Job description for ROV Supervisor

Ready to dive into a career like no other? If you’re driven by innovation, thrive in high-stake environments, and inspired by the idea of working with cutting-edge subsea technology, then this is your moment. The ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) team within the Ministry of Defence’s SALMO (Salvage and Marine Operations) unit is on the lookout for a passionate and skilled ROV Supervisor to lead operations at the forefront of underwater engineering and marine recovery.

Why join SALMO? SALMO is the MOD’s centre of excellence for marine salvage and emergency response. Our multidisciplinary team, ranging from Master Mariners and Naval Architects to Environmental Scientists and ROV/AUV Operators, delivers critical support to UK Defence operations around the globe. Whether it’s locating downed aircraft on the seabed, surveying WWII wrecks, towing warships, or conducting emergency response drills, our work is as varied as it is vital.

As the ROV Supervisor, you’ll be at the helm of a highly skilled team, overseeing the safe and effective delivery of deep-water salvage missions using state-of-the-art commercial ROV systems. This role bridges the responsibilities of an IMCA Superintendent and Supervisor, offering a unique leadership opportunity that blends technical oversight with operational command.

You’ll manage a close-knit team of six, including pilot technicians, surveyors, and maintainers, both offshore and onshore, and report directly to the ROV Senior Superintendent. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring mission success in some of the most challenging and rewarding environments imaginable.

What’s in it for you? This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to make a real impact. The role is operationally critical and comes with additional allowances under SALMO Terms and Conditions, reflecting the importance and intensity of the work you’ll be doing.

What you’ll be doing

• Deploy afloat to deliver the in-service operation of the ROV system and work offshore for up to 120 days per year
• Lead and manage the ROV operational team whether deployed or at base
• Support the Senior Superintendent in planning routine and reactive deployments
• Ensure all ROV maintenance is carried out in accordance with the planned maintenance system and defects are reported in a timely manner
• Create and update routine and emergency procedures for use with the SALMO ROV systems
• Ensure the SALMO ROV capability is operated in line with industry best practice
• Manage all deployments in a the safe and environmentally sound manner, being the SALMO Appointed Person responsible for Operating Safely, adhering to the deployment Safety Management Plan and any platform interface responsibilities
• Act as the party chief for deployed tasks and liaise closely with all stakeholders afloat and ashore

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a RQF Level 4 qualification or STCW 1 Master (Unlimited)  or  STCW 1 Chief Engineer (Unlimited)
• Hold a minimum IMCA ROV Supervisor (R/R02) (or company equivalent) with at least 180 days of logbook demonstrated offshore experience as ROV Supervisor with work class vehicles
• Have experience managing complex marine salvage projects from start to finish by leading a team of ROV pilots, coordinating with other departments (e.g. engineering and safety) and problem-solving different or unexpected scenarios in high-pressure environments

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions.

For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook.

Due to the nature of this role, you are:

• Required to be fit to pass and maintain a two-yearly ENG1 seafarers medical (no geographical limitations)
• Required to enlist as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve
• Expected to work extended hours as and when required in support of operational commitments
• Required to live within 60 minutes travelling time of the base to which you are appointed
• Required to hold an in-date UK driving licence

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

Technical Competencies :

• ECF 1.1 Suitable Systems and Policy Principles – Practitioner
• ECF 3.3 Technical Issues and Risk – Practitioner

Behaviours:

• Leadership – CSBC 4
• Communicating and Influencing – CSBC 4

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £68,195, Ministry of Defence contributes £19,756 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Full time staff employed for less than 5 years are entitled to 26.5 days’ annual leave per year, rising to 31.5 days per year after 5 years of service
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• SALMO Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/SALMO-Terms-and-Conditions

Selection Process Details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.

2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills

Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.

3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.