Pilotage Operations Manager

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.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Pilotage Operations Manager to join our team in the Humber. This pivotal role involves overseeing the safe and efficient operation of pilotage services, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, and maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Health & Safety Leadership – Uphold and enforce health and safety standards within the Pilotage Department, fostering a culture of safety and compliance.
• Leadership & Team Management – Lead, motivate, and support a team of marine pilots, ensuring they are effectively trained, equipped, and prepared to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
• Operational & Regulatory Oversight – Manage the day-to-day delivery of the pilotage services, including scheduling, resource allocation, and strategic operational planning to maintain seamless service. Ensure all pilotage activities adhere to maritime legislation, regulatory requirements, and ABP policies while upholding the highest safety standards.
• Strategic Planning & Policy Development – Take accountability for pilotage policy, strategic planning, and implementation, ensuring alignment with industry regulations and operational best practices. Assist in setting and monitoring the pilotage budget, driving efficiency and meeting financial targets.
• Pilot Recruitment & Development – Lead recruitment, selection, training, and development programs for marine pilots, maintaining optimal staffing levels to meet stakeholder demand.
• Competency Assessment & Progression – Participate in the assessment, examination, and review of pilots to ensure competency and career progression aligns with service requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping companies, towage providers, adjacent harbour authorities, and regulatory bodies, acting as a key point of contact for all pilotage-related matters.
• Continuous Improvement – Identify opportunities for operational enhancements, implement best practices, and proactively address challenges to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Emergency Response & Out-of-Hours Coverage – Participate in out-of-hours duty cover for operational and emergency matters, ensuring an appropriate response and effective incident management.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in maritime operations, preferably within a pilotage or port environment.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• In-depth knowledge of maritime regulations and pilotage procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders.
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.

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