Head of Engineering & Operations

Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar, providing and maintaining reliable, efficient and cost-effective aids to navigation that safeguard all mariners. From lighthouses and lightvessels to buoys and modern electronic systems, we deliver essential maritime services that support safe passage through some of the world’s busiest waters.

For more than 500 years, Trinity House has protected lives at sea by providing vital navigation support around the coastline we serve. United by a shared purpose, our people combine expertise, innovation and teamwork to ensure our services remain safe, resilient and responsive to the needs of the maritime sector.

Guided by our WAVE values — work together, achieve excellence, value each other and evolve with ambition — we are committed to supporting our people, fostering an inclusive workplace and making a lasting difference to the maritime community. Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1514, Trinity House continues to uphold its enduring commitment to maritime safety while evolving to meet the challenges of a modern, dynamic industry.

Trinity House is a unique organisation with a rich history and a vital role in supporting the safety of mariners around the coast of England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar. As we continue to deliver our ambitious Lighting the Way to 2035 strategy.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Engineering & Operations based primarily in our Harwich offices, to lead our engineering, projects and technical operations functions and help shape the future of our engineering assets, infrastructure and operational capabilities.

As a member of the Senior Management Team reporting to the Director of Operations, you will provide strategic leadership across engineering operations, capital projects, asset management and technical service delivery, ensuring our assets and infrastructure remain safe, reliable, resilient and aligned to organisational priorities.

About the role

This is a pivotal leadership position with responsibility for engineering, project delivery and technical operations across a diverse and nationally significant asset portfolio.

You will lead the delivery of major engineering and infrastructure programmes, oversee asset management and lifecycle planning, and ensure that engineering activities continue to meet the highest standards of safety, performance and environmental compliance. The role encompasses leadership of Lighthouse Technician teams based in Harwich, Swansea and St Just, alongside Buoy Yard operations in Harwich and Swansea.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will balance operational priorities with long-term strategic objectives, driving continuous improvement, supporting innovation and providing expert leadership on complex engineering challenges. You will play a key role in shaping the future direction of Trinity House and influencing significant investment decisions.

What we're looking for

We are seeking an exceptional engineering leader who can combine strategic thinking with operational delivery in a complex, asset-intensive environment.

You will bring significant leadership experience gained within relevant engineering disciplines, together with a strong track record of delivering major engineering programmes. Proven experience in one of more of civil engineering, systems engineering, technology programme management, control and instrumentation engineering is essential.

You will be an effective communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing at all levels and translating complex technical issues into practical business decisions. We are looking for a visible and credible leader who is resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to develop high-performing teams and foster a positive, inclusive culture.

Above all, you will share our commitment to safety, engineering excellence and continual improvement.

What we can offer

This is a rare opportunity to lead the Engineering division that directly contribute to the safety of navigation around our coastline.

You'll have the opportunity to shape the future of engineering and operations within a nationally significant maritime organisation, influence strategic decision-making at a senior level and have responsibility for major engineering and infrastructure programmes. You'll lead talented technical teams across multiple disciplines and locations.

In return, you'll join an organisation that successfully combines heritage, innovation and public service, offering a strong sense of purpose alongside the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to our future success.

We offer

• Competitive salary and pension scheme.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Professional development and leadership learning opportunities.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• The opportunity to work for a unique organisation with a proud heritage, a vital public purpose and an ambitious vision for the future.
• Join us
• If you're an experienced engineering leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a unique operational environment, we'd love to hear from you.
• Join Trinity House and help us continue delivering engineering excellence, operational resilience and innovation in support of safe navigation around our coastline.
• Contact us