Job title: Marine Engineering Superintendent

Department: Marine Engineering

Reporting to: Head of Marine Engineering

Grade: 4

Salary: £68,067 + 5% overtime allowance

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Denton Wharf, Gravesend

Closing date: 23rd October 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: W/C 2nd November 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:

Plan, design, specify, co-ordinate and supervise the procurement, modification, refitting, routine maintenance and defect rectification of the PLA fleet of vessels and other PLA plant, equipment, machinery and systems, both afloat and shore based, ensuring maximum availability and safety within operational and financial constraints.

You will provide technical expertise and advice to colleagues across the PLA, and deputise for the Head of Marine Engineering and fellow Marine Engineering Superintendents in their absence.

Key responsibilities:

• Direct and co-ordinate the planned maintenance and defect rectification programme for the PLA fleet and other machinery and systems, working with operational managers and in line with HSE, MCA and Classification Society regulations to ensure the safety of people and property and 24-hour vessel availability.

• Investigate reported defects and faults, identify root causes and operational impact, and implement cost-effective, practical and sustainable solutions that protect PLA staff and the public.

• Develop refit specifications using survey techniques, vessel history and new technology where beneficial; co-ordinate shipyard tenders, select the winning bid on through-life cost and best value, and prepare the contractual and financial documentation.

• Manage vessel refit projects, specifying and procuring “PLA supplied” items and services at the most advantageous price, and securing MCA approval for changes and equipment as required.

• Organise and control the statutory examination and testing of PLA vessels, lifting gear, lifting appliances, pressure vessels and systems to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

• Work with the Engineering Workshop Supervisor to direct, support and enable Marine Engineering Technicians, Trainee Technicians and Apprentices, ensuring work is correctly prioritised and carried out.

• Control overtime provision and decide when to engage contract labour; oversee contractors to ensure safe working, correct engineering standards and cost control.

• Support the Head of Marine Engineering in developing a training scheme for continual professional development, and assist with the recruitment, retention and training of suitably qualified colleagues.

• Work with the Engineering Stores Manager to determine optimum spare parts levels for the fleet, identify quality alternatives to OEM parts, and raise and sanction stores demands and contracts within your delegated authority.

• Contribute to the development of broader management strategy and practice as a member of the Marine Engineering management team.

• Undertake other reasonable duties aligned with the role and your training, experience and competence.

What we are looking for:

• Professional Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status, educated to degree level in a relevant electro/mechanical engineering discipline, with relevant experience or alternatively a relevant engineering qualification with relevant demonstrable experience.

• Relevant experience providing engineering services and project management within the marine industry at an appropriate senior level (deputy department head).

• An appreciation of British Standards, MCA, IMO and Classification Society rules and regulations applicable to commercial vessels and marine operations.

• A broad understanding of vessel construction and related standards, materials and processes, enabling you to identify potential issues of structural integrity and stability.

• Practical and effective management experience in a marine or engineering environment.

• Proficiency in relevant digital systems and software, an understanding of financial control (including specialist software for engineering support and stores accounting), and the aptitude to learn bespoke procurement and fleet management systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels, with the ability to influence constructively and address challenges appropriately to deliver objectives.

• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing competing priorities and delivering to agreed deadlines.

• The ability to build positive relationships with external bodies, contractors, suppliers and service providers, and to work extensively with operational and financial colleagues across the PLA and with consultants, statutory bodies and like organisations at engineering management level.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

• Private Medical Insurance

• Car allowance

• 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

To view the full job description click here

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

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.