Job Description
Service Manager – Harbours
Location: Moray, Scotland
Senior Leadership Opportunity Strategic & Operational Role
Why Apply?
Play a key role in shaping the future of a vital coastal service
Lead high-profile harbour operations with real community impact
Drive investment, regeneration, and commercial growth
Influence strategic decisions at senior leadership level
Competitive salary + excellent public sector benefits
Flexible working and strong work-life balance
The Opportunity
My client, a Local Authority in Moray, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Service Manager to lead its Harbours function. This is a senior leadership role responsible for both the strategic direction and day-to-day delivery of harbour operations across a diverse and active coastal portfolio.
You’ll be at the forefront of service innovation, ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially sustainable harbour operations, while also identifying opportunities for growth, development, and investment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Development
Shape and deliver a long-term vision for harbour services
Lead on regeneration initiatives and infrastructure development
Develop business cases to secure funding and inward investment
Identify and maximise commercial and income-generating opportunities
Operational Management
Ensure harbours operate safely, efficiently, and in full regulatory compliance
Oversee marine operations, assets, and associated services
Maintain and improve safety systems, policies, and procedures
Manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money
Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong partnerships with regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and local communities
Act as a key advisor on all harbour-related matters
Engage with senior leadership and elected members to support decision-making
People Leadership
Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation
Support workforce planning and capability development
About You
You’ll be a confident leader with a strong track record in managing complex services, ideally within a marine, infrastructure, or public sector environment.
Essential Experience & Skills
Proven leadership experience with responsibility for service delivery and performance
Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving income
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans
Experience working with multiple stakeholders and regulatory frameworks
Excellent communication and influencing skills
Desirable
Background in harbour, maritime, or coastal operations
Knowledge of relevant marine legislation and safety standards
Professional maritime or harbour-related qualifications
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary and pension package
Generous annual leave entitlement
Flexible and hybrid working options
Opportunity to make a lasting impact on a key regional service
Supportive leadership environment with scope for progression
FOOTNOTE:
If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the rate, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Traffic & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Our specialist team has a combined 40+ years’ experience in this market. Please call Charlie at Carrington West on (phone number removed) for more information.
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please email.
