Maritime People and Learning Superintendent

Maritime People And Learning Superintendent – Deputy DPA

Location: Portsmouth, Devonport or Clyde
Salary: Competitive salary (depending on experience) plus excellent benefits
Schedule: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Maritime People and Learning Superintendent – Deputy DPA in our Maritime Services team, you’ll be responsible for the tactical delivery of alignment, assurance and development activities spanning the DMS NG contract with a tactical and strategic focus on developing our people, people systems and DMS NG wide learning.

The role ensures the safe and compliant operation of maritime personnel through assurance, NG group learning, structured training programmes, effective people management systems and providing SME advice on matters concerning evidence of competencies and medical fitness. The role supports workforce readiness, regulatory compliance, and the continuous improvement of maritime standards across the organisation. It also provides a deputy DPA function, allowing for continued DPA coverage when the DPA is absent.

What you’ll do as a Maritime People And Learning Superintendent – Deputy DPA

You’ll be entrusted to:

• Provide assurance to the DPA and Contract Director on cross‑contract management standards by completing contract‑wide assurance, as directed by the DPA.


• Assist the DPA in defining cross‑contract standards relevant to the role’s area of competency.


• Support managers and leaders in addressing shortcomings within the role’s area of competency.


• Foster an environment that maximises learning by promoting psychological safety across DMS NG.


• Ensure lessons learned from all sources such as accident and incident investigations, external insights, technical findings and IMS progress are maximised.


• Collaborate with DMS NG colleagues and Serco support teams to maintain accurate and effective management systems for training and people certification records.


• Develop and implement innovative learning tools, such as on‑demand self‑driven platforms, quick‑learning modules and digital portals.


• Conduct training needs analysis across maritime roles to identify skill gaps and regulatory requirements.


• Develop structured training pathways aligned with STCW and/or company standards, including delivery method assessment.


• Collaborate with relevant managers to ensure training reflects operational realities and vessel‑specific competencies.


• Integrate statutory, company‑mandated and bespoke modules into a cohesive curriculum.


• Deliver or direct training aligned with STCW and UK maritime regulatory standards.


• Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness through feedback and performance assessments.


• Maintain accurate training records and certification tracking via training management systems.


• Oversee Training Masters for competency validation.


• Implement internal assurance systems to validate training effectiveness and crew competency.


• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and progression of apprentices.


• Offer expert guidance on maritime qualifications and medical certification.


• Represent Serco at industry events relevant to the role.


• Deputise as designated person ashore as required.

Does this sound like you?

You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have…

• Excellent communication skills.


• A passion for driving the success of others.


• Ability to engage and motivate learners of varying experience levels.


• Experience in mentoring and coaching.


• Expertise in marine regulatory training requirements as they apply to UK‑flagged commercial vessels.


• Familiarity with competency assurance frameworks.


• Strong organisational and time management abilities.


• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.


• Proficient in common IT systems and ability to learn new systems efficiently.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• STCW Management Level Certificate of Competency


• Instructional or assessor qualification (e.g., Train the Trainer, A1 Assessor, Teaching Qualification)


• Designated Person Ashore


• ISM Lead Auditor


• Experience in mentoring or managing apprentices or junior personnel


• Knowledge and experience of the UK framework for marine industry apprentice funding


• Knowledge and experience of defence marine services, and/or the associated vessel types and classes

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.

Discover all you need to keep growing
We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.

What we offer

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


• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme


• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities and a focus on internal progression


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


• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving and the option to donate your pennies to the Serco People Fund Charity


• Employee networks: Colleague‑led groups supporting inclusion and connection across LGBTQIA+ colleagues, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans and colleagues from all cultural backgrounds.

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

To discover more about our careers in Defence, meet our team, and to find out more about what we offer, please follow this Link. We’re also a signatory of the UK Governments Women in Defence Charter, to find out more please click here.

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. 

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. 

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