As the HR Administrator of a Royal Navy submarine, you’ll make an invaluable contribution to the livelihood of your crew, and most importantly, the security of our nation and reputation of the Submarine Service. You’ll be in charge of Human Resources, dealing with legal matters, salaries, welfare and careers for your 120 crewmates. But most importantly the security of our nation and reputation of the Submarine Service.
But first and foremost you’re a Submariner, part of the highly trained, elite Silent Service. You’ll do everything from steering the submarine and damage control training, to delivering special forces behind enemy lines. It’s about as far from a ‘desk job’ as you can get.
Writer (Submariner)
With a £5,000 bonus for earning your 'Dolphins', you’ll be in charge of Human Resources (HR) as part of one of the Navy’s most elite teams.
Start your application
This role is classed as a RBP Logistics and Personnel Rating. As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.
Register interest- £26,334 - £75,556
- No qualifications
- Submarine Service
- Logistics
- Rating level

Role details
- Become an essential part of the behind-the-scenes team who ensure your crewmates have everything they need - from your fellow ratings to your Captain
- You'll run an extremely tight HR operation, no matter where you are in the world - and regardless of the pressures of the operation you're deployed on
- As a submariner, you'll make a vital contribution to highly classified missions all over the world, part of the team that's at the vanguard of our nation's defence
- Stay up to date with industry best practice, gaining recognised HR qualifications including an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration
- A starting salary of at least £26,334
- Potential earnings of up to £75,556 as a WO1 basic pay
- An excellent pension scheme
- Six weeks of paid holiday every year
- Free medical and dental care
- Extra Submariner benefits can be found here
Qualifications you'll gain
- Study for GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQs or a degree
- Gain specialist vocational qualifications as your career progresses, like a Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
Skills you'll develop
- The excellent organisational skills needed for a seamless HR operation, valued by employers all over the world
- A pin-sharp eye for detail, collaborative teamwork, professionalism and problem-solving, and the ability to communicate at all levels
- You need to be aged between 16-39 (You can start your application from 15 years and 9 months old however you must be at least 16 years old on day of entry to basic training)
- No qualifications are required for this role
- You must be a United Kingdom citizen or British Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
- You must have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously prior to application
- You need to be a minimum height of 157cm
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
- A genuine people person, who can be proactive and reactive in a broad variety of personal and professional situations
- A problem-solver, with a common sense approach, who can work well as part of a team
- A real sense of adventure, with a high level of physical and mental fitness
Being part of the Submarine Service makes me proud and gives me real purpose. Every day, I’m helping all my mates on board with what they need, and I get a kick out of knowing I’m part of something much bigger too.
Career progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Phase one training
10 weeks at HMS Raleigh, learning basic military skills
Phase two training
Develop your professional skills, prepare for working life
First year
Submariner training, time at sea, and earn ‘Dolphins’
First promotion – Leading Hand
Leading Rates Command Course, learn about line management
Second promotion – Petty Officer
Become an office manager, overseeing all pay and admin
Joining Process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
- Register your interest
- Complete your application
- Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
- Interview
- Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)
- Start training
Start your application
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
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