Head of Navigation

Are you an experienced Master Mariner interested in leading the development of the UK’s navigation safety policy?
Do you want the opportunity to be a major player in the maintenance of navigation safety within UK waters, and the UK’s contribution to international legislation at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)s
Would you like to be in charge of setting the direction for navigation in response to changes in navigation technology and systems?
If so, we are looking for a Head of Navigation to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and we'd love to hear from you!
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.
Safer lives. Safer Ships. Cleaner Seas.
Our vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do.
We are committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams.
We want everyone to feel valued and supported to achieve their potential at MCA.
This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks groups covering, Women’s, LGBTQI+, Race, Carers, Mental Wellbeing and volunteer Respect Ambassadors., Technical Services Navigation Branch (TSN) is part of UK Technical Maritime Standards Directorate within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Navigational safety supports the Government's maritime strategy for 'Safer Ships and Cleaner Seas' by ensuring high standards of marine safety and marine environmental protection through the development, implementation and monitoring of a consistent standards for UK navigation and radio-communication matters. This primarily covers SOLAS Convention Chapters IV and V (Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974); the COLREGs Convention (The Merchant Shipping (Distress and Prevention of Collisions Regulations 1996); associated EU legislation and the ITU Convention (International Telecommunications Convention).
The Navigation Team (which the Head of Navigation leads) sits within TSN and has particular responsibilities around SOLAS V & COLREGS, Marine Licensing, Offshore Renewable Energy Installations licensing, the Port Marine Safety Code, Categorisation of Waters, and Vessel Traffic Management.
What is the purpose of the Head of Navigation?
The Head of Navigation (HoN) is regarded as the specialist navigator within TSN and, as such, the primary source of knowledge on key marine navigational matters.
They are an integral part of the top-level management structure within TSN responsible for leading the Navigation Team and thus ensuring a positive contribution towards the Branch, as well as Directorate and Agency business plans.
In consultation with the Assistant Director (Tech Services Navigation), the post-holder is responsible for overseeing and prioritising relevant work-streams, allocating resources and tracking progress to ensure successful business outcomes.
The post-holder is also responsible for leading a team of operational standards managers and standards advisors in their work to develop and implement a consistent blend of statutory and non-statutory marine navigational policies, activities and casework, to support delivery of TSN's input to the UKMS Strategy Implementation Plan and MCA Business Plan.
The Head of Navigation is the lead in tracking and analysing developments in the field of maritime technology and determining the implications for branch standards making. This role will be carried out collaboratively with other elements of the Directorate to ensure an effective and smooth response to rapid technological change.
Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
+ The HoN is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of standards in respect of the following key business areas:
+ As line manager, the Head of Navigation, shall work with and support the Ports and VTS standards holder (the Ports/VTS Standards Manger) in their execution and direction of the Ports and VTS Standards areas, specifically.
+ As the specialist navigator within the TSN, act as a focal point and contact for internal and external customers by giving advice and guidance on key marine navigational matters - engaging with various stakeholders such as marine surveyors, HM Coastguard, other Government organisations, maritime industry, the public, Classification Societies, other Flag and Port State administrations and research and development bodies.
For further information about the role and responsibilities, please see the attached role profile., This role will be based in the Southampton HQ (or relevant office). MCA supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work.
The expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace or out on official business. Details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager.
There may be a requirement for occasional travel on official duty within the UK, which may involve overnight stays. Notice will be given prior to travel.
A passport valid for international travel is required for this role.
A full UK Driving Licence is required for this role.

Licences
Full UK Drivers Licence, We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Seeing the Big Picture
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Leadership
+ Managing a Quality Service
+ Changing and Improving, + Experience of seagoing management role (such as Chief Officer or Safety Officer) on a SOLAS convention vessel or a shore-based management role.
+ Experience in a technical role involving safety management within the maritime industry or wider government.
Your Personal Statement will be limited to a maximum of 1000 words.
It is essential when submitting your Personal Statement that you provide as much detail as possible, and utilise the full word count given, against the essential criteria outlined above as this will be used in conjunction with your CV to assess candidate suitability to move to the next round in the recruitment process.
Sift and Interview Dates:
The sift is due to take place w/c 16th January 2025.
Interviews/assessments are likely to be held w/c 29th January 2025.
This interview will be conducted via face to face at one of our offices. Further details of which will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.
The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment will include:
+ An interview.
+ A presentation.
You’re encouraged to become familiar with the role profile, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within.
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., 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.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting.
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 security 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.

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 the Civil 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.

We are looking for knowledgeable/experienced maritime professional with excellent interpersonal skills to provide the benefits of their expertise to the TSN Branch’s multidisciplinary team.
The successful candidate will be in possession of a recognized STCW II/2 Master unlimited Certificate of Competency with management level experience gained either afloat or ashore.
The rapid nature of technological change within the maritime industry requires an open-minded individual with an understanding of modern navigation techniques/equipment and the potential impacts of emerging technologies (autonomous vessels etc) on regulation., • An MCA Recognised STCW II/2 Master unlimited Certificate of Competency.
• Qualification at Level 5 or above of the England, Wales and Northern Ireland register of Regulated Qualifications (e.g. FdSc, DipHE, HND), or recognized equivalent

Alongside your salary of £54,857, Maritime and Coastguard Agency contributes £15,892 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.