Vessel Integration Manager

Vessel Integration Manager

4-year fixed term contract

Serco Defence- Maritime

UK Remote based role

Competitive salary plus company car, bonus, and private medical cover

Serco Maritime Services deliver maritime support packages tailored to our customers’ needs all delivered within a national accreditation framework. As owners and operators of specialist vessels, from harbour workboats to oceangoing support vessels, we provide world class integrated maritime services both in the UK and abroad.

Our vessels provide a range of support, which include for example: dive support, military training, submarine rescue exercises, target/test equipment deployment/recovery and passenger transfers.

Serco have an exciting opportunity for a Vessel Integration Manager to join our Maritime team. As an integral part of the Vessel Replacement Programme (VRP) this role will be the primary interface between the programme, the sub-contract boat builder, and the delivery support partner. You will oversee the build of 24 new build vessels whilst ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining the programmes scope. On this basis the role is looking for a candidate flexible to travel to Europe and East Asia when required to review services and meet service providers.

We are open to requests for flexible working hours for this position, please specify on your application if this is a requirement.

Main Accountabilities:

Act as the primary point of technical contact for the sub-contractor boat builder and delivery support partner. Oversight of the design, build, test, acceptance, and integration of the vessels being built by our sub-contract boat builder. Ensuring each boat is built in accordance with the programmes scope, our customers key user requirements and all applicable regulatory requirements. Collaborate with the subcontractor boat builder on technical designs, build schedules, and delivery plans, maintaining open lines of communication to manage expectations and resolve issues. Work with the support partner to provide on-site assurance, verifying that all vessels are built in accordance with the customer’s requirements. Facilitate technical reviews, audits, and quality inspections in collaboration with the Delivery support partner, ensuring that construction and delivery processes are robust, compliant, and meet contractual standards. Develop and execute a comprehensive integration plan to ensure smooth transition of vessels into operational service, minimizing disruption to operations. Liaise with each of Serco’s Head of Service Delivery Area to manage the delivery of training, spares, trials and all documentation as required to facilitate a smooth handover of each vessel. Identify, mitigate, and resolve any integration risks that could impact operational readiness. Lead risk assessment and mitigation strategies to proactively address any issues that could impede vessel production, delivery, or integration. Prepare detailed progress reports, documenting any deviations from plan, corrective actions, and upcoming milestones. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring efficient processes and robust quality management across the entire contract.

What you’ll need to do the role:

Able to achieve SC Clearance. Flexible to travel to parts of Europe and East Asia as part of role. Proven experience in integrating vessels into operational service, with a focus on minimizing operational impact. In-depth knowledge of maritime regulatory standards. Strong background in quality assurance and technical oversight, with an understanding of audit, inspection, and compliance processes for vessel construction. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong negotiation skills with an ability to resolve conflicts and address challenges in a collaborative and constructive manner. Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a focus on building collaborative relationships, fostering teamwork, and driving accountability.

Desirable:

Familiarity with MoD procurement processes, DEF STAN / DEF CON standards, and knowledge in naval or defence vessel integration. Proven experience in risk assessment and mitigation, including contingency planning and proactive problem resolution. Demonstratable experience in maritime project or program management, specifically in overseeing design, build, and delivery phases of vessel programs. Bachelor’s degree in engineering, marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field. Experience managing subcontractors and third-party support partners, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and contractual obligations.

What we offer:

Company car Company bonus Private Medical Cover Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme Holidays: 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays Option to purchase additional annual leave. Training and development: We offer a wide range of learning opportunities with over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression. Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres. Discounts: Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel. ShareSave scheme: Helps you save regularly with the choice to buy Serco shares at a discount at the end of your savings period. Employee networks: Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community. Charity: Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax-free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme.

To discover more about our careers in Defence, meet our team, and to find out more about what we offer, please follow this Link. We’re also a signatory of the UK Governments Women in Defence Charter, to find out more please click here.

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.

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