Navy Command - Marine Services Superintendent (Devonport)

Job description

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

Plymouth, South West England, PL1 3RT : Plymouth, South West England, PL2 2BG

About the job

Job summary

Devonport Naval Base is the largest Naval Base in Europe. It is a 650 acre site with 15,000 acres of waterspace, employing 12,000 people. The Base is focused on delivering timely deep maintenance to the UKs submarine fleet. It is the operating port for many frigates, amphibious Ships, Royal Marines, and International Warships. It employs more than 10% of Plymouths workforce, and contributes to 14% of Plymouths economy.

The Kings Harbour Master (KHM) is the Harbour Authority formally appointed under Dockyard Ports Act (1865), accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence through the Naval Base Commander (Devonport). KHM is responsible for protection of the Port for military use. KHM objectives also include preservation of life, protection of the environment, protection of property and business continuity. KHM has powers to direct marine traffic within port limits in support of these objectives.

KHMs staff number 35 and includes two continuously crewed port control stations, to oversee the 3,700 significant shipping movements per year. There are 6 Admiralty Pilots in support of Warship movements. Safe movement of warships through the complex and hazardous pilotage waters of the port requires significant towage and Marine Services assets, such as tugs, pilot boats and support vessels. These assets and their crews are supplied by MOD partner, Serco ('the company').

Other KHM roles include managing port safety as lead for the 4 port authorities in Plymouth, and conservancy matters such as surveying, dredging, and maintenance of buoys, beacons and other aids to navigation.

There is a very strong environmental setting in the port, with the whole port area under some kind of protection. KHM Chairs the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, gathering the statutory and environmental bodies, to develop the Tamar Estuaries Management Plan. KHM also supports the University of Plymouth and other bodies in developing technologies, such as renewable energy generation and autonomy, that might contribute to UK energy production and net zero goals.

The role advertised will directly support KHM in delivery of these important port functions.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

KHM is seeking a Marine Services Superintendent (MSS) with marine or port experience and expertise, as specified in the essential criteria and competency framework included with this advert, to manage the local Defence Marine Services (DMS) contract with Serco, as a senior manager within the KHM team. The MSS will be KHMs key management point of contact with the company and will be responsible for maintaining the good working relationship currently held with Serco, in operation of the Continued Provision of Marine Services (CPMS) contract. The MSS will provide assurance to KHM that Serco can provide the required marine services, both in the short and long term. The role requires acting as intelligent customer (IC) in partnership with DMS for Marine Services and driving a value for money and quality service. Further to this, there is the exciting opportunity to be the local lead in contract negotiation for the follow on Next Generation marine services contract, thereby shaping the delivery of marine services in Devonport for the foreseeable future.

A downloadable set of Terms of Reference, copy of the CS Behaviours Handbook, and required skills competences for MSO1 Grade are supplied with this advert, which have a full description of all MSS duties. Applications for the role should be made relevant to the Terms of Reference.

Person specification

This is an exciting opportunity to join the rejuvenating KHM team in Plymouth and to be a key manager driving the Authority forwards. If you are an open and positive manager with a desire to gain the best of results for the MOD, then this role is an opportunity to make a real difference!

The essential professional criteria for the role are as follows:

Experience in one or more areas such as maritime or port operations, maritime administration, surveying, ship design or construction is required. Post holders must be able demonstrate knowledge and experience of operating in the marine industry, and to be able to apply that to the MSS role. An understanding of the regulation of commercial shipping activity and the limits of commercial shipping policy and where MOD specific regulation is required.

On entry, maritime professional staff joining in the role of MSO1 must have one of the following qualifications:

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) RN Ship Command Qualifications or Engineering equivalent; or

d) Degree or equivalent in; Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Technology or Port Operations.

If potential candidates wish to check as to whether they hold the essential criteria for the role, they are encouraged to contact Mr Sam Caulkin, Defence Marine Services - Deputy Head. Email: [email protected].

For more general enquiries about the day to day tasks of the role, please contact the Deputy Kings Harbour Master, Andrew Jones, for further guidance prior to applying. Email: [email protected].

Desirable knowledge or past experience:

The post requires a knowledge of military organisational structures, management processes and an understanding of the needs and expectations of ships and submarines.

Understanding or previous knowledge of the marine industry to support fulfilling these Terms of Reference. Demonstrable experience in one or more maritime areas such as design, construction, operation, survey or administration.

Experience in operational planning and co-ordination.

Experience in Dockyard or Port Operations.

Qualifications
On entry, maritime professional staff joining in the role of MSO1 must have one of the following qualifications:

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) RN Ship Command Qualifications or Engineering equivalent; or
d) Degree or equivalent in; Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Technology or Port Operations.

Evidence of qualification will be required at interview.
All qualifications/licences declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date.
Equivalent Qualifications will not be accepted.

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• IC2 Specialist Knowledge
• IC3 Safety & Environmental Management

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 59,498, Ministry of Defence contributes 16,064 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

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

Selection of the successful candidate will be by review of application forms submitted, and by interview performance. These will take into account evidence supplied by the candidates of good civil service Behaviours (see attached 'Success Profiles / Behaviours' document - Level 3) and demonstration of relevant professional experience and aptitude for the role.

We'll assess you against these technical skills drawn from the Maritime Intelligent Customers (Marine Services Officers) Functional Competence Framework (attached) during the selection process:

IC2 Specialist Knowledge

IC3 Safety & Environmental Management

At Application candidates will be assessed on their CV, personal statement and, if selected, at interview against a selection of the following Behaviours:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing

At Interview Candidates will be assessed against the following Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [email protected] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

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).