Maritime Security Advisor

District of Columbia, United States of America

Job Family Group:
Health, Safety, Security, and Environment

Worker Type:
Regular

Posting Start Date:
November 21, 2025

Business unit:
Trading and Supply

Experience Level:
Experienced Professionals

Job Description:

What's the role?

The Maritime Security Team is responsible for controlling Maritime Security Risks to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) and delivering assurance to all downstream maritime assets involved in the transportation of Shell cargo on the water. Additionally, the team provides security support to Upstream and Project assets in designated Maritime Security Zones (MSZ) and evaluates high threat ports.

The team operates globally with representatives in the UK and Singapore; this role will be the first position within the Americas. It utilises threat assessments provided by Corporate Security to develop risk mitigation strategies and measures within the identified MSZ, and global geopolitical areas of security concern. The Team is responsible for monitoring maritime security threats and risks to Shell's trading activity, and collaborates with Corporate Security in assessing emerging, developing, or existing risks including waterborne activism. This includes the introduction of new Shell specific MSZ, as well as reviewing and maintaining existing ones as required.

The position will report to the Manager Maritime Security & Emergency Response. The role of the Maritime Security Advisor is to maintain a regional overview of the Maritime Security situation and advise stakeholders of Security concerns or appropriate mitigations. The focus of this role will be the Americas region however support in other regions maybe required on an ad hoc basis.

Maritime Security supports Shipping and Trading in operating safely, efficiently and securely by effective management of security risks; preventing harm to people, assets and the environment (Goal Zero); enabling business value; and providing SME support to the organization when responding to maritime security incidents. Maritime Security plays a critical role in gathering risk relevant data and intelligence and translating this into actionable information for the business and relevant external stakeholders.

The incumbent's primary role is to maintain an overview of all vessels (group managed, period charter, voyage charter and space charter) engaged on Shell business operating in their specific region. The incumbent is responsible for:

• Overseeing regional implementation of Shell maritime security requirements and ensure mitigation measures reduce risks to a level of ALARP.
• Managing the implementation of Best Management Practice (BMP MS) (or other relevant security requirements) procedures and processes within their specific region to ensure company and industry policies, standards and initiatives for maritime security are complied with.
• Conduct regular Security Threat and Risk assessments, review them, and ensure fit-for-purpose mitigation measures are implemented by downstream vessels.
• Engaging a wide group of external stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape and to build relationships with military partners and other stakeholders in anticipation of increased risk and conflict.

• The incumbent is expected to be responsible for the understanding, management and implementation of all Maritime Security procedures, process and protocols intended to enhance the maritime security of vessels in which the Shell Group has an interest by;
• Day-to-day maritime security support to Shell Trading US (STUSCo) trading teams to ensure a smooth flow of information and raise awareness of Security threats and impending changes to threat.
• Identify, with support from Corporate Security and external partners, developing Maritime Security threats within the America's, support Advisors in other regions where the relationships in America may provide information relating to threats in their regions.
• Ensure maritime security activities are complying with international laws, Shell General Business Principles (SGBP), the Shell Group Security Standard (GSS) and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in the Extractive Sector (VPSHR).
• Provide SME advice, articulate maritime security threats and risks and fit-for-purpose vessel security measures to Technical Managers & Company Security Officers of chartered vessels that transit the Americas. Manage and deliver the relevant security information to vessels on Shell business, including the provision of intelligence update briefings to vessels prior to voyage departure.
• Undertake reviews and assurance of internal Security processes and procedures and undertake audits and due diligence of external security providers (PMSC).
• Support Emergency Response activities as per Shell Incident Management System (SIMS).
• Ensuring Ports within the Americas are assessed for potential maritime security threats and where necessary documented as High Threat Ports.

• work independently with minimal supervision,
• lead a small team when required,
• be self-motivated,
• manage conflicting priorities, and,
• remain rational, composed, and professional at all times.

• proficiency with Microsoft applications (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook etc),
• A keen interest in Data Collection systems, DIY computing and Power BI
• fluency in English language, and able to report effectively verbally and in writing, and,
• Additional languages will be an advantage.

• The candidate must have legal authorization to work in the US on a full-time basis
• Bachelor's degree in related field and/or equivalent relevant experience
• 10 or more years of military (Regular or Reservist) work experience and OF4 or above and worked in a high threat environment.
• Understand Maritime Security procedures, process and protocols and their implementation
• Worked within or engaged with Private Maritime Security Companies
• Possess experience in 'Merchant Vessel operations'. These include knowledge of shipping operations and ship/shore interface management
• Have knowledge of and ability to manage HSSE Risks effectively

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together.
• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.
• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.
• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.
• Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
• Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working.
• Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase - our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world.
• Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents.
• Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply.
• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams.
• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.