Department: Information Technology

Reporting to: Navigation Systems Manager

Grade: 7

Salary: £45,189 + 5% overtime allowance

Contract: Fixed Term for 24 months

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Base: Gravesend

Closing date: Open until we find a suitable candidate

Interview date: As arranged with selected candidates. Teams interviews will be used to shortlist, Face to face interviews will be at Gravesend.

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

The purpose of this role is to ensure that relevant Health, Safety and Compliance documentation is in place along with appropriate controls, processes and procedures. This role will conduct regular team audits to assess compliance and performance, identify gaps and propose solutions and opportunities for improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop new and review existing team H&S documentation.
• Create new and enhance existing processes and procedures to effectively manage and control identified risks.
• Attend works at remote sites to gain an understanding of activities and engage with team members – using this knowledge to develop the above documentation and practices.
• Develop and deliver appropriate induction materials and site briefings.
• Lead on the implementation and embedding of changes resulting from new documentation or procedures.
• Identify and source appropriate training as required to ensure the team’s skills are kept up to date and reflect the work that we do. This may involve regular interaction with other departments, such as Health and Safety, Human Resources and direct contact with external specialist training providers.
• Manage contractors, ahead of works or by site attendance, to ensure appropriate documentation and / or certification is received, inductions are given as required and appropriate supervision is in place.
• Lead on the liaison with other departments to ensure risks are highlighted and managed consistently across the PLA.
• Liaise and engage with the H,S&W team to support the implementation of any new initiatives or procedural changes from them and ensure that the team’s practice remains in line with the H,S&W team’s approach.

Job context:

The Navigation Systems team is part of the wider IT department and consists of Field, Systems and Support engineers and supporting office roles.

The team’s main function is to provide services to operational teams such as VTS and Pilotage, providing and maintaining systems and hardware for services such as vessel identification and tracking, radio communications as well as tidal and weather information. We manage and maintain our own IP and Microwave Networks.

This involves working at height, manual handling, lifting operations and working with electrical and electronic equipment at both manned office and remote equipment sites.

The engineering team is available 24/7/365 and the office team Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Our main base is in Gravesend at the London River House complex, but travel is required to other offices and remote sites.

What we are looking for:

• A motivated, dynamic and proactive individual with H&S experience in a similar setting / across a similar risk profile to the work of the team. Minimum of five years’ similar experience, preferably in an engineering, operational IT or construction setting.
• Holds a Health & Safety qualification (similar or equivalent to citb’s SMSTS) with knowledge and understanding of relevant H&S regulations such as Working at Height, LOLER and PUWER and their application in the role of the team and its activities.
• Must have a high standard of education, with a minimum of A Level standard or equivalent in IT, science or engineering related topics, with a good standard of English and Mathematics.
• Highly organised and be able to prioritise and progress work with minimal supervision, taking ownership for meeting deadlines and achieving goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to develop effective working relationships and promote and encourage team collaboration and efficient use of time and resources.
• Able to influence and negotiate, being assertive with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to communicate effectively within the team and across other departments – to gain understanding, share knowledge and collaborate.
• Able to devise appropriate processes and implement change at a team level.
• Critical thinker with the ability to challenge appropriately and contribute to continual improvement.
• Must hold UIK driving licence for manual vehicles.

In line with the PLA’s behavioural framework:

Do the Right Thing:

• Acts with role model qualities in all that they do
• Leads by example by being open, honest and respectful, demonstrating integrity and pride
• Takes ownership for decisions and actions that are within their area of responsibility and expertise

Always Improving:

• Has a positive attitude towards development, learning and is open to seeking and receiving feedback
• Supports and promotes change and continuous improvement and challenges the team to do the same
• Takes ownership of errors and or mistakes, correcting these at the first opportunity to drive improvements

One Team:

• Maintains a positive attitude, is approachable and shows kindness to others
• Creates an environment where team members are encouraged to share ideas, information, and knowledge
• Is self-aware, demonstrates empathy and adapts approach to build strong relationships

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

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.