Job description

Wick Harbour Authority is looking for an experienced Port Strategy Manager to lead the Harbour Masterplan and help shape the future development of Wick Harbour in Caithness. This senior position would suit someone with a strong commercial and infrastructure background who can attract investment, develop new opportunities and support the long-term growth of one of the Highlands’ historic Trust Ports.

The Role

• Develop and deliver Wick Harbour’s commercial growth and development strategy.
• Lead the Harbour Masterplan and major marine infrastructure projects.
• Identify new business opportunities across offshore wind, renewable energy, cargo, cruise, fishing and marine leisure.
• Prepare business cases, investment proposals and funding applications.
• Identify and pursue investment and external funding opportunities.
• Manage consultants, professional advisers and project delivery partners.
• Develop relationships with existing customers and potential new businesses.
• Build partnerships with investors, government agencies and industry organisations.
• Represent Wick Harbour Authority in discussions with stakeholders and local communities.
• Provide strategic advice and regular progress reports to the Harbour Board.
• Work closely with the Harbour team to deliver sustainable commercial growth.
• Help strengthen Wick Harbour’s contribution to the wider Caithness economy.

Working Pattern

• Full time position.
• Based at Wick Harbour Authority’s Harbour Office in Wick.

What We Are Looking For

• Senior management experience in commercial development, infrastructure, maritime operations or a related sector.
• Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure or capital projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development skills.
• Experience preparing business cases and securing funding or investment.
• Excellent project and programme management abilities.
• Experience managing relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence decisions and build effective partnerships.
• Confidence working independently while reporting to a Board.
• Ability to work effectively within a small team.
• Sound commercial judgement and a practical approach to problem solving.
• Experience in ports, marine infrastructure, offshore wind, renewable energy, major infrastructure or public sector funding would be advantageous.

What Is On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £65,000 per annum.
• Employer pension contribution of 6%.
• 34 days annual leave, including public holidays.
• Company sick pay.
• Opportunity to lead the future development of Wick Harbour.
• A senior role with responsibility for strategic investment and commercial growth.
• Opportunity to contribute to the economic development of Wick, Caithness and the wider Highlands.