Torbay Council
Harbour Master - 37 Hours
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Harbour Master - 37 Hours
Application Deadline: 11 October 2026
Department: Pride in Place
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Torbay Council
Reporting To: Divisional/Assistant Director
Compensation: £68,413 - £72,644 / year
Description
Job Description & Person Specification > Brixham Harbour Master
Job Description & Person Specification > Torquay and Paignton Harbour Master
Lead the future of one of the South West's most diverse and dynamic harbour authorities.
Torbay Council is seeking to appoint two exceptional Harbour Masters to lead the safe, sustainable and successful operation of the harbours of Tor Bay. These are rare opportunities to take on senior leadership roles within a harbour authority that supports commercial fishing, leisure marine activities, tourism, maritime events and coastal communities at the heart of the Bay.
As a Harbour Master, you will be a key decision-maker responsible for the leadership, development and delivery of harbour services, ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities while driving innovation, commercial opportunities and service excellence.
You will manage complex harbour operations, lead experienced teams, oversee significant budgets and work closely with stakeholders ranging from harbour users and businesses to national maritime agencies and local communities.
About the Roles
We are recruiting for:
Brixham Harbour Master
Torquay and Paignton Harbour Master
Both positions carry responsibility for the safe management of harbour operations, maintaining compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code, leading teams, managing harbour assets and supporting the economic vitality of Torbay's maritime sector. Each postholder will play a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of navigation safety, environmental stewardship and customer service while contributing to the strategic direction of the wider harbour authority.
Additional Statutory Responsibilities
Alongside the two Harbour Master appointments, one successful candidate will be appointed as Head of Tor Bay Statutory Harbour Authority, with the other acting as the named Deputy.
A Market supplement of £10,000 per annum will be paid to the Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority and a supplement of £5,000 per annum will be paid to the named Deputy.
The Head of the Authority provides strategic leadership and oversight of Tor Bay Harbour Authority's statutory responsibilities, ensuring compliance with harbour legislation, the Port Marine Safety Code and national best practice. The role acts as the key point of accountability to the Harbour Committee and works closely with organisations such as Border Force, HM Coastguard, DEFRA and the Authority's independent Designated Person. It also leads the response to significant maritime pollution incidents and represents Tor Bay Harbour Authority at local, regional and national level.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking inspirational maritime leaders with substantial experience of harbour operations, marine safety and managing complex stakeholder relationships. Candidates will bring:
- Significant experience within a harbour, port or maritime environment.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Proven experience in developing and managing complex Health and Safety Management systems in high-risk Maritime environments.
- Experience of managing operational and financial performance.
- Excellent knowledge of harbour legislation, marine safety and the Port Marine Safety Code.
- The ability to lead during emergencies, incidents and periods of significant change.
- The ability to navigate around competing priorities and a vast range of stakeholders where there are conflicting agendas placed upon the Harbour Estate.
- A passion for developing successful, customer-focused and commercially sustainable harbour services.
Applicants should hold a Class 1 Master Mariner qualification, RN equivalent qualification or MCA-approved Harbour Master's Certificate (or be willing to achieve the Harbour Master's qualification within two years) together with relevant nautical qualifications and evidence of continuing professional development.
Why Torbay?
Torbay offers an exceptional marine environment, combining a thriving fishing industry, vibrant leisure boating sector and award-winning visitor destination. These posts provide a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the region's most important maritime assets while making a lasting contribution to the economic and environmental success of the Bay.
If you have the vision, leadership and maritime expertise to deliver safe, compliant and forward-thinking harbour services, we would like to hear from you.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
For an informal chat please contact Matt Reeks on 07345 768465 or matt.reeks@swisco.co.uk.
Interviews will be conducted on 20th October 2026.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however, this advert will not close before 5th October. If you are keen to submit an application, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills
Essential:
- Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate, enabling a demonstrable and successful team working ethos that fosters employee engagement.
- Ability to develop and manage complex Health and Safety Management systems in high risk Maritime environments.
- A high level of demonstrable communication and negotiation skills with an ability to influence using clear and fact-based evidence.
- The ability to navigate around competing priorities and a vast range of stakeholders where there are conflicting agendas placed upon the Harbour Estate.
- Demonstrate high degrees of customer awareness with a commitment to a customer centred approach.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
Essential:
- Proven detailed and effective knowledge and understanding of the work of ports/harbours and of small boats, basic ship requirements and good seamanship.
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of relevant Harbour Acts, Byelaws and Regulations.
- Strong and effective knowledge of all relevant and specialist Health & Safety legislation and environmental legislation.
- A high level of knowledge and clear understanding of the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code and its application.
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of the role of a Harbour Master and the workings of a busy leisure marine facility as well as a commercial fishing port.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- Extensive experience of acting as Safety Officer within a harbour/marine environment.
- Class 1 Master Mariner or RN equivalent qualification or a MCA approved Harbour Masters Certificate (or commitment to achieve within 2 years of employment).
- Significant experience of leading and managing teams across a range of functions and working within partnership arrangements.
- Significant experience of Managing navigation and safe berthing of vessels within a busy working harbour.
- Oil Spill Prevention qualification - Minimum Level 4P and NEBOSH Health and Safety General Certificate or equivalent.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London