Marine Operations Manager

We are recruiting for a Marine Operations Manager to support the management and assurance of marine operations across CMAL’s statutory harbours and non-statutory marine facilities. Reporting to the Head of Harbour & Marine Operations/Harbour Master, the role will manage the day-to-day activities of the Marine Operations team, provide professional marine advice across CMAL and act as Deputy Harbour Master where formally appointed and delegated. The role will play an important part in supporting the safe operation and future development of CMAL’s harbour and vessel network.

The role

• Manages the day-to-day activities of the Marine Operations team, supporting the Head of Harbour & Marine Operations/Harbour Master in delivering CMAL’s statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities and wider marine operations functions.
• Acts as Deputy Harbour Master where formally appointed and delegated, providing professional advice on navigational safety, marine risk and harbour operations.
• Supports CMAL’s compliance with the Ports & Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC), including management and continuous improvement of the Marine Safety Management System, navigational risk assessments, audits, inspections and marine safety assurance.
• Manages the routine operational assurance of CMAL’s Harbour Operating Agreement, working closely with the Harbour Operator to monitor performance, compliance, actions and emerging operational risks.
• Coordinates marine operational input into harbour infrastructure and vessel projects, ensuring that navigational safety, vessel manoeuvring, operability and operational readiness are considered from an early stage.
• Manages key Marine Operations workstreams including harbour legislation, hydrographic and bathymetric surveys, marine monitoring systems and the development of CMAL’s Marine Intelligence Hub.
• Supports marine incident response, investigations and emergency preparedness, ensuring that lessons learned are identified and translated into practical improvements.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with ferry and harbour operators, regulators, project teams, contractors, harbour users and other stakeholders.

Who are we looking for?

CMAL requires motivated, professional, and diligent people with a proactive and creative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work flexibly, both within a team and autonomously. We are particularly looking for people with the following skills, experience, and attributes:

• Strong professional competence and significant experience in marine operations, harbour management or a closely related maritime environment.
• A sound practical understanding of navigational safety, marine risk and vessel operations, together with the ability to analyse information and make clear, proportionate recommendations.
• Experience of working within a Harbour Authority, port or regulated maritime environment, with knowledge of the Ports & Marine Facilities Safety Code and Marine Safety Management Systems
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing operational, project and assurance priorities and support the development of others.
• Experience of working effectively with a range of stakeholders, including operators, regulators, contractors, consultants and internal project teams.
• Experience of audits, inspections, incident investigation, risk assessment or other operational assurance activity.
• Experience of providing marine operational input into vessel, harbour infrastructure or other significant maritime projects.
• A relevant maritime qualification or equivalent professional experience. A Harbour Master qualification, a Deck Officer Certificate of Competency, or an equivalent senior marine qualification would be advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

A rewarding and evolving working environment in a future-thinking organisation.
In addition to an attractive salary (placement on the scale is dependent on qualifications and experience), we offer an excellent benefits package including 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays per year, a defined benefit pension scheme, life assurance, an optional healthcare scheme, free ferry travel, relocation assistance, an Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing hour each month. We also support further personal and professional development.

The work environment

The role is based in our head office on the Clyde Estuary in Port Glasgow, with some flexible remote working, as mutually agreed, to ensure we have the best people working with us to serve the communities that rely on our infrastructure.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 2nd October 2026 .

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