Port Hydrographer

Department: Hydrographic

Reporting to: Director of Marine Operations

Grade: 1

Salary: £96,130 per annum (plus car allowance)

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 18^th April 2025

Interview date: 29^th April 2025

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced professional to direct, coordinate and develop the PLA Hydrographic Service, ensuring the effective delivery of the Authority’s responsibilities for Conservancy and Safety of Navigation of the tidal Thames, as mandated by the Port of London Act.

You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with best practices outlined in the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). In addition to meeting our statutory obligations, you will be responsible for developing and managing the commercial performance of the Hydrographic Service, focusing on enhancing profitability and driving business growth. A key part of this role will be diversifying and securing the long-term success of the business, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service.

• Oversee the Hydrographic Service’s operations, ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities and industry best practices.
• Manage and develop the service’s commercial performance to increase profitability and business sustainability.
• Ensure long-term security and growth of the Hydrographic Service while balancing commercial and regulatory needs.
• Lead a team dedicated to the safety and navigational integrity of the tidal Thames.

You will have:

• Chartered Professional status as Hydrographic Surveyor.
• Degree level qualification in related field.
• Leadership and/or project management qualifications is preferable.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a Hydrographic Survey environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive commercial success and manage long-term business development.
• Leadership and development of teams including both professional and operational personnel, with a growth and transformational mindset.
• Ability to negotiate and operate independently and authoritatively on behalf of the PLA on projects whilst ensuring that the associated terms protect the Port of London as far as possible from financial, professional reputation and legal risks.
• A sound understanding of risk management in its widest sense, to include particularly operational, business, environmental and reputational risk management.
• Ability to build trust in internal and external relationships and work with industry, government and other stakeholders.
• A high degree of initiative and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills both written and spoken with a track record of presenting to all levels internally and externally from Project team level up to Board level.

• 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

If you’re ready to take on a leadership role that blends regulatory responsibility with commercial growth, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact James Palmer (Director of Marine Operations) at James.Palmer@pla.co.uk

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.