Senior Marine Survey Manager
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The Senior Marine Survey Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of marine survey operations, including project execution, client relations, team leadership, and strategic planning. This role requires a high level of expertise in hydrographic, geophysical, and environmental surveys, ensuring that projects meet technical, regulatory, and safety standards. The Senior Marine Survey Manager will also be instrumental in business development, process improvement, and mentoring junior staff.
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Location: Hybrid (office-based, remote, and offshore aboard the MV FlatHolm or other platforms)
Job Type: Full-Time
Start Date: Immediate
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Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Leadership & Project Oversight:
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Oversee multiple marine survey projects from planning to execution, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance.
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Develop and implement strategic objectives for survey operations, aligning with company goals.
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Lead the development of new survey methodologies, workflows, and technologies to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
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Provide technical guidance and high-level decision-making for complex survey challenges.
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May act as Party Chief when the circumstances require so.
Technical & Data Quality Management:
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Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of hydrographic, geophysical, and environmental survey data.
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Establish and maintain survey standards in accordance with IHO, IMO, and industry best practices.
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Lead the integration of advanced survey technologies, such as autonomous survey platforms (ROVs, AUVs) and AI-driven data processing.
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Oversee the preparation and review of technical reports, ensuring clarity, precision, and compliance with client requirements.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement:
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Serve as the primary point of contact for high-value clients and key stakeholders, managing relationships and expectations.
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Lead client meetings, present survey findings, and develop long-term partnerships.
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Prepare and negotiate contracts, tenders, and proposals to secure new business opportunities.
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Act as a company representative at industry conferences, events, and regulatory meetings.
Team Leadership & Development:
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Build, manage and mentor a team of hydrographers, and geophysicists, fostering professional growth.
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Develop and implement training programs for survey personnel, ensuring skill development and knowledge transfer.
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Build a high-performance team culture focused on innovation, efficiency, and safety.
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Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and resource allocation for survey projects.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:
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Ensure full compliance with HSE regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
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Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to enhance operational safety.
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Stay up to date with changes in marine legislation and environmental guidelines affecting survey operations.
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Drive sustainability initiatives in marine surveying to align with environmental best practices.
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​​​​Required Skills & Qualifications:
Essential:
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Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Hydrography, Geomatics, Marine Science, Geophysics, or a related field.
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Minimum of 10+ years of experience in marine surveying, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
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Strong technical expertise in hydrographic and geophysical survey methodologies and equipment (e.g., multibeam echosounders, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profilers).
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Proven experience in managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary marine survey projects.
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Technical knowledge of MBES, SSS, SBP, MAG, and UHRS surveys (Acquisition + Processing) and geotechnical equipment.
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Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making abilities.
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Strong client relationship management and business development skills.
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In-depth knowledge of marine industry regulations, including IHO, IMO, and HSE standards.
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Ability to adapt and make decisions in an uncertain environment.
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Strong ability to work in a cross-functional environment.
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Problem-solving attitude.
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Influential skills.
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Hands-on / Willing to act as Party Chief if necessary.
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Curious about new technologies.
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QHSE focused.
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Good work ethic, communication skills, and attitude.
Desirable:
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Professional certification (e.g., IHO Category A Hydrographic Surveyor, FIG/IHO/ICA accreditation).
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Offshore survival and safety training (e.g., BOSIET, STCW).
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Experience in renewable energy, oil & gas, or subsea infrastructure surveys.
Work Environment:
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Combination of office-based and offshore work, with potential for international travel.
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Offshore rotations may be required depending on project needs.
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Fast-paced, high-responsibility role with exposure to challenging marine environments.
What makes this opportunity stand out?​
CMS GeoScience is an equal opportunities employer. We build and adapt our business using the strengths of our employees. We believe providing professional training and personal development opportunities are vital for growth of the individual and the team. No longer just a holiday destination, Cornwall provides a thriving and dynamic environment to work, live and relax and features in the top 20 list of the happiest places to live in the UK.
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To apply please send your CV and covering letter to survey@cms-geoscience.co.uk
Please add any additional information you feel would add to your application
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Please note that you must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this position
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We respectfully request that agencies do not contact us about these vacancies. Thankyou
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