Head of International Blue Economy

About HMC 

HMC is a specialist marine consultancy working at the interface of ocean science, policy, governance, finance and delivery. 

We help governments, public bodies, multilateral organisations, NGOs, research institutions, funders and private sector partners make better decisions for the ocean and coast. Our work combines technical expertise, strategic advice, facilitation, and practical delivery support. We are known for helping clients navigate complexity, build partnerships, strengthen governance and turn evidence into action. 

About the role 

The Head of International Blue Economy will lead one of HMC’s core growth areas, shaping and growing our international work. The postholder will set direction for the International Blue Economy theme, develop and deliver a focused business development plan, lead major client and partner relationships, provide technical oversight across projects, and support the development of staff working in the portfolio. 

The role builds on HMC’s existing international track record with governments, multilaterals, donors and delivery partners. Our international work has been delivered across island and coastal nations in the Caribbean, UK Overseas Territories, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and global programmes. 

The postholder will collaborate with the CTO, CEO, Operations Director, and other Heads to ensure international growth is strategic, disciplined, and aligned with HMC’s quality, impact, and delivery standards. The role may involve UK and international travel.  

What you will lead 

The International Blue Economy theme brings together HMC’s international work on ocean governance, sustainable blue economy transition and practical programme delivery. 

The role may involve leadership across areas such as: 

• sustainable blue economy policy, strategy and implementation planning; 
• ocean governance, institutional strengthening and capacity building; 
• marine spatial planning and integrated land-sea planning; 
• marine protected areas and area-based conservation; 
• fisheries, aquaculture and marine resource governance; 
• monitoring, evaluation and learning for international ocean programmes; 
• stakeholder engagement, facilitation and multi-country programme delivery; 
• strategic partnerships with governments, multilaterals, NGOs, research organisations and delivery partners. 

This role needs someone who can work across policy, evidence, delivery, institutions, and people. The successful candidate will see the whole system, understand clients’ goals, and design practical support to help them progress.  

Key responsibilities 

Portfolio strategy and business development

Develop and deliver a focused International Blue Economy business development plan, agreed with the CTO and Senior Leadership Team, and aligned with HMC’s Corporate Strategy, by: 

• identifying priority markets, clients, partners and opportunity areas, and building a focused pipeline of international work; 
• leading or supporting bids, proposals and expressions of interest, including clear go/no-go recommendations; 
• developing relationships with governments, multilaterals, donors, NGOs, research institutions and delivery partners. 

Project direction, delivery and quality assurance 

Provide senior leadership across international projects, acting as Project Director, senior reviewer or technical advisor where appropriate. 

• shaping project approaches and teams so they are practical, proportionate and client-focused; 
• providing technical direction and advice to project managers and delivery teams; 
• reviewing key outputs to ensure quality, clarity and usefulness; 
• supporting delivery teams to manage risks, budgets, timelines and client expectations. 

Client, partner and external engagement 

Act as a senior ambassador for HMC, building trusted relationships and representing the organisation externally. 

• building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective clients; 
• representing HMC in meetings, conferences, workshops and international forums; 
• developing partnerships and consortia that complement HMC’s skills and reach; 

People leadership, mentoring and team development 

Lead, support and develop colleagues working in the International Blue Economy theme. 

• line-managing staff and mentoring Principal Consultants, Senior Consultants and Consultants; 
• helping staff develop technical, project management, client engagement and business development skills; 
• supporting workload management, wellbeing and professional development. 

Collaboration across HMC

Work across HMC to ensure International Blue Economy is integrated with the wider business. 

• working with other Heads to coordinate bids, resources, client relationships and cross-portfolio projects; 
• sharing market intelligence, learning and methods across the organisation; 

Financial, commercial and risk management

Maintain clear oversight of the commercial health, risks and performance of the International Blue Economy theme. 

• contributing to annual income and pipeline targets, and tracking performance against agreed objectives and KPIs; 
• maintaining awareness of project margins, costs and portfolio-level financial performance; 
• identifying and escalating financial, contractual, reputational or delivery risks early, with clear options and recommendations. 

Essential experience and skills 

We are looking for someone with: 

• significant experience in sustainable blue economy, ocean governance, marine spatial planning, international marine policy, marine resource management, marine conservation or a related field; 
• experience designing, leading or delivering international projects, programmes or partnerships; 
• strong understanding of the institutional, policy and delivery challenges involved in sustainable ocean management; 
• experience working with governments, multilaterals, donors, NGOs, research organisations or international partnerships; 
• strong business development skills, including relationship-building, opportunity shaping, bid leadership and proposal writing; 
• good commercial judgement, including an understanding of pricing, margins, risk and capacity; 
• experience providing technical oversight and quality assurance on complex projects; 
• a collaborative leadership style, with strong facilitation, communication, staff development and cross-cultural working skills. 

Desirable experience 

It would also be useful if candidates have experience in one or more of the following: 

• working in SIDS, the Caribbean, UK Overseas Territories, Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Western Indian Ocean or global ocean programmes; 
• donor-funded or international development programmes; 
• sustainable fisheries management, including commercial and small-scale fisheries; 
• monitoring, evaluation and learning for marine, environmental or development programmes; 
• programme evaluation, political economy analysis or institutional assessment; 

Package and benefits 

• Salary: from £55,000 to £70,000 with starting salary dependent on experience. 
• Contract: permanent. 
• Hours: full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed. 
• Location: remote within the UK, with occasional in-person meetings and travel. 
• Annual leave: 28 days per year, plus statutory bank holidays in England and Wales. Pro-rated for part-time or flexible working arrangements. 
• Pension: 3% employer contribution, subject to scheme rules. 
• The role holder must reside in and have the right to work in the UK. 

How to apply 

To apply, please send the below to recruitment@howellmarine.co.uk: 

• a CV; 
• a short covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to HMC’s international blue economy work. We are particularly interested in hearing how your experience combines technical credibility, international delivery, business development and people leadership. 

HMC is committed to building an inclusive and supportive working environment. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.