James Fisher and Sons plc
Operations Manager - Deck (Surge)
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About The Role
Operations Manager x2 – Deck (Surge)
United Kingdom
Zero hour contract (approx. 40 days a year)
Please note that this role requires security checks.
The Role
Are you an experienced operations professional with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork and operational excellence? We are seeking two Operations Managers – Deck (Surge) to provide critical operational support across the global SERS portfolio, ensuring the successful delivery of training, exercises, mobilisations and rescue operations whenever and wherever required.
In this dynamic role, you will be responsible for the safe coordination and execution of deck operations, including Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) launch and recovery activities and SRV/Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) mating operations. Working as part of the SERS Surge Operations Team, you will play a vital role in ensuring all activities are carried out safely, efficiently and in full compliance with approved procedures and operational requirements.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual who thrives in a challenging operational environment and is passionate about delivering world-class rescue readiness and support on a global scale.
The role is part of the SERS Surge Operations Team with global deployment at short notice to support training, exercises, mobilisations, contingency operations and emergency response activities.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and coordinate deck operations during training, exercises, mobilisations and rescue operations, ensuring safe and effective execution in line with approved procedures.
- Oversee SRV launch and recovery operations, SRV/TUP mating activities and associated deck interfaces, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment and assets.
- Maintain the operational readiness of assigned systems, equipment and personnel to meet global SERS requirements.
- Coordinate activities with vessel personnel, customers, contractors and support teams to ensure successful operational delivery.
- Monitor operational and environmental conditions, assess risks and implement controls to support safe mission execution.
- Promote the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational discipline, including adherence to company policies, procedures and Life Saving Rules.
- Support the development and assurance of workforce competence through participation in training, exercises and readiness activities.
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying risks, capturing lessons learned and enhancing safety, readiness, capability and operational performance across the SERS portfolio.
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Essential
What we're looking for:
- Experience delivering complex maritime, subsea, diving, submarine rescue, offshore or similar operations.
- Leadership in safety-critical environments, with strong decision-making under pressure.
- Knowledge of submarine rescue, diving, subsea or marine systems and interfaces.
- Understanding of seamanship, operational readiness, risk and safety management in regulated environments.
- Familiarity with maritime, offshore and defence standards and management systems.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
- Strong communication and briefing skills.
- Ability to maintain deployment readiness, including medical, security and competence requirements.
Desirable
- Experience in submarine rescue, defence, offshore, diving, ROV or submersible operations.
- Familiarity with dynamic positioning, hyperbaric, launch/recovery or subsea systems.
- Experience supporting training, exercises and readiness programmes.
- Experience in international, defence or emergency response environments.
- Relevant leadership, safety or instructional qualifications.
Training & Qualification
- Role-specific training and competence aligned to the SERS Framework.
- Maritime survival, emergency response and medical certifications.
- Company-required HSE, security and business systems training.
- Participation in submarine rescue training, exercises and readiness activities.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive package.
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.
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About Us
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc
For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc
James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.
To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA
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