NSRS Operations Manager
Westway, Renfrew with global travel
Full-Time, Permanent

About Us
JFD is the world leading underwater capability provider, serving the commercial and defence markets with innovative diving, submarine and hyperbaric rescue, technical solutions and services. Operating worldwide, the company is the world’s leading provider of submarine rescue capability and an established provider of submarine escape training. The company is at the forefront of Hyperbaric Rescue, along with being the leading supplier of commercial and defence diving equipment and saturation diving systems to the commercial industry.

The Role
The NSRS Operations Manager (OM) plays a vital leadership role, ensuring the safe and effective operation of Submarine Intervention & Rescue Systems (SERS) for military customers. Responsible for planning and coordinating all operational deployments, the OM works closely with agencies, departments and authorities to deliver capability in line with the 3ISS contract.

Key duties include maintaining NSRS Rescue Readiness, leading live rescue and intervention operations, and managing the SQEP operations team. The OM also oversees major seamanship tasks at sea and collaborates with engineering teams to enhance operational capability, support equipment development, and manage obsolescence.

Due to the requirements of this role, all candidates must be able to obtain UK Security Clearance.

Principal Accountabilities

• To provide, operate, deploy NSRS at the defined readiness states and be on call at “Rescue Ready” and “Safe to Operate” status, trained current, competent as required of the Service
• Responsible for the NSRS exercise planning and delivery of the operational programme.
• Provide input to all NSRS management plans along with operational input attending meetings as required by the ISSM to support NSRS business aims and objectives and the customer
• Deliver the operational capability of the NSRS and ensuring this is followed in accordance with the relevant operations order, within the constraints of the safety of all personnel and the submersible and within the operating limits laid down for the MOSHIP, handling system and submersible - this includes preparation and planning for all operational/maintenance activities in conjunction with the Maintenance Manager
• Onshore at NSRS HQ - provide leadership and ensure personnel management and motivation of all submarine rescue operational personnel
• Implementing the Safety & Environmental Management System (SEMS) policy both within the company and with the vessel owner’s safety management system. Conducting a pre-operational briefing with the clients’ representatives and whole operations team so that all concerned are familiar with the purpose of the operation, proposed method of achieving its completion and the personnel filling key positions within the team -specific emphasis will be placed on the safety of the operations, go-no go criteria and lessons identified from previous or similar operations
• Ensures that the operations team remains current, competent and medically fit in Individual and Core team training, this includes oversight of contractor and subcontractors allocated to support NSRS

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven leadership in diving, ROV, or manned submersible operations
• Background in military submarine or commercial underwater operations (SERS experience desirable)
• Strong knowledge of offshore/inshore subsea regulations and certification standards
• Familiarity with marine and defence standards (e.g. DEFSTAN, Lloyd’s Rules)
• Experience with hyperbaric systems, high-pressure operations, and equipment maintenance
• Understanding of international quality and safety standards (ISO 9001, ISO 45001)
• Skilled in managing safety and operational risk in sensitive environments
• Instructional experience and ability to lead technical teams
• Previous involvement in commercially sensitive projects

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!

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Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds.  We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce. For more information Click here