Location Country United Kingdom
Work Location Southampton
Who are V? As a global leader in ship management and marine services, we add value to a vessel’s operations. Operating around the clock and around the world, V. gives every client the quality and efficiency they need in every sector. Covering crew management and recruitment, quality ship management and technical services, together with supporting management and commercial services, V. has an unrivalled industry knowledge with performance assured. Our values, We Care, We Collaborate, We Challenge, We are Consistent, We Commit and Deliver, are at the heart of everything we do and they support our strategy of Investing in Talent. We are always interested in making contact with talented individuals - people who will demonstrate our values and deliver great service, for internal and external stakeholders.
Overall Purpose of The Job
This role leads Seatec’s global underwater services business, strategically positioned within V.Services to drive growth, efficiency, and profitability. It spans naval and defence clients, as well as cargo and leisure segments such as hull cleaning and propeller polishing. The role combines operational oversight with commercial leadership, including engagement with major defence contractors like BAE Systems and Babcock, and aims to revamp global strategies through innovative service models.
Key Responsibilities And Tasks
Strategic & Commercial Leadership
- Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan aligned with V.Services’ goals.
- Position the business across defence, cargo, and leisure segments.
- Build go-to-market strategies and pricing models tailored to procurement cycles.
- Engage major defence contractors and government agencies.
- Design a global agency model for cargo and leisure services, covering main ports with vetted diving networks, robust QA, and a digital booking interface akin to Booking.com.
Business Development
- Lead the full tendering lifecycle, including bid strategy and submission.
- Maintain relationships with defence procurement bodies and prime contractors.
- Secure long-term contracts and framework agreements across all segments.
Operational Oversight
- Manage diving, IRM operations, inspections, hull maintenance, and NDT operations.
- Ensure compliance with defence standards and UK diving work regulations.
- Drive cost control and productivity across global service locations.
Stakeholder & Client Management
- Act as the senior liaison with naval representatives, shipyards, and stakeholders.
- Build long-term relationships through consistent delivery and proactive engagement.
- Report KPIs and performance metrics in line with contract requirements.
Team Leadership & Compliance
- Lead a cross-functional team across engineering, commercial, and technical domains.
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and compliance.
- Manage legal, risk, and confidentiality obligations under defence contracting standards.
What can I expect in return? V. Group can offer you a market leading salary and benefits package, in addition to significant opportunities for career growth and personal development. This a great opportunity to join a true leader in the maritime sector - a company that has exciting plans for future growth.
Essential
- Extensive experience in marine/underwater services; some of which has been in a senior leadership role.
- Proven success in defence/government tenders and strategic partnerships.
- Experience in cargo/leisure underwater services and global operations.
- Preferred background in naval operations, marine engineering, or defence contracting.
Key Competencies
- Strategic planning and execution
- Defence and commercial procurement expertise
- Operational excellence and risk management
- Stakeholder engagement and executive communication
- Leadership in high-compliance environments
- Understanding of Diving At Work Regulations
- Innovation in service delivery and digital platforms
Travel Requirements
- Frequent travel to naval bases, defence institutions, and client sites globally.
Desirable
Applications Close Date 28 Sep 2025
