Base Services Manager

Base Services Manager

Location: HMNB Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3LT
Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent benefits
Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Thursday 7:30am – 3:30pm, Friday 7:30am – 2:30pm. 6-month fixed-term contract.

Ready to impact a better future?

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Base Services Manager to join the Marine Services team at HMNB Portsmouth. In this role, you will carry responsibility for all HSE issues on site, scheduling and allocating multi-discipline repair work and will include line management of workshop staff.

You will have a team of workshop staff and provide assurance that safe working practices are complied with and to enhance skill base.

We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated leadership experience, a strong engineering background (Marine experience would be advantageous), and a sharp eye for quality and attention to detail.

What you’ll do as a Base Services Manager

• Take responsibility for health, safety and environmental standards for all employees, contractors and visitors on site.


• Coordinate and schedule repair work, liaising with technical management, workshop teams and vessels.


• Lead, supervise and develop workshop tradespeople and apprentices, providing guidance and support.


• Carry out and review risk assessments, safety briefings and toolbox talks to promote safe working practices.


• Manage workshop operations, including machinery inspections, maintenance records, housekeeping and waste disposal arrangements.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support audits, inspections and operational excellence activities.

Does this sound like you?

• Qualified engineer or skilled tradesperson with at least five years’ experience in an engineering workshop environment – Marine experience preferred.


• Strong leadership experience, including people management, team leadership or workshop supervision.


• Experience conducting workshop safety inspections and risk assessments.


• Working knowledge of Health and Safety at Work (HSW), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).


• NEBOSH AND IOSH also desirable.


• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality, safety and continuous improvement.

What we offer

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)


• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme


• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.


• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service


• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel


• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity


• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.


• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact [email protected].

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