Job Description

Job info	Job info details
Job title	Torquay and Paignton Harbour Master
Strategic team/Directorate	Pride in Place
Service	Harbours
Business unit	Harbours
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Divisional Director Place Operations (Director of Tor Bay Harbour Authority)
Accountable to (line manager)	Divisional Director Place Operations (Director of Tor Bay Harbour Authority)
Salary grade	O
JE ref	HAY140

1. Key purpose of job

To be the key decision maker, accountable for the leadership, direction, development and delivery of Torquay and Paignton Harbour providing strategic leadership to facilitate the best outcomes for the Council.
To hold the role of Harbour Master to ensure that the service meets legislative requirements and all statutory functions.
Responsibility for managing the staff across the service delegating responsibility and authority as appropriate to managers and authority staff working within Torquay and Paignton’s harbour, consistent with the requirements of the service.
To directly manage and oversee the statutory obligations and operations of Torquay and Paignton Harbour, and to work closely with the Service Manager for Beaches., together with the relevant land-based harbour estate and all associated facilities and assets, as required by the Council.
To set out the requirements of the service by developing and ensuring implementation of business and service plans and regular review all relevant policy, practice and procedures including contract specifications and conditions, service level agreements and performance management standards for the provision of a safe and effective operation for Torquay and Paignton Harbour.
To develop and deliver a robust transformational roadmap that will ensure the sustainable provision of an effective, efficient, compliant and economic service, meeting current and future financial targets and objectives.
To work closely with the Council’s key partners and stakeholders to achieve planned outcomes on both a long and short-term basis internally and community wide.
To understand and positively develop the significant influence this role and the Harbour’s have upon the wider local economy through the business’s operating from the Harbour’s, the employment they provide and the contribution a well-managed harbour estate makes to the quality of Place in the town centres.

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

The safe, efficient, effective and smooth running of the Torquay and Paignton Harbour to deliver high levels of public safety around the wider Harbour estate/town centres and provide a welcoming destination for tourists.
That, as a minimum these services areas meet national and local performance targets, the Council’s corporate objectives and deliver high-quality outcomes for Torbay and its visitors/residents.
That the Torquay and Paignton Harbour estate is complaint with all relevant Health and Safety requirements and standards and that Health and Safety is an integral element of the operational culture of the Harbour team.
Maintain compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code through the effective use of formal safety management systems.
The agreed targets for the provision and quality of the service are met using performance measures, customer feedback and regulatory inspections.
Budgets are managed effectively, efficiencies are identified, captured, and reported and resources are utilised effectively.
The service areas provide an effective operational and strategic response to emergencies, including a planned response to oil spills and the associated pollution.
Efficient service delivery is provided within the community and appropriate and timely technical and professional advice is provided across the specialisms relevant to the Harbour Authority function, Beach Services, and to other Directorates within the Council, including Council Members.
A high level of legal compliance with Harbour Acts, relevant Byelaws and regulations including adherence to a robust Health and Safety management system, in respect of Torquay and Paignton Harbour.
Procurement processes are undertaken effectively and in line with the Council’s financial regulations and appropriate statutory requirements.
A one team, one goal ethos is achieved through, effective communication and inter-departmental cross-working ensuring that the various harbour locations and beach related services effectively support each other and are co-ordinated to assist the delivery of other relevant service areas.
The Councils and local areas reputation as a tourist destination will be upheld and enhanced due to a well-managed Harbour estate that forms the focal point and unique feature of the tourism offer.

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

Responsible for following appropriate guidelines and procedures in respect of safeguarding and the welfare of children within the Harbours Estate.
To lead, manage and provide effective communication across Torquay and Paignton and the wider Tor Bay Harbour Authority function and Beach Services, ensuring integration and co-ordination of specialist disciplines, determining priorities, utilising resources efficiently to ensure smooth and effective customer focussed delivery of services and facilitating, and fostering effective relationships that support a team ethos.
Working with the Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority to continually develop and shape the service to deliver transformational projects and innovative service solutions. Taking the strategic lead in identifying, developing and delivering service changes in line with Council and government policy developing proposals and efficiencies that improve performance and maximise income including exploring alternative methods of service delivery and potential benefits of increased partnership/joint working with other organisations and Local Authorities.
To be accountable for the revenue budget for Torquay and Paignton Harbour, ensuring that systems of budgetary accountancy and financial control are properly understood across the service and used and developed in line with the Council’s financial regulations and procedures.
To lead and direct the Torquay and Paignton Harbour service, undertaking negotiations with relevant bodies, supporting the Council’s Harbour Committee, and liaising as appropriate with all harbour user groups and attending Committee or Harbour Users meetings to ensure effective communication and consultation on harbour issues, throughout the Bay.
Assisting the Council in the promotion of Maritime Events within Torquay and Paignton, on the beaches and along the coastline and in compiling and programming of such events, ensuring adequate berthing arrangements and supervision of quayside activities with event organisers. Attending liaison meetings with the relevant organisations as and when required.
To maintain efficient harbour, control using consistent overall management with an appropriate level of enforcement to ensure the Harbour Acts, Byelaws and Regulations are observed including taking witness statements, conducting interviews under caution and attending Court. The main Acts and Regulations are as follows:
- Harbours Act 1964.
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
- Torquay and Paignton Harbour Act 1970 (as amended in 1983).
- Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847.
- Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016.
- Pilotage Act 1987.
- Statutory Instrument 2017 No. 279 Harbour, Docks, Piers and Ferries Harbour Directions Order.
- Torquay and Paignton Harbour Bye Laws.
To research, draft and oversee delivery of organisational policy and respond to legislative changes by developing, implementing, and reviewing new policies, procedures and practices, within the service areas. Thereby being responsible to the Harbour Committee and the Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority for the efficient and effective management of the services.
Ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of all navigational lights, marks and beacons. Complying with all requirements laid down by Trinity House as well as enabling proper control over the navigation and safe berthing of all vessels utilising the waters and facilities of Torquay and Paignton and its enclosed harbours.
Attending the Harbour outside of normal working hours as and when required. Working in conjunction with the management team to ensure 24hr on-call cover, throughout the year, to meet the Councils responsibility as a competent Harbour Authority.
If necessary, undertaking the examination of commercial pleasure boatmen pursuant to the issue of a boatman’s licence. Monitoring the seasonal operation of commercial pleasure craft and angling boats, together with their kiosk or board site booking operation. Issuing appropriate pleasure craft licences.
Responsible for ensuring effective complaint management within the service and providing or ensuring the provision of an adequate response to any complaints in accordance with policy and published procedures.
To advise the Director of Tor Bay Harbour Authority of major and strategic service specific issues that are likely to affect the policy framework and performance of the service by writing reports, attending briefings and Council meetings as required.
Responsible for providing such support as may be required in response to Major Emergencies and business recovery. To include the requirement to attend any of the enclosed harbours, the beaches and coastline outside of set working hours as and when required to deal with any matter requiring special attention, e.g., oil pollution, hazardous substances, vessels adrift, bad weather, fire or other emergency, etc.
Actively engage with other Service Managers and team members within the Place Directorate and Council to ensure a collaborative and seamless integration of service provision to both internal and external customers.
Monitor and ensure key performance and risk management of projects to maximise the delivery and outcomes of the services areas and align to the Business Plan supporting and developing strategies to address any issues.
Responsible for the preparation of procurement bids with the overall responsibility for the contracts, tendering and commercial evaluation of services and facilities across the service.
To ensure that the Council meets its obligations under the Pilotage Act 1987 in the provision of a proper and safe pilotage service. May be required to undertake piloting duties on a relief basis. (if suitably qualified)
Responsible for the compliance with all Health and Safety Regulations within Torquay and Paignton as well as the wider Harbour Estate, on the beaches and coastline, including liaising with the Council’s corporate Health and Safety function. Ensuring that standards are maintained or improved, risk assessments undertaken and staff trained to ensure that an effective Health and Safety culture is fostered and maintained.
As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive, Director of Adults and Director of Children’s Services.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

Budget holder for the Torquay and Paignton Harbour budget.
Responsible for setting, allocating and monitoring budgets within budgetary constraints across all relevant service areas, as set by the Harbour Committee and/or Council.
Torquay and Paignton Harbour – Gross £3.5M.
Significant contributory influence on economic success of wider Harbour estate, such as Fish Market, Fishing Industry and Marina’s income of circa £100M.
The harbour budget will be the post holder’s prime budget supported by the Business & Administration Manager.

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

To undertake the direct line management and supervision of the following posts:
- Deputy Harbour Master – Torquay and Paignton.
- Admin Team Leader.
To oversee the management of the Torquay and Paignton Harbour team made up of:
- Admin staff x 2.5.
- Harbour Assistants x 5.
- Harbour Supervisor x 1.
To ensure the regular supervision of each team member using identified mechanisms.
To assertively and continually challenge teams and managers to improve performance.
To establish annual objectives and ensure that these are cascaded to team members, monitoring their performance through the Council’s appraisal process.
Assuming direct overall accountability for the management of the Harbour and staff including allocating work and determining priorities, monitoring performance, identifying training needs, staff appointments and related matters including discipline and flexible utilisation of staff to meet workload requirements.

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

The normal working environment and conditions will be office based, however the postholder will also be required to work on the harbour estate, quays & piers, as well as occasionally afloat. Sometimes the postholder will be required to work in inclement weather conditions.
Responding to emergency situations may on occasion require call out (out of hours, weekends and Bank Holidays) to any harbour, beach, or coastal location, for example emergency incidents during bad weather.
It may be necessary on occasion to undertake piloting duties, on a relief basis, requiring the post holder to climb pilot ladders and work on ships at sea.

7. Physical demands of the post

Occasionally required to manually move vessels in the boat park.
Occasionally required to manually move moored vessels.

8. Specific resources used by the post

Normal office, mobile telephone, VHF radio, navigation equipment, PPE equipment, wet weather gear, life-jacket.
On occasion may be required to use the following:
- Harbour workboat.
- Fast patrol boat.
- Pick-up truck with lifting davit.
- Fort-lift truck.
- Torquay inner harbour lifting bridge and half-tide cill.
Manual deployment of surge control barrier.

9. Key contacts and relationships

External:

Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Devon & Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation, Department for Transport, Defra, other local Harbour Authorities, Harbour User Groups, Torquay and Paignton Trawler Agents, Yacht Clubs, other Clubs and Youth Groups, private and voluntary organisations, other partner Organisations, harbour users, tenants, Beach Hut Users Group, MCA, RNLI, Cleaner Seas Forum, visitors and the general public.
Central Government, other Local Authorities, other public sector organisations, The Council’s auditors, private and voluntary organisations and employers, partner organisations.

Internal:

Leader of the Council, Cabinet Members, other Elected Members, Chief Executive, Director of Place, other Senior staff across the Council, Trades Unions, other Harbour Masters and harbour/beaches staff, Events team, Health and Safety, Emergency Planning, Estates, Legal Services, Procurement, TDA, SWISCo, and employees at all levels across the Council.

10. Other duties

To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job.

Other Information

All staff must commit to Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.
The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement.
The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
This post is based at Torquay / Paignton Harbour but the post holder may be required to move their base to any other location within the Council at a future date.
The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.
You will be asked to complete a Criminal Records Self Declaration Form. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post. You will only be asked to disclose ‘unspent’ convictions.
Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for.
As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2017 (part 7) the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Torquay and Paignton Harbour Master
Strategic team/Directorate	Pride in Place
Service	Harbours
Business unit	Harbours

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate, enabling a demonstrable and successful team working ethos that fosters employee engagement.
Ability to develop and manage complex Health and Safety Management systems in high-risk Maritime environments.
The ability to navigate around competing priorities and a vast range of stakeholders where there are conflicting agendas placed upon the Harbour Estate.
Ability to collaborate both internally and externally, to benefit from partnerships, shared learning and best practice.
Budget management – able to control operational budgets and deliver efficiencies.
Proven ability to work in a time-critical function, managing conflicting priorities effectively.
Self-motivated, productive, dynamic, and innovative.
Effective computer literacy skills with a proven ability to analyse complex data with efficient analytical acumen.
A high level of demonstrable communication and negotiation skills with an ability to influence using clear and fact-based evidence.
Excellent interpersonal skills, which demonstrates an ability to convey information accurately and clearly in a manner which is clearly understood, including report writing and presentation format.
Ability to demonstrate confidence and competency, whilst being trustworthy and transparent when under external and internal scrutiny.
Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to identify causes and make objective and informed judgements based on facts and complete tasks to a high standard.
Evaluative decision making in an informed concise and balanced way and being confident in reaching a decision.
Able to demonstrate emotional resilience, political awareness and balance.
Self-awareness with the ability to recognise own strengths and actively identifying areas for improvement.
Proven ability to drive and establish improved standards and performance through implementation of good practice and personal development.
Demonstrate high degrees of customer awareness with a commitment to a customer centred approach.
Strong commercial acumen.
Instils trust and instinctively knows and understands when information needs to be shared, throughout the organisation.

Desirable skills and effectiveness

The proven ability to project manage and deliver change.
Understanding of MS Teams and Office 365.

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

Proven detailed and effective knowledge and understanding of the work of ports/harbours and of small boats, basic ship requirements and good seamanship.
Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of relevant Harbour Acts, Byelaws and Regulations.
Significant knowledge and experience of procedures, guidelines and legislation relating to Bathing Water and Coastal Pollution.
A high level of knowledge and clear understanding of the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code and its application.
Strong and effective knowledge of all relevant and specialist Health & Safety legislation and environmental legislation.
Thorough understanding of how to implement effective management practices in terms of planning to achieve agreed targets and objectives and providing leadership.
Practical knowledge and understanding of other legislative and statutory obligations which affects the service area of responsibility. To include detailed knowledge of national and regional service priorities and the requirements for their local implementation in the context of the political and operational environment.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the role of a Harbour Master and the workings of a busy leisure marine facility as well as a commercial fishing port.
A high level of knowledge and understanding of data protection and confidentiality.
Knowledge of relevant national organisations, their function and requirements as they relate to this post.
Effective knowledge and understanding of project management techniques and how to deliver successful outcomes.
Demonstrable and detailed knowledge and understanding of performance management to enable successful outcomes.
Detailed understanding of the ‘Oil Pollution, Response and CoOperation Convention’ regulations.
Thorough understanding of the Port Security Regulations.

Desirable knowledge

Awareness of the commissioning process, including commissioning agreements and SLAs.
A working knowledge and understanding of issues facing the Local Authority.
An understanding of the general workings of the marine industry ashore, especially the leisure and fishing industry.
A general knowledge and understanding of shipping/harbour law.
Effective knowledge and understanding of Public Sector Financial Regulations.

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

Experience of working at a senior level within a relevant organisation.
Proven experience in developing and managing complex Health and Safety Management systems in high-risk environments.
Significant experience of leading and manging teams across a range of functions and working within partnership arrangements.
Significant experience of Managing navigation and safe berthing of vessels within a busy working harbour.
Extensive experience of acting as Safety Officer within a harbour/marine environment.
Significant experience of managing large and complex budgets.
Proven experience of developing strategic plans based on needs assessment and delivery of required outcomes.
Experienced in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, delivering services and innovative working practices to achieve and maintain service improvements that ensure compliance and achieve best value and best outcomes for service users.
Experience of successfully planning for and contributing to relevant audit and inspection processes.
Significant experience of dealing with/responding to relevant emergency situations.
Experience of financial management and budget experience.
Experienced in performance monitoring.
Experience of problem solving at a senior level to successful outcomes.

Desirable experience and achievements

Experience in a variety of performance management techniques to improve and sustain improvements.
Successful delivery of complex projects.
Previous experience of managing a Port Security Facility.
Experience of harbour control and management of land based harbour estates.
Previous experience of leading a procurement/tendering/contracting process to achieve best value.
Experience of responding to maritime emergencies.
Competence and confidence in working with elected members.
Experienced in either producing or have supported in the production of business cases in support of invest to save or invest to earn projects.

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

Evidence of continued professional development.
Class 1 Master Mariner or RN equivalent qualification or a MCA approved Harbour Masters Certificate (or commitment to achieve within 2 years of employment).
NEBOSH Health and Safety General Certificate or equivalent.
VHF/DSC Radio Certificate of Competence.
An OND or ONC in Nautical Science or equivalent.
Oil Spill Prevention Qualification Level 4P minimum.

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

Qualified to degree level (or equivalent) in a related discipline.
A recognised management qualification (ILM, CMI, or equivalent).
Membership of relevant professional body, such as UK Harbour Masters Association.
A recognised qualification in project management (e.g. Prince2) or equivalent.
First Aid at Work Certificate.
Qualified as Port Security Officer.
Member/Fellow of the Nautical Institute.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency National Training Course on Pollution Contingency Planning and Response.

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

N/A