Fleet Docking Manager
Posting Start Date: 5 Dec 2025
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, GB, PO1 3LT
Company: Serco Plc
Fleet Docking Manager
Can be based at either Portsmouth, Devonport or Clyde
37 hours per week- Monday- Friday (Hybrid working available)
£70,000 - £80,000 plus company car, bonus and private medical cover
Serco plays a vital role in sustaining the UK’s naval support fleet. Operating approximately 90 vessels across Portsmouth, Devonport, Clyde and Kyle of Lochalsh as well as a number of vessels operating globally These range from tugs, passenger transfer boats and workboats to product barges and a select number of larger ocean-going ships.
To ensure this diverse fleet remains safe, compliant and mission-ready, Serco delivers comprehensive in service support including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.
We are now seeking a Fleet Docking Manager to lead the management of docking and MRO activities. This is a high-impact position working alongside vessel managers and procurement with responsibilities for procurement, contracting and programme management, while also supporting the Fleet Technical Manager on wider marine engineering matters. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support technical strategy from the outset and play a central role in shaping the future of fleet management.
Main Accountabilities:
Docking programme management
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Develop and maintain overall docking (and yard-based project) programme management for the fleet
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Monitor detailed programme and report to each Head of Service Deliver Area
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Assist procurement with the management of all commercial framework agreements and Long Term Relationships
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Manage compliance alongside Technical managers with budgets for dockings doing forecasting and delivery
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Manage programme risk for dockings overall
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Supporting Procurement in providing deep subject expertise to ensure the ability to negotiate specific large docking contracts to be commercially advantageous.
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Ensure an outage programme that is matched to the available budget, the Statutory Docking Cycle and availability requirement in each Service Delivery area, and support in the provision of substitute vessels when this is not possible.
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Overall responsibility for the outage and docking process for the fleet of vessels as defined by the contractual terms and responsibilities.
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Assistance to the preparation, maintenance and monitoring of engineering budgets and ensuring reporting compliance with QDC and SSCR cost requirements as required by law.
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Analysis of engineering data and information to suggest and implement improvements to contract performance around docking primarily.
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Supporting appropriate resource planning in the SDAs to deliver the docking solution to the required regulatory and contract standards.
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Overall definition of the processes and policies are in place to support the delivery of the Docking solution.
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From a docking perspective ensure compliance with all applicable Flag, Class. MCA, DMR and other regulatory requirements
Transitional activities
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Carry out gap analysis of current docking situation – fleet review, safety criticality and issues to be resolved.
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Integration of the existing and new ways of working for the fleet.
Line management
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This post has no line management responsibilities. For clarity the SDA Technical Managers report into the Head of SDA roles, however there is a dotted line to this role as a key interaction and peer.
Other accountabilities
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Maintenance and the promotion of the Serco Values.
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Ensuring business is conducted in accordance with Serco policies, procedures and plans (Corporate and Contract specific), with emphasis on those relating to safety and protection of the environment.
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Performing any other duties, as directed by the Serco Defence Managing Director within competency and skill level.
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Managing the continuous improvement and development of business processes and systems to meet the contract objectives and goals.
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Promote and enable a diverse and inclusive Future Technical Capability Development Program (including Trainee/Apprentice Engineers)
What you’ll need to do the role:
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Experience in the docking, refit and repair of small to medium sized commercial vessels, ideally similar in nature to those in the Serco fleet.
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senior management experience in maritime engineering programs.
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Experience of commercial shipyard contracting,
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Understanding of Class, Flag and Naval Requirements.
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Detailed marine engineering knowledge, both practical and theoretical.
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Experience of asset management in the marine sector.
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Experience in dealing with multiple Suppliers/Subcontractors.
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Proven skills and experience in collaborative working in a matrix organisation.
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Very strong communication skills, verbally and in writing.
What we offer:
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Company car
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Company bonus
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Private Medical cover
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Salary: Competitive salaries with annual reviews
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Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
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Holidays: 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
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Annual leave purchase scheme
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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
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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
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Discounts: Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
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Employee networks: Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community
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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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