Chief Customer Officer

Chief Customer Officer

UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO)

£115,000 plus up to £15,000 performance-related bonus

Shape the Future of Global Maritime Navigation

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is one of the world's leading providers of maritime geospatial data, navigational products and hydrographic expertise. Through our internationally recognised ADMIRALTY portfolio, we support over 90% of large commercial vessels trading globally, helping to ensure safe, secure and efficient navigation across the world's oceans.

As an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence, we also play a vital role in supporting defence operations, maritime security and economic prosperity. With our Vision for 2034 setting an ambitious course for the future, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Customer Officer to help shape the next phase of our evolution.

The Opportunity

As Chief Customer Officer, you will join the Executive Leadership Team at a pivotal moment in UKHO's transformation. Leading a multidisciplinary Customer Division of approximately 100 colleagues, you will drive commercial growth, deepen customer engagement and embed customer-centric thinking across the organisation.

This is a broad strategic leadership role that extends beyond traditional sales, marketing or customer service functions. You will bring together customer strategy, commercial development, product management, customer experience, insight and innovation to identify new opportunities for growth while strengthening UKHO's existing market-leading position.

Working across both defence and commercial markets, you will ensure UKHO continues to understand and respond to the evolving needs of its diverse global customer base, using data, insight and innovation to inform strategic decisions, product development and market expansion.

About You

We are looking for an accomplished executive leader who combines commercial acumen with a deep understanding of customer-led transformation.

You will bring:

• Significant experience operating at Director level or equivalent (e.g. Deputy Director within a government department) within a customer-focused, commercial and data-driven organisation.
• A track record of leading multidisciplinary teams spanning customer strategy, sales, marketing, product management, commercial strategy and digital delivery.
• Experience delivering sustainable revenue growth through customer retention, innovation, product development and market expansion.
• A proven ability to lead large-scale digital, cultural and organisational transformation programmes.
• Strong strategic and financial understanding, including the ability to interpret commercial performance and make evidence-based decisions.
• Experience using customer insight, data and market intelligence to influence strategy and drive business outcomes.
• A collaborative leadership style with the credibility to influence at executive, board and stakeholder level.
• A passion for building inclusive, high-performing cultures that enable innovation and delivery.

Why Join UKHO?

This is an opportunity to lead customer strategy within a globally respected organisation that combines public purpose with commercial ambition. You will help shape the future of maritime navigation, influence international markets, and play a key role in delivering UKHO's Vision for 2034.

You will join an experienced Executive Leadership Team, lead a substantial division, and have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on an organisation whose products and services support maritime activity across the world.

Security and Eligibility

The successful candidate will need to hold or obtain Security Clearance (SC) for this role'. Applicants must satisfy the relevant nationality and residency requirements.

To find out more about this exceptional leadership opportunity, please contact Hays Executive Search - - Andrew Timlin - View phone number on uk.workus.org or Owen Quant - View phone number on uk.workus.org

Please note standard Civil Service principles on pay apply to existing civil servants