Head of Domestic Survey Operations

Job summary

Can you lead and develop a high-performing team of technical and policy specialists?

Do you have a strong understanding of maritime survey, certification or regulatory frameworks?

Are you able to provide expert technical advice and guidance on complex cases in the Maritime sector?
Could you influence operational procedure to make a positive difference?

Would you love to be part of a dynamic team where no two days are the same?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) delivers the UK Government’s maritime safety policy, helping to protect lives at sea and prevent pollution around the UK coastline. Through inspection, survey and certification activities, the MCA ensures ships comply with UK and international safety, security and environmental standards.

Within the MCA, UK Maritime Services (UKMS) works closely with the UK Ship Register, supporting ship operators, seafarers and vessel registration, while helping maintain the high standards expected of the UK flag.

UK Technical Services (Operations) [TS(Ops)] provides specialist technical expertise and operational support across the directorate. Acting as the central technical focal point, the team supports survey and inspection operations, safety management, maritime security and maritime labour matters. Through expert advice, assurance and collaboration, TS(Ops) helps ensure consistent standards, effective regulation and the safe operation of the maritime industry.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

The Head of Domestic Survey Operations leads a team of policy specialists responsible for survey operations across domestic and non-SOLAS vessels. The post holder will shape and implement operational policy, provide expert technical advice, oversee survey and certification systems, and work closely with industry, operational teams and policymakers. Acting as a key link between innovation, regulation and operations, they will help deliver the MCA’s response to emerging technologies while promoting the highest standards of maritime safety and supporting strategic business objectives.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Managing the Domestic Survey Operations Branch, working closely with the Head of International Survey Operations and Head of Technical Performance and acting as focal point and point of contact for internal and external customers by giving advice and decisions on survey policy related to the domestic and non-SOLAS fleet - dealing with various stakeholders such as marine surveyors, industry, public, classification societies, certifying authorities and other flag and port state administrations; and actively participate in the Flag in panel for domestic vessels.
2. Maintaining operational liaison with Marine Offices, other HQ Branches and Technical Support Team (TST) within UK Maritime Services (UKMS) to provide policy support for Marine Office Surveyors as and when required.
3. Managing the oversight of UK vessels operating under the Codes of Practice, taking the responsibility of the MCA as a Certifying Authority, overseeing the procedures for surveys of UK registered coded vessels.
4. Promoting and maintaining Instructions for Guidance to Surveyors in connection with Survey and Certification of non-SOLAS domestic vessels as appropriate
5. Managing the maintenance, development and use of the Pelorus system within the Directorate.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

Required experience:

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

1. Significant experience in a managerial role on board ship or in a technical position of responsibility within the maritime industry.

• Experience applying maritime legislation, classification rules and technical standards in an operational or regulatory environment.
• Experience making sound technical decisions, managing risk and providing professional judgement on complex maritime matters.
• A strong understanding of vessel operations, survey, inspection, audit or certification activities.

2. Experience engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and communicating complex technical information clearly and effectively.

• Experience working collaboratively with industry, government bodies, classification societies, operators or technical specialists.
• Ability to influence outcomes, build effective working relationships and manage challenging or sensitive discussions.
• Experience translating complex technical or regulatory requirements into practical advice for diverse audiences.

3. Experience managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes in a demanding environment.

• Proven ability to organise and prioritise a varied workload while balancing operational demands and strategic objectives.
• Experience analysing complex information, exercising sound judgement and making effective decisions within tight timescales.
• A track record of delivering against deadlines while maintaining accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.

4.The ability to make quick, effective decisions and manage a varied workload with competing priorities

5.Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a physical medical for this role. Please see the attached document for further information.

Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) is the largest and most diverse professional community across the Civil Service. Many of us will have an association with several professional communities or specialisms, ODP applies to all public facing roles / or a role that is primarily aligned to supporting the work of those with public facing roles. All critical to the delivery of UK public services.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkR_okX2T1U

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 35 hours per week.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

Regular travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. Therefore, this role is not open to applications from those who require sponsorship – candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is CTC (Counter Terrorist Check)

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Licences

Full UK Driving License, Full Valid Passport

Qualifications

Required qualifications as detailed in Job description

The minimum academic qualification required is one of:
a. MCA Recognised STCW II/2 Master unlimited Certificate of Competency; or
b. MCA Recognised STCW III/2 Chief Engineer unlimited Certificate of Competency; or
c. Honours Degree in Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Marine Engineering, Mechanical and Marine Engineering or Marine Technology
d. Applicants without the qualifications stated in a, b or c above, may also be eligible if they are Chartered Engineer (CEng.) (through Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) or the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)), but in such cases evidence of the equivalent level of learning plus relevant marine industry experience will need to have be demonstrated to the satisfaction of an MCA S&I technical review panel.
“Relevant marine industry experience” is that which provides understanding and experience of the underpinning competencies expected of a Ship surveyor (see MSF4989) which includes marine structural design, construction or repair, and stability measurement or analysis.
You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Technical – Underpinning competencies (as detailed in MCA Document MSF4989) – Level 4

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £63,645, Maritime and Coastguard Agency contributes £18,437 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

  • Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
  • 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
  • 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
  • Access to the staff discount portal.
  • Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
  • Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
  • 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
  • Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

  Find out more about the benefits of working at MCA (opens in a new window).

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to apply:

Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.

The selection process for this role will be:

Stage 1: Sift of CV and personal statement

Stage 2: Interview

You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.

Stage1: Sift

At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile element:

• Experience – you will be asked to provide a CV (unlimited wordcount) and personal statement (750-word count). Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:
• Relevant Marine Industry experience, as detailed in the job description.
• Sufficient experience in a technical capacity of responsibility within the maritime industry or in a managerial role on board ship. As detailed in the job description.

The sift will take place week commencing 17th August

Stage 2: Interview

At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

• Behaviours – Leadership, Making Effective Decisions and Managing a Quality Service, communicating and Influencing
• Technical – Underpinning competencies (as detailed in MCA Document MSF4989) – Level 4

You will also be required to create and deliver a presentation to assess the Behaviour Communicating and Influencing. Guidance will be provided if you are invited to interview.

The interviews will take place week commencing W/C 31 August

This interview will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.

You can find out more about our hiring process, how to apply, and application and interview guidance on our careers site (opens in a new window).

Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change.

Further information on the selection process

Feedback on your application can only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Adverts with a reserve list

We will also hold a 12 month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for.

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document Accessibility

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert or the information on our website, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Further Information

For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit theHow We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.

If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage depending on the nature of the dismissal.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

All external applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:

• Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour
• Threats or acts of violence
• Illegal activity or substance misuse
• Sexually explicit material
• Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public. Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle - it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture. If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Prasad Panicker
• Email : Prasad.Panicker@mcga.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here

Attachments

Head of Domestic Survey Operations - G7 Sur - Feb 2023 (002) Opens in new window (docx, 60kB)Annex E - SI Health Standards Opens in new window (pdf, 301kB)Surveyor Technical Framework Opens in new window (pdf, 355kB)