RNLI Brighton Lifeboat Station seeks volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager

This pivotal role will lead a team of volunteer crew members, shore crew, and support staff to ensure the station maintains a constant state of operational readiness, providing 24/7 search and rescue services along the Sussex coastline between Newhaven and Shoreham.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) will oversee all day-to-day operational activities at the station, ensuring the lifeboat crew and equipment are always prepared to respond to emergency calls. The successful applicant will be someone who thrives on teamwork, demonstrates strong leadership, and has the passion and dedication to help save lives at sea.

Roger Cohen, the current Lifeboat Operations Manager at both Brighton and Newhaven RNLI, has over 40 years of voluntary service and was recognised as an MBE by HRH The Princess Royal for his services to the RNLI in 2022. Under his leadership, Brighton RNLI became the first LGBT-accredited station in the country and was the first to take part in Pride.

Reflecting on the importance of the role, Roger said: ‘Brighton RNLI has been a part of my life for over forty years. I've decided to stand down from my role at Brighton at the end of January. This will give the charity, time to recruit and establish that person into the enthusiastic team here at Brighton. It's a demanding role ensuring that the local volunteers are trained and ready to save lives at sea.’

Roger, who has been involved in more than 2,000 lifeboat launches and helped save hundreds of lives, added: ‘The Lifeboat Operations Manager plays a crucial part in the smooth running of the station. It’s not just about authorising launches; it’s about ensuring that everything is in place so that we’re ready to respond when lives are at risk. This role is at the heart of the lifeboat station, leading a team of volunteers who put themselves on the front line to save lives. We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence and ensure that we continue to deliver a world-class rescue service.’

What the role involves:

• Leading the operations team to maintain the station’s operational readiness
• Managing the maintenance of the lifeboats and associated equipment
• Optionally authorising lifeboat launches
• Supporting and developing the skills of the volunteer team
• Playing a key role in ensuring the safety of those at sea

What we are looking for:

• A team player with excellent communication and leadership skills
• Local maritime knowledge and IT literacy are desirable but not essential
• Someone living or working within 10–15 minutes of the station
• Aged between 18 and 70 years if authorised to launch lifeboats

What’s in it for you?

This role offers the chance to gain valuable management experience and make a real difference in the local community. As part of an inclusive and diverse organisation, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, receive training on decision-making and volunteer management, and play a vital role in saving lives. The RNLI will reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

For further information and to apply, please visit https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/lifeboat-operations-manager---brighton-570099.html.

The closing date for applications is November 3, 2024.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.