ABP
Deputy Harbour Master/Senior Pilotage Operations Manager
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We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.
It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.
We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.
Deputy Harbour Master & Senior Pilotage Operations Manager
Humber Estuary
Closing Date: 12th October 2026
An opportunity to lead marine operations in the UK's largest trading estuary
Associated British Ports is the UK's leading ports group, handling approximately one quarter of the nation's seaborne trade. The Humber Estuary is the UK's largest port industrial complex, handling around 65 million tonnes of cargo each year, and one of Europe's most complex port marine environments, supporting a diverse range of commercial shipping, and onshore and offshore energy projects.
We are seeking an experienced maritime professional to join our Humber marine team as Deputy Harbour Master & Senior Pilotage Operations Manager.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced marine professional to take a leading role in the management of one of the UK's busiest and most challenging waterways, working alongside an experienced team of Harbour Masters, Dockmasters, Pilots, VTSOs and marine specialists dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of navigational safety and operational excellence.
Reporting directly to the Harbour Master, you will play a key role in delivering safety of navigation functions, including overseeing pilotage operations, supporting Statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities, and ensuring the safe and efficient conduct of marine traffic throughout the Humber Estuary.
The Role
The role combines people leadership, management of marine safety, leading pilotage operations, supporting regulatory compliance, incident response, and stakeholder engagement, providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to influence both day-to-day operations and the strategic direction of marine service provision across the Humber.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the safe and efficient delivery of pilotage services throughout the Humber Estuary.
- Deputising for the Harbour Master and undertaking Statutory Harbour Authority functions when required.
- Supporting compliance with the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code and associated marine, health, safety, security and environmental legislation.
- Maintaining and continually improving marine safety management systems.
- Leading, mentoring and developing a highly skilled team of pilots and marine personnel.
- Acting as the Deputy Port Facility Security Officer for the Humber Statutory Harbour Authority.
- Working closely with Vessel Traffic Services, terminal operators, ship operators, and key maritime stakeholders to ensure the safe conduct of marine operations.
- Providing effective pilotage representation and input across the planning, development, and delivery of marine projects.
- Taking a lead role during marine emergencies, navigational incidents, and conducting investigations.
- Liaising with externally bodies including the MCA, MAIB, HSE and other regulatory agencies.
- Supporting marine risk management, audit programmes and statutory reporting requirements.
- Participating in the Humber marine management on-call rota.
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About You
You will be a marine professional with extensive operational experience and a sound understanding of modern port operations, pilotage, and marine safety management practices.
You will possess the professional credibility, judgement and leadership skills required to operate effectively within a demanding and highly regulated environment.
Essential Requirements
- Relevant seagoing qualification.
- Significant experience within pilotage operations management and port management.
- Detailed knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and associated legislation.
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of navigational risk management and marine safety management.
- Proven leadership and people management experience.
- An understanding of, and ability to balance, commercial and operational requirements, ability to facilitate continuous improvement and deliver consistent safe and high-quality marine services.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong decision-making, organisational, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Hold, or be eligible to obtain an appropriate UK security clearance.
- Strong IT literacy.
Desirable
- Harbour Master's qualification or working towards one.
- Pilotage experience within a Competent Harbour Authority, or equivalent.
- Experience managing marine incidents and investigations.
- Experience in emergency planning and incident command structures.
Why Join ABP?
This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your maritime expertise within one of the most significant marine environments in the UK.
You will work alongside some of the most experienced marine professionals and pilots in the industry, helping to shape the future of marine safety on an estuary that handles thousands of vessel movements each year.
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ABP offers:
- A senior management role within the UK's largest port operator.
- Opportunities to work and develop in a diverse range of ports across the UK.
- The opportunity to influence marine safety, navigational risk management in the UK’s largest ports group.
- Ongoing professional development and support towards Harbour Master qualifications where applicable.
- A collaborative, supportive, and professional marine team environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Navigate the Next Stage of Your Maritime Career
If you are an experienced marine professional looking for a role that combines pilotage, port management, statutory responsibilities and operational leadership, this is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact in one of the UK's most strategically important waterways.
Join ABP and help lead the safe, efficient and sustainable operation of the Humber Estuary.
Want to see what it’s like to work for the UK’s largest port operator? Our virtual work experience programme gives you an inside look at trade, sustainability, safety, and careers in one of the UK’s most vital industries - https://www.talentxp.co.uk/track/e2e029cd
Additional Information:
When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.
Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.
We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.
As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
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