SMI Recruiting Director of MASG, MSTG and SMIFutures

SMI is recruiting for a director to lead our maritime autonomy, marine science and technology and SMIFutures working group activity. The role brings together industry, government, academia and future talent to support innovation, policy development and skills across the UK maritime sector, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery across conferences, trade missions, partnerships, policy engagement and the biennial Marine Autonomy Challenge.

We are looking for someone with strong maritime sector knowledge, credibility with senior stakeholders, commercial awareness and a practical, delivery-focused approach.

Candidate specification 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate: 

• A strong working knowledge of the maritime sector, with an interest in marine science, autonomy, innovation, skills and future workforce development. 
• A confident, personable approach and the ability to engage senior leaders across industry, government, academia and strategic partner organisations. 
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing, stakeholder briefings and strategic communications. 
• Experience of delivering events, programmes, partnerships or member-facing initiatives from concept through to completion. 
• Commercial awareness, including the ability to identify sponsorship, partnership and funded-project opportunities. 
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, council workplans, reporting requirements and member engagement activity. 
• A practical, hands-on approach and a commitment to delivering clear value for members.

The recruitment pack can be found here

Applications close 9th September 2026.