Safety & Compliance 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.

Safety and Compliance Manager

Location: South Wales (ideally but can be located remotely with reasonably frequent nationwide travel around ABP Ports and 3rd party ports).
Business Unit: UK Dredging
Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits
Contract: Permanent, Full‑time

About UK Dredging

UK Dredging (UKD), part of Associated British Ports (ABP), operates a fleet of specialist vessels delivering essential dredging services that keep the UK’s ports open, safe and thriving. We take immense pride in the quality of our work, the professionalism of our people, and our strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

We are now seeking a proactive and influential Safety and Compliance Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in driving excellence across our operations.

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead UKD’s safety and compliance agenda, ensuring our operational standards not only meet but exceed statutory, industry and ABP Group requirements. This is a highly visible, impactful position where you will work closely with onboard crews, shore-based teams, ABP colleagues and external regulatory bodies.

You will act as the organisation’s Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer, providing assurance that our vessels and people operate safely, efficiently and in full compliance with legislation and our Integrated Management System (IMS).

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead and continuously improve UKD’s safety and compliance performance, including setting KPIs and monitoring progress.
• Serve as Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer, ensuring robust operational oversight.
• Manage the Integrated Management System and maintain UKD’s ISO certifications (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 50000).
• Conduct and oversee incident investigations, audits of vessels and management teams, and liaison with the MCA, MAIB, ISOQAR and key clients.
• Monitor hours of rest, safety meeting outputs and onboard compliance activities, intervening where necessary.
• Coordinate occupational health processes such as random drug and alcohol testing.
• Ensure up-to-date biosecurity plans.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is confident engaging with people at all levels, highly organised, and passionate about safety and continuous improvement.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Auditing qualifications.
• A STCW management-level qualification with seagoing experience as a ship’s officer
• DPA / CSO Certification

Desirable:

• Master Mariner / Chief Engineer.
• Experience within dredging operations.

Closing Date: 10th March 2026

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