Deputy Manager Pilotage Services

• Join our dynamic and rapidly expanding team as we embark on an exciting journey of organisational growth and innovation, working towards our vision of becoming Australia's Port for the Future.
• Work on meaningful initiatives that will help create prosperity for the North Queensland's communities.
• Enjoy an environment that provides attractive benefits including flexibility, true work-life balance and generous opportunities for professional development.

About the Port

The Port of Townsville Limited (the Port) has been actively shaping the future of Townsville and North Queensland for 160 years.

Today, we are Australia's largest port for zinc, lead, copper, sugar and fertiliser. Additionally, we handle more motor vehicles and containerised goods than any other port in Northern Australia. The goods that flow through our ports are grown, mined, manufactured and used to better the lives of more than 800,000 people across a vast catchment area, spanning from Hinchinbrook to the Burdekin and west to Mount Isa.

On average, more than 8 million tonnes of goods, worth more than $10 billion, cross our wharves each year. Thanks to our customers, we are one of the country's most diverse ports, linking more than 30 different commodities to 130 ports in 44 countries.

The Townsville port is also an increasingly strategic forward mounting location in Australia's Defence capabilities, as well as an important tourism enabler due to its modern dedicated cruise ship terminal.

Working with us

The Port of Townsville is expanding its team of passionate and innovative professionals as we undergo a period of significant and sustainable growth.

We are currently undertaking the biggest port expansion in our history, trade volumes are expected to triple by 2050 as new projects in rare earth, critical minerals and renewable energy come to realisation and demand for Defence and cruise shipping capacity is rapidly increasing.

In the coming years we will be challenged to continue to deliver highly competitive day to day port operations, drive improvements in sustainability across all areas of the business and deliver major capital works projects that will ensure our capacity to facilitate the trade demands of the future.

We are currently looking for exceptional talent to join our team as we embark on this journey. Are you a proactive and ambitious individual with a passion for making a real impact? This is your chance to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and contributions will be valued.

The Port provides a supportive workplace culture that is committed to improving diversity and fostering inclusivity. With a strong focus on nurturing growth and continuous learning, you'll have the resources and guidance to excel in your role and beyond.

About the role and you

The Deputy Manager Pilotage Services supports the Manager Pilotage Services in the delivery and management of pilotage operations across the Townsville region. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant pilotage services, contributes to strategic and operational planning, and provides guidance and support to the pilotage team.

Experience you'll need

To be successful in the role, you will be required to:

• Support operational delivery of pilotage services, while proactively identifying and advising on operational risks, and supporting the Manager Pilot Services in the effective mitigation of pilotage-related risks
• Manage pilot resourcing through effective coordination of rosters and availability, ensuring adequate coverage and operational readiness across all pilotage services
• Coordinate and support the implementation of policies, processes, and operational changes, demonstrating strong change management capabilities and actively driving key initiatives across the pilotage business
• Conduct research related to port development and operations, providing technical expertise to support safe, effective, and efficient pilotage services and broader port operations, in close collaboration with the Manager Pilotage Services
• Provide leadership and mentoring to trainee pilots and foster their professional development
• Maintain regular communication with the Manager Pilotage Services, providing updates on trainee pilot progress and raising emerging issues
• Collaborate with and support cross-functional teams on strategic and operational projects by contributing subject matter expertise, sharing knowledge, and helping drive aligned and effective outcomes
• Monitor industry trends, innovations, and best practices in pilotage services, providing informed advice and benchmarking insights to support continuous improvement and strategic alignment
• Act as a role model for Port of Townsville values and behaviours, fostering a positive and collaborative culture within the pilot team and supporting peers in upholding a respectful and high-performing workplace
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, codes of practice, and Port policies by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements and liaise with government agencies as needed to support operational and legal obligations
• Maintain and continuously review the Pilotage Safety Management System to ensure it remains effective, compliant, and aligned with operational best practices
• Overseeing the safe and effective use of deployed pilotage technology
• Co-ordinate ISPO accreditation for the pilotage service
• Provide relief coverage on the pilot roster as required
• Assist the Manager Pilotage Services in setting and maintaining pilot manning levels in the region by managing the selection, recruitment, training and development of marine pilots
• Participate in the assessment, examination and review of marine pilots to ensure satisfactory levels of competency and progression to meet operational needs of the pilotage service
• Available for out-of-hours support and incident response, including major incident management
• Undertake additional responsibilities and tasks as directed by the Manager Pilotage Services
• Holder of, or the ability to acquire, a current and valid Queensland pilot license and area endorsements for the region

For a more comprehensive understanding of the position's requirements, please refer to the Position Description available on our website.

Application process

• Click apply and follow the prompts
• Attach your current resume and a cover letter to your application
• Applications close 11pm Sunday, 7 September 2025

For enquiries, please contact -, noting that applications must be submitted via our recruitment site - email applications will not be accepted.

At the Port of Townsville, we value and celebrate the diversity of our community and recognise that it enriches our workplace. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to come forward, confident that you will be met with respect and consideration. We are committed to ensuring our working environment is safe and welcoming.

If you are an applicant who faces challenges due to cultural barriers or disabilities, please know that we are here to support you throughout the application process. We strive to create a welcoming and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates, and we encourage you to approach us if you require any assistance or accommodations.

Together, let's build a workforce that thrives on inclusivity and embraces the strengths that everyone brings to our team.