Department: Chief Harbour Master’s

Reporting to: Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager

Grade: 5

Salary: £60,168 per annum

Contract type: Fixed term for 12 months (Duration subject to change)

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 4th September 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: 21st September 2026

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 Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for the UK’s biggest port - 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.

Key responsibilities:

• Work in conjunction with the other PSOs to provide general support to the Marine Pilotage Manager (MPM), Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager (DMPM) with assistance provided by the Assistant Pilotage Support Officer. 

• Create and present detailed reports to the MPM & DMPM on all Pilotage data. 

• Monitor Pilot levels and report to the MPM and/or DMPM any concerns.  

• Create, maintain, and review the Pilotage compliance documentation register.  

• Create and review risk assessments and method statements.  

• Reporting to DMPM who in turn reports to the MPM or direct to the Chief Harbour Master (main board member) in the absence of the MPM. 

• Any other duties required by Management for the efficient and safe running of the department. 

• To maintain good and effective communications with internal colleagues and external suppliers alike. 

• Attend operational meetings. 

• Deliver Pilotage presentations to stakeholders. 

• Works in close conjunction with VTS, Navigation Systems and the IT Department to ensure a seamless Pilotage operation and to ensure optimal use of PLA central systems. 

• Operating the ship simulator to assist with the delivery of Pilot and PEC simulator training on a regular basis

• Support the Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager with the implementation of Pilot recruitment and training through the planning and execution of recruitment campaigns, Trainee Pilot interviews, Pilot class progression training, PEC training delivery and Ship simulator management.  

The above list of duties is not exhaustive and exclusive and the post-holder will undertake any other duties as required commensurate with the role and responsibilities of the post.

What we are looking for:

Essential:

• High level of numeracy, competency in IT applications (MS Office and other marine software), data processing and analytical skills ideally gained in a Port or Marine environment to produce statistical and performance analysis, agree Pilot payroll variables, and deliver management reports. 

• Presentation skills which are key to the communication, working relationship and engagement with the team and other stakeholders. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with a variety of colleagues and external service providers. 

• Knowledge of training matrices and confidence in communicating with training suppliers. 

• Ability to discuss and investigate Health & Safety matters.

• Ability to create and maintain accurate records. 

• Proactive, innovative approach to working smarter and identifying efficiencies. 

•  Demonstrates adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic operational environment.

Desirable:

• Experience of Pilot navigation software beneficial. 

• Previous experience of using or operating a Ship manoeuvring simulator would be beneficial but training will be given. 

• An understanding of the overall makeup of the business end to end, its drivers, systems, and internal/external influences.  

• Comprehensive knowledge of Pilotage legislation and best practices is beneficial, including knowledge and experience of Risk Assessment and Method Statement creation and review.

Qualifications/Experience

• Equivalent experience within a similar function or port environment.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

• Generous pension - up to 14% employer contribution

• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources

• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work scheme

• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Tusker Cars)

• Reward and recognition portal, with access to a range of discounts

Additional information

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Joshua Rylah, Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager on Joshua.Rylah@pla.co.uk during their working hours of 08:00am to 16:00pm.

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.