Overview of the role

This is an exciting senior role in a developing area of our maritime safety service within our Navigation, Maritime and Consenting Department. The successful candidate will have a blend of technical, analytical, and communication skills. 

Key responsibilities will include regulatory assessment of maritime projects in terms of safety of navigation, engagement with external stakeholders, maintaining awareness of national and international maritime safety developments, and provision of advice on navigation and maritime safety policy and services. 

Relevant competencies will include knowledge and experience in maritime safety, technical competency to work with international peers in the understanding and assessment of modern radio navigation systems and their value to mariners, and interpersonal skills to present and engage with all stakeholders. 

The Person

The successful candidate is likely to be an experienced maritime professional. A background of successful roles in shipping, management, and stakeholder engagement, must be coupled with the ability to engage with operational and technical teams involved in R&D and service delivery. The role requires a person who can work independently but also collaborate effectively with colleagues in Ireland and Internationally, to innovate and deliver continuous improvement in our aids to navigation advice and services. 

Qualifications

The target qualifications are Master Mariner or Naval equivalent with command experience and/or an additional degree level qualification. However, given the nature of the role, qualifications will be balanced with experience, and candidates are encouraged to make the case for alternative qualifications where they feel they are suited to the role in their letter of application. 

Accountabilities

The Navigation Planning and Policy Manager will lead on engagement on Navigation Safety, Planning, Policy and Regulation, and provide advice and analysis to the Director of Navigation, Maritime & Consenting and CEO. 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide leadership on stakeholder engagement at national and international level providing an authoritative input to key regulatory, planning, advisory and policy processes relevant to navigation safety.
• Manage, develop, advise and report on Irish Lights internal processes for Navigation Safety and Aids to Navigation.
• Represent Irish Lights at relevant meetings of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), General Lighthouse Authority committees, UK Safety of Navigation Committee, Maritime Regulators Forum and other committees, working groups with other organisations / conferences.
• Contribute to the assessment and where appropriate development of future safety of navigation services.
• Input to strategy development within Irish Lights and the General Lighthouse Authorities. 

Experience and Competencies

• Knowledge and experience of maritime safety systems, standards, and international developments across all user classes.
• Technical competency in relation to navigation, including radio navigation, and the development and standardisation of ship and shore systems.
• Ability to communicate, engage, and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of users and international colleagues.
• Personal values including, identifying, prioritising and organising work for delivery, and accountability. 

Benefits

Benefits include an attractive salary and pension benefit, with generous leave and sick leave packages. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more about this position, please view the Candidate Briefing Pack for further information on the requirements and for details on how to apply by 4 September 2026.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights is an equal opportunities employer

and promotes diversity in the workplace