Southampton
Job Summary
Are you an authentic leader with a future focussed mindset?
Do you have large scale operational delivery experience in a fast-paced environment?
Can you deliver strategic change and business improvements to drive efficiency?
If so, we are looking for an Assistant Director, Business Operations to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and we'd love to hear from you!
The MCA implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.
Safer lives. Safer Ships. Cleaner Seas.
Our vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams.
This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks groups covering, Women’s, LGBTQI+, Race, Carers, Mental Wellbeing, Veterans Network and volunteer Respect Ambassadors.
Job Description
The Assistant Director Business Operations is a critical role within the Directorate of UK Customer Maritime Services (UKCMS) with responsibility for providing outstanding front-line customer services in respect of registering vessels on the UK Flag and certification of seafarers, including the digitalisation of these services ensuring the day-to-day activities run smoothly and efficiently.
This role involves supervising and managing various business operations within our organization, with a strong focus on digital transformation. You will be responsible for overseeing the operations that deliver vessel registration and seafarer certification documentation services, ensuring they provide a high-quality customer experience.
You will play a key role in upgrading and transforming our existing processes, systems, and technologies into more efficient, digital-first solutions. Additionally, you will lead and drive the execution of several key strategic projects aimed at delivering transformational change. At a strategic level, you will lead the transformation of these services by integrating advanced digital systems and driving continuous improvement processes.
Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Leading UKCMS Operations to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services provided by Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS) and Seafarers Certification Operations including provision of Certificates of Competency and Equivalency, Safe Manning Documents, Vessel Registration and Compulsory Insurance Certification.
* Establishing high performing teams who consistently deliver outstanding customer service. Ensuring a culture that aligns with the MCA values and that supports MCA customers, the UK maritime industry and UK safety standards and regulations which safeguard ships, seafarers and the public.
* Leading the UKCMS digital and operational transformation programmes, ensuring alignment with a common and consistent approach across RSS and Seafarer Certification Operations teams. Identifying and leading opportunities for an improved customer experience and efficiency through business process improvement, digitisation and automation of services offered to customers and partners.
* Taking accountability as Service Owner and Information Asset Owner for systems used to deliver services within UKCMS. Supporting the MCA in delivering the Maritime Digital Platform and the customer portal “MyMCA” where it affects vessel registrations and seafarers.
For further information about the role and responsibilities, please see the attached role profile.
Person specification
You are a forward-thinking leader who champions innovation, encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to drive business success. Your ability to foster an environment where new ideas are welcomed and explored ensures that our organisation remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
You promote an innovative culture; where shared vision, teamwork, and learning from mistakes enable continuous improvement. You’re willing to take considered risks, with the resilience and determination to achieve goals.
Above all, you will possess exceptional relationship and people management skills with a track record of inspiring, motivating and developing teams.
Additional Information
This role will be based in the Southampton HQ. MCA supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work.
The expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace or out on official business. Details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager.
The role will involve frequent travel to one of our offices based in Cardiff. You may also be required to travel within the UK and internationally, with possible overnight stays. Notice will be given prior to travel.
A passport valid for international travel is required for this role.
Please take note that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Making Effective Decisions
* Leadership
* Working Together
* Managing a Quality Service
How to Apply
CV and Personal Statement:
As part of your application, you will be required to complete a CV and a Personal Statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Within your CV and personal statement please demonstrate your knowledge and experience of:
* Demonstrable knowledge and experience of leading operational customer service, contact centre or other front-line service teams supported by compelling evidence of success in leadership roles.
* Demonstrable experience of delivering strategic change and business improvements driving efficiency and enhanced customer experience.
* Demonstrable experience in managing projects and programmes.
Your personal statement will be limited to a maximum of 750 words.
It is essential when submitting your personal statement that you provide as much detail as possible, and utilise the full word count given, against the essential criteria outlined above as this will be used in conjunction with your CV to assess candidate suitability to move to the next round in the recruitment process.
Sift and Interview Dates:
The sift is due to take place from Monday 28th April 2025.
Interviews are likely to be held week commencing Monday 12th May 2025.
This interview will be conducted via face to face at one of our Southampton offices. Further details of which will be provided to you should you be selected for interview. We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.
The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment will include:
* An interview.
* A presentation.
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
* Name : Lars Lippuner
* Email : lars.lippuner@mcga.gov.uk
Recruitment team
* Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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