NED, Engineering | Construction | Infrastructure experience

The Port of London Authority (‘the PLA’) is custodian of 95 miles of the tidal Thames from Teddington Lock to the North Sea, home to the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy. The port contributes over £4bn to the economy and sustains over 40,000 jobs. The PLA has responsibility for the safety of navigation, promoting use of the river and for supporting its unique marine environment. 

The Thames Vision 2050 sets out our goal of being the UK’s leading port, central to the economy, with Net Zero emissions. Created by the PLA with its stakeholders, the Vision targets the long-term development of the Thames as a trading hub, community and natural haven. 

The PLA’s headquarters is in Gravesend, Kent, with an office in the City of London. The PLA also has operational centres in several other locations along the Thames. 

The PLA Board currently consists of seven Non-Executive Board Members, one of whom is appointed as Chair, and three Executive Members (Chief Executive, Chief Harbour Master and Chief Financial Officer). Of the current seven Non-Executive Board Members, three are Department for Transport (DfT) Ministerial appointees and four are PLA appointees. 

The Board is looking to appoint a Non-Executive Board Member (DfT appointment) who has:

• Recent or current experience in engineering construction and building infrastructure development with proven success in large commercial developments. 

• Experience of operating successfully at board or equivalent level in a high-profile organisation with a good awareness of their own strengths and capabilities and how these complement other board members.

 • An ability to contribute to discussions regarding the Lower Thames Crossing and the wider commercial growth of the Thames.

 • A strong team player and good strategist with high integrity and excellent communication skills, able to offer both support and constructive challenge to the PLA executive. 

• An understanding of risk management and how risk assessment is used in decision making, particularly in a commercial context and in relation to safety.

Veredus is acting as an executive search and selection advisor to the PLA on this appointment. 

To book a confidential discussion, please contact Veredus, our Executive Search and Selection Advisor: [email protected] or [email protected] 

Apply here

Closing date: 5pm Friday 9 January 2026