Department: Harbour Masters

Reporting to: Marine Governance Manager

Grade: 6

Salary: £53,174 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 3 November 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Who we are:

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 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. As part of our duties under the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, we manage and maintain the port’s navigational safety management system and marine emergency planning function.

The role:

Based in our Head Offices at Gravesend you will join a small team providing specialist services in support of the PLA’s core safety functions.

• You will contribute significantly to the ongoing development and maintenance of an effective safety management system, risk assessment processes, compliance assurance and supporting regulatory framework and enforcement regime, whilst providing statistical analysis and reports on a routine and as-required basis.

• You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the Marine Safety Management System (MSMS) and navigational risk management database, which are critical for identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks. Your diligence will be pivotal in ensuring thorough risk assessments are conducted and reviewed to a high standard and according to schedule, helping maintain a culture of continuous improvement in navigational safety.

• You will lead the auditing function of the Marine Safety Management System, ensuring that all operations comply with established safety standards and regulations, tracking findings and assigned actions through to completion at all levels of PLA Management.

• You will be responsible for the accurate, timely and cost-effective publication and distribution of electronic and hard copy notices, regulations and other PLA marine publications and documents, working directly with printers and contractors as necessary.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a STCW (OOW Unlimited) Certificate of Competency or equivalent or have relevant management experience in the marine and ports industry, including, in particular, in safety management systems and risk assessment.

• Be able to lead, motivate and manage effectively.

• Have proven and effective interpersonal skills.

• Have good writing skills, including technical report writing.

• Have an ability to work effectively under pressure.

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

• Access to MyGymDiscounts

To view the full job description click here

For further information, or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact the Senior Harbour Master, Cathryn Spain, at the following address: cathryn.spain@pla.co.uk

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.