R2R105153 - 132249 - Pier & Foreshore Manager

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

This is a unique opportunity to take the operational lead across one of Southend-on-Sea’s most iconic visitor attractions and its coastline. This vacancy is offered on a full time and permanent contract.

As Pier & Foreshore Manager, you will lead the safe, efficient and customer-focused day-to-day operation of Southend Pier, the Pier Railway and the Council’s foreshore services. You’ll be responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors while ensuring high standards of operational performance across a diverse and busy service. You’ll lead and develop the Pier and Foreshore operational teams, overseeing staffing, rotas, training, performance and wellbeing. As the manager on duty, you’ll also take the lead when responding to incidents, emergencies and changing priorities, making confident decisions to keep services running safely and effectively.

You’ll oversee the Council’s day-to-day Harbour Authority and marine operations, including moorings, wharves, slipways, navigation aids, visiting vessels and waterfront activities. You’ll support delivery of the Port Marine Safety Code and work closely with partners including HM Coastguard, the RNLI, emergency services and the Port of London Authority.

You’ll also oversee the safe operation of the Southend Pier Railway, ensuring appropriate operational procedures, inspections, competency requirements and ROGS standards are maintained. You’ll also manage operational resources, assets and delegated budgets, ensuring they are used effectively and deliver value for money.

What you'll need to succeed

You’ll be an experienced operational leader with a background in a visitor, marine, coastal or public-facing environment, and a strong track record of leading teams and delivering safe, high-quality services. You’ll bring excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills, with the confidence to manage incidents, competing priorities and operational risks. Experience of harbour, marine, foreshore or railway operations would be an advantage. You’ll need to be willing to complete relevant specialist training, including railway and marine competencies where required.

This is a hands-on role operating across the Pier and foreshore, so you’ll need the flexibility to work weekends, Bank Holidays and evenings, as well as participate in the service’s on-call arrangements.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.