The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the National Governing Body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft.
Certifying Authority Manager
Salary: £37,000 - £44,000 per annum, depending on experience
Part Time: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Hamble, Southampton (hybrid working, with some UK travel required).
Lead a Service That Shapes Safety Across the UK Boating Sector
Are you an experienced manager with a background in compliance, certification, quality assurance, technical services, engineering, regulation or standards?
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
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Manage the authorisation and ongoing oversight of the RYA's network of coding surveyors, inspectors and tonnage measurers.
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Oversee certification services for small commercial vessels and tonnage measurement services for vessels undertaking Part I Registration.
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Ensure compliance with Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) agreements and other regulatory requirements.
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Manage a commercially focused service area and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
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Build relationships with regulators, technical experts, industry stakeholders and customers.
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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
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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
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Familiarity with Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001.
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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
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Birthday day off
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10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme,
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Free life insurance
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Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
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Two paid volunteering days per year
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Free on-site electric vehicle charging
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Social Events
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RYA Membership
As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity. As an Inclusive employer, we are also committed to prioritising inclusion and creating a truly inclusive workplace.
We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.
Interested?
If you're excited by this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. Research shows that some candidates are less likely to apply unless they meet every criterion, and we don't want that to prevent great people from applying.
Please review the full job description and submit your application by clicking 'Apply for this Job'.
Closing date for applications: 17 August 2026
Interviews to be held: Week commencing 24 August 2026 at RYA HQ, Ensign Way, Hamble, SO31 4YA.
