Head of Maintenance

Located just ten miles from Colchester in Essex, Brightlingsea Harbour is a vibrant and evolving maritime hub. With a proud heritage, active commercial operations, and a growing reputation as a leisure destination, the harbour is poised for continued development. To support this growth, we are seeking a dynamic individual to lead our Maintenance Team as Head of Maintenance.

This is a rare opportunity to take charge of a small, dedicated team responsible for the upkeep and servicing of the harbour’s vital infrastructure. You’ll enjoy a flexible working environment, shaped and managed by you and play a pivotal role in ensuring the harbour operates safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of customer service.

🔧 Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and line manage the Maintenance Team, providing clear guidance, training and support.
• Oversee maintenance and inspection of:
  • Leisure moorings
  • Navigational aids (buoys and beacons)
  • Pontoons, quays, and buildings
  • Harbour vessels and equipment
• Coordinate emergency and pollution response efforts
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational standards

🛠️ What We’re Looking For:

• Qualification in Marine Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of the Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code.
• Strong IT skills Microsoft Office etc.
• Health & Safety competence with certification or a willingness to do so.
• Hands-on experience with diesel and petrol marinised engines.
• Boat handling certificate, ideally commercially endorsed.
• Ability to pass an ENG1 or ML5 medical assessment.

Working Hours and Environment

The working hours are 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, however, there may be a requirement to work some weekends during the year, depending on business requirements.

Benefits for you

£40-45,000 dependent on Qualifications, experience and certifications.

Contributory pension scheme.

On-the-job and other development and training.

Friendly and dynamic team working environment.

Application Process

Applications with a covering letter and CV should be sent to; hm@brightlingseaharbour.org

Oct 13th 2025 closing date for applications.

Interviews -

• Initial online interview.
• One Day trial consisting of a skills assessment on engine fault diagnosis, budget management, maintenance planning and ICT skills.

Full Job Description

Working For Brightlingsea Harbour

Brightlingsea Harbour has a local workforce who work year-round to ensure all users get the best experience possible.

We have varied roles, which quite literally change with the seasons.

In the Winter maintenance is the primary concern, incremental staff are required for:

1. Pontoon Jet washing
2. Painting
3. Planking Repairs
4. Grounds Maintenance

In the Summer Marine operational staff are required for:

1. Water Taxi Coxswains in the Evenings
2. Ferry Coxswains
3. Charter Ferry Coxswains to Wivenhoe (must be commercially endorsed or hold an MCA issued COC)
4. Harbour Assistants
5. River Patrol Crews

We are also always looking for local suppliers who can work with the harbour to use local resources.

To operate any of the harbour vessels you must be qualified to at least RYA level 2 Powerboat, must be over 18 and ideally hold a First aid certificate.

Please send CV or requests for further detail to the Deputy Harbour Master, Harbour Office, 4 Copperas Road, Brightlingsea Essex CO7 0AP or dhm@brightlingseaharbour.org

Brightlingsea Harbour Apprenticeships

Our next Apprentice intakes:

Small Commercial Vessel Crew Member Apprenticeship - September 2026