Certifying Authority Manager

Organisation: Royal Yachting Association
Salary: £37,000 - £44,000 per annum
Location: Hamble, Southampton (hybrid working, with some UK travel required)
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 17 August 2026
Job Description: We're looking for a commercially minded and people-focused leader to manage our Certifying Authority function. This is a unique opportunity to lead a specialist team, work with regulators and industry experts, and influence safety and standards across the UK's small commercial vessel sector

Importantly, you do not need marine industry experience to be successful in this role. We welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills from a range of sectors including engineering, manufacturing, construction, transport, utilities, professional services, accreditation, inspection, quality management and regulatory environments.

Reporting to the Head of Competition & Technical Services, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality certification services, maintaining regulatory compliance and identifying opportunities to develop and grow the service.

About the Role

You will:
- Lead and develop a specialist team of two administrators
- Manage the authorisation and ongoing oversight of the RYA's network of coding surveyors, inspectors and tonnage measurers.
- Oversee certification services for small commercial vessels and tonnage measurement services for vessels undertaking Part I Registration.
- Ensure compliance with Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) agreements and other regulatory requirements.
- Manage a commercially focused service area and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Build relationships with regulators, technical experts, industry stakeholders and customers.
- Contribute to discussions that help shape future regulatory and safety standards across the sector.

Key Responsibilities.
- Lead, motivate and develop the Technical Commercial team.
- Ensure all certification and tonnage services are delivered efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Maintain and enhance the Certifying Authority Quality Management System.
- Manage relationships with surveyors, regulators, government bodies and industry partners.
- Monitor performance and identify opportunities to improve customer experience and commercial outcomes.
- Provide guidance and interpretation of technical regulations and standards.
- Contribute to national and international discussions on maritime standards and regulation where required

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong leadership skills with the ability to understand and apply technical, regulatory or compliance requirements.

Essential:
- Experience leading, managing and developing a team
- Experience interpreting and applying technical, regulatory, compliance or quality standards.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand complex information.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to build effective working relationships both internally and externally.
- Commercial awareness and experience supporting the performance or growth of a service, function or business area.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple stakeholders.

Desirable:
- Knowledge of marine regulations or the small commercial vessel sector.
- Experience working with regulators, government agencies or accreditation bodies.
- Familiarity with Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001.
- Background in surveying, engineering, naval architecture or a related technical field

Why Join the RYA?

This is a rare opportunity to take on a nationally influential role, helping to maintain and develop safety and quality standards across the UK boating sector.

You'll join a supportive organisation with a strong sense of purpose, where you'll have the opportunity to work with subject matter experts, industry leaders and key regulatory bodies while developing your own professional expertise.

We offer a collaborative working environment, hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to personal development and wellbeing.

Benefits

The RYA offers a range of benefits which include:

- 36 days holiday including public holidays
- Birthday day off
- 10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme,
- Free life insurance
- Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
- Two paid volunteering days per year
- Free on-site electric vehicle charging
- Social Events
- RYA Membership
How to apply: Please visit our careers page on our website: https://www.rya.org.uk/about-us/careers/job-vacancies/certifying-authority-manager/ Here you can view the full job description and apply for the role.

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Certifying Authority Manager