Senior Maritime Operations Officer

Senior Maritime Operations Officer (SMOO)

Location: Portsdown Technology Park, Portsmouth Contract Type: Permanent Start Date: ASAP Security Clearance: Current SC Clearance is required prior to start Working Pattern: Full-time, on-site, shift-based role providing 24/7/365 operational coverage

Help Protect Global Maritime Trade

Carbon60 is seeking a highly capable Senior Maritime Operations Officer (SMOO) to join a critical maritime operations team supporting vessel security and freedom of navigation in some of the world's most strategically important shipping routes, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Guinea. Operating within a fast-paced 24/7 Maritime Operations Centre, you will lead operational watch teams, coordinate responses to maritime incidents, maintain situational awareness across global shipping corridors, and act as a key liaison between merchant vessels, military partners and maritime authorities. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with experience in operations, defence, maritime security, incident management, emergency response or command-and-control environments who thrive under pressure and are passionate about making a genuine impact on international maritime safety and security.

The Role

As a Senior Maritime Operations Officer, you will provide leadership and oversight during operational shifts, ensuring the delivery of critical maritime reporting, vessel tracking and incident management activities. You will act as a senior member of the watch team, guiding Maritime Operations Officers (MOOs), maintaining operational standards and supporting business continuity across a 24-hour operation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Incident Management

Lead and supervise operational watch activities within the Maritime Operations Centre. Coordinate the initial response to maritime incidents and security events. Assess, prioritise and escalate critical information in a timely and accurate manner. Support post-incident reviews, lessons learned activities and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure operational outputs are delivered in accordance with established procedures and service standards.

Maritime Operations & Vessel Engagement

Act as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels transiting designated maritime regions. Monitor vessel activity and maintain real-time awareness within designated reporting areas. Handle emergency communications and provide support to vessels during critical situations. Liaise with maritime authorities, military partners and international stakeholders.

Maritime Data Management

Maintain accurate operational records and maritime reporting databases. Collect, validate and manage data from multiple sources. Develop and maintain an accurate "White Shipping" operational picture. Conduct routine quality checks to ensure information accuracy and integrity.

Team Leadership

Lead, coach and mentor Maritime Operations Officers. Support onboarding, training and ongoing development of team members. Allocate resources effectively across shifts to meet operational demands. Manage shift activity, operational logs and incident records.

Technical & Information Security

Monitor operational systems and reporting tools. Troubleshoot data management and information system issues. Ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality and information security requirements. Support business continuity and resilience activities.

About You

We're looking for individuals who can remain calm under pressure, make informed decisions quickly and lead teams within a highly regulated operational environment.

Essential Requirements

Current SC (Security Check) Clearance held and active prior to commencement. Experience operating within a 24/7 operational, command-and-control, defence, maritime, security or emergency-response environment. Experience managing incidents and escalations in time-sensitive situations. Strong leadership and team supervision experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Experience following SOP-driven processes where accuracy and compliance are critical. High levels of attention to detail and situational awareness. Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders in a dynamic environment. Understanding of operational resilience, business continuity and risk management.

Desirable

Maritime operations, maritime security or shipping industry experience. Knowledge of vessel tracking systems and maritime reporting processes. Familiarity with AIS (Automatic Identification System). Experience working alongside military, government or international agencies. Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship or equivalent relevant experience.

Working Pattern

This role operates within a 24/7/365 Operations Centre and requires full on-site attendance in Portsmouth. The shift pattern consists of:

12-hour shifts covering both days and nights Fixed rotating shift pattern across a 28-day cycle Regular coverage of weekends and public holidays Full operational coverage 365 days per year This role is not suitable for remote or hybrid working.

What Carbon60 Offers

At Carbon60, we are committed to supporting both your professional development and personal wellbeing.

Core Benefits

Pension scheme Company-funded life assurance

Flexible Benefits

Private Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Healthcare Cash Plan Critical Illness Cover Travel Insurance Health Assessments Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme Discount Dining Give As You Earn charitable giving scheme

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Free access to the Calm App Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Retail discounts and cashback platform Mentoring and career development opportunities Supportive and collaborative working environment

Apply Now

If you have experience leading operational teams in high-pressure environments and hold active SC Clearance, we'd like to hear from you. Join Carbon60 in supporting vital maritime operations that contribute directly to global trade, maritime security and the safety of vessels operating across international waters.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy