Director of the National Centre for Marine Autonomy

Lead the Future of Marine Autonomy

The University of Plymouth is seeking an exceptional leader to establish and direct the National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA), positioning Plymouth as the UK's recognised centre of excellence for marine autonomy.

Announced in 2025 as the home of the NCMA, Plymouth brings together significant investment, world-class infrastructure and leading expertise to support the development, testing and deployment of autonomous maritime technologies. Supported by substantial Ministry of Defence investment and forming a key part of Plymouth's Defence Growth Deal, the NCMA will drive innovation for both defence and civilian applications.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a nationally significant initiative at the forefront of maritime technology, defence innovation and economic growth.

The Role

As Director, you will provide strategic leadership for the creation and growth of a world-leading ecosystem supporting the research, testing, assurance, experimentation and deployment of autonomous maritime systems.

Working across Defence, industry, academia, regulators, government and investors, you will build collaboration, accelerate innovation and support the operational adoption of autonomous technologies. A key focus will be developing a nationally significant programme of trials and experimentation, including a major dual-use autonomous maritime exercise planned for 2028.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and development of the NCMA as a safe, trusted and agile ecosystem.
• Create a visible national centre by connecting research, testing facilities, operational expertise, waterfront assets and commercial partners.
• Deliver a programme of trials, testing and experimentation for autonomous and uncrewed maritime systems.
• Establish governance, accountability and risk-management frameworks aligned to national Defence priorities.
• Coordinate safety assurance, regulatory engagement and partnership activity.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the NCMA nationally and internationally.
• Build confidence and alignment across partners through effective leadership and delivery.

About You

You will be an accomplished senior leader with experience operating in complex stakeholder environments and a track record of delivering high-profile programmes.

You will have:

• Significant senior leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex programmes through ambiguity and change.
• A strong record of partnership development across public, private and academic sectors.
• Experience within Defence, national security, emergency response or similarly regulated environments.
• Experience planning or delivering complex military, maritime, multi-agency or live experimentation exercises.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Sunday 25 October 2026

Working Arrangements

Based in Plymouth, this role requires a minimum of two days per week on campus, with flexibility to meet operational and partnership needs.

Our Offer

The successful external candidate will be employed by University of Plymouth Services Limited.

We offer an excellent benefits package, including:

• 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays and closure days
• Generous pension scheme
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working opportunities
• Learning and development support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work and Electric Car Schemes
• Retail and lifestyle discounts
• On-site nursery

For an informal discussion, please contact:  Adrian Dawson - adrian.dawson@plymouth.ac.uk

Join us and play a leading role in shaping the future of autonomous maritime capability in the UK and beyond.

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