Head of Planning & Commercial
Permanent
Harwich
£83,085.00 - 86,688.00 per annum (Successful candidates will be appointed on the starting salary of this range)
37 hours per week

Trinity House works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity. Our people are central to our reputation as a leading maritime organisation, as is our commitment as an employer to developing the skills, capabilities and potential of our workforce.

About the role
As a member of the senior management team you will be responsible for bringing together operational planning, asset coordination and commercial performance within a complex and safety-critical maritime environment. You will ensure the efficient and resilient deployment of marine, aviation and engineering resources, while also driving forward the organisation's commercial strategy and income generation activity.
Working across the tri-GLA landscape, you will play a key role in shaping coordinated fleet and aviation planning, ensuring resources are optimised, compliant and aligned to operational need. This is a highly influential role that combines strategic oversight with operational assurance and commercial leadership.
What will you do
- Lead the integrated planning, scheduling and deployment of marine, aviation and engineering assets.
- Ensure effective 24/7/365 AtoN monitoring and rapid response to incidents, casualties and navigational risks.
- Oversee performance management, KPI reporting and data-led insight to support organisational decision-making.
- Represent Trinity House at senior tri-GLA forums and contribute to coordinated fleet and aviation planning.
- Lead the development and delivery of coordinated fleet plans, ensuring efficient use of shared resources.
- Own the Commercial Plan, delivering sustainable revenue growth across a diverse portfolio of services.
- Lead contract negotiation, commercial management and business development activity.
- Oversee tourism and wider commercial operations, ensuring compliance, quality and reputational integrity.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
-Proven experience in operational planning within an asset-intensive environment (marine or engineering desirable).
-Strong understanding of Aids to Navigation operations and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities standards.
-Demonstrable commercial acumen, including contract management, negotiation and business development.
-Strong analytical capability with experience using data and KPIs to drive performance improvement.
-Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
-Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills.
-A relevant Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience.
-Commitment to professional leadership standards, such as those of Chartered Management Institute.
WHAT CAN WE OFFER
-Membership in the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with generous employer pension contribution
-Generous annual leave entitlement
-Annual Bonus
-Cycle to work scheme
-Corporate eyecare plan
-Commitment to your professional development and leadership growth.

Click here to view the role profile.

We welcome qualified individuals to apply and we look forward to reviewing your applications for this exciting opportunity. We are committed to equity within a respectful, diverse and inclusive environment.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the online application process, by submitting your CV along with a supporting statement, evidencing how you meet the role requirements.