DP World - Maritime Solutions - Operations Manager / BU Head – Ship Management

Role Overview

Operations Manager / BU Head – Ship Management at DP World Maritime Solutions, based in Dubai, reporting to the VP, Port Services - MEA. The role is accountable for overall management and performance of the Ship Management Business Unit.

Role Purpose

Deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the DPW Express RoRo-Pax vessel and all tugs operating in the spot market while maintaining full regulatory and company compliance. Ensure availability of required operational and technical capability, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and meet contractual requirements and business objectives of DP World Maritime Solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Ship Management

• Ensure fleet vessels are maintained and fully operational to meet statutory and charter obligations.
• Liaise with Masters, Chief Engineers and sea staff to address concerns regarding vessel and equipment functionality and personnel.
• Manage technical projects including dry dockings, new installations, and conversions as required.
• Provide oversight of other technical and operational functions as directed, including leave relief.
• Maintain procedures and processes that allow ownership and accountability by senior ship staff regarding operational expenses.
• Ensure adequate asset and equipment acquisition and planning.
• Undertake routine inspections of vessels to verify maintenance and operation of all shipboard equipment and confirm correct procedures are implemented, particularly for cargo, safety, security and lifesaving equipment.
• Hold accountability for vessel vetting performance, attend company vessels during client vetting and inspections if appropriate, and provide response to vetting, PSC and Flag observations and non-conformities.
• Carry out sea-riding voyages to verify standards are being maintained and provide advice to Masters and Senior Officers.
• Review and respond to ships' safety meeting minutes and safety inspection reports, advising Corporate Marine on unresolved matters or those not resolved within a timely manner.
• Ensure effective operation of Safety Committees and attend individual committee meetings as deemed necessary.
• Liaise and interface with representatives of Port Authorities and other organizations involved in planning port operations to secure close cooperation and availability of up-to-date information.

Financial Management

• Ensure EBITDA targets are met for the Ship Management Business Unit.
• Ensure all costs incurred represent best value for money and comply with contracts and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in development of annual budgets and ensure targets are met.
• Authorize expenses within authority limits.
• Monitor and report financial variances against budgets.
• Ensure correct allocation and management of vessel operating costs.
• Monitor and report operational expenses in line with budget.

Resources and Staff Management

• Ensure fleet is manned in accordance with statutory, Class, Company and client requirements.
• Resolve personnel matters, including industrial relations, and build effective relationships between management and staff.
• Oversee management of leave liabilities to acceptable levels as determined by Company.
• Oversee recruitment of staff in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Leadership and Performance Management

• Lead and manage subordinate staff to ensure goals are achieved and services are provided effectively and timeously.
• Develop performance development plans with subordinates to set performance direction and identify training and development needs.
• Regularly monitor and assess performance of subordinate staff to provide constructive feedback and improve job performance.
• Promote an environment of cooperation for continual improvement of team performance.
• Regularly meet with ships' crew to foster sound employer-employee relationships through regular transfer of information.
• Resolve or refer employee grievances and complaints in line with Company procedures to minimize negative effects on employees and the organization.
• Lead and develop existing local team to achieve Global Maritime Excellence and develop new local talent.

Chartering and Business Growth

• Understand the spot market for tugs across the Middle East and Africa and develop business for spot tugs.
• Generate opportunities for spot tugs in segments including Oil & Gas, Rig and Barge towages, Dry dock replacement, Front runners in Ports and terminals, Pull back duties, SPM terminal management, Safety standby and emergency response services.
• Develop good industry network with Clients, brokers, marine warranty surveyors and agents to ensure a prime position in securing business.
• Assist the team in timely invoicing and collection of payments for spot market.
• Negotiate charter parties and BIMCO contracts with clients.
• Support the team in timely preparation of proposals and offers to clients.
• Maintain good broker network for supporting sale and purchase, valuation and availability of assets in the market.
• Analyze competition and maintain knowledge of their movements in the market.
• Identify and take action on areas which can be improved and provide better value for money.
• Work with the Business Development and Commercial team for renewal of existing contracts and assist on new ones.
• Network within country to identify and pursue potential opportunities that could result in viable growth for the group.

Quality Control

• Monitor subordinate staff awareness of and compliance with Company policy and procedures in line with quality and environmental standards.
• Maintain all files and records in an up-to-date and accurate manner to improve efficiency of day-to-day activities and compliance with statutory and quality standards.

Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Management

• Communicate health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure staff understand and comply with current policy and practice requirements.
• Take appropriate action to respond to issues identified from Vessel Safety Meeting minutes and incident reports and coordinate investigations or action required by management.
• Ensure fleet vessels are operated to and comply with company Health, Safety, Environment and Quality standards and processes.
• Monitor use and compliance with company Safety, Environment and Quality Management System by subordinate staff with health and safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
• Monitor ongoing compliance with ISPS, ISM and ISO frameworks (9001, 14001 and 45001).
• Assist with management of auditing process in accordance with the annual audit schedule and correct deficiencies within agreed timeframes.
• Ensure all incident reports are analyzed and closed out including maintaining the register and coordinating any investigation or action required to ensure no repeat incidents.
• Ensure conduct and review of annual Ship Shore Emergency Drills.
• Take corrective action to remedy safety hazards or risks and restore a safe working environment.
• Contribute to sustainability goals including reducing waste, reducing electricity consumption, and reducing CO2 emissions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 1st Class Master Mariner with Certificate of Competency.
• Management degree preferred.
• Substantial experience in the tug industry.
• Substantial experience in shore-based ship management.
• Past experience in commercial, chartering, and especially in the Middle East and Africa preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Quality and Safety Management systems in the marine industry.
• ISM Auditor accreditation (ISM/ISO/ISPS Auditor preferred).
• Fluency in speaking and writing in English essential; Arabic, French and Spanish advantageous.
• Basic literacy in financial management, P&L, and budgeting essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Well-developed leadership and management skills.
• Sound financial management skills.
• High level analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level communication and interpersonal skills including report writing.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to changing work demands.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant software applications.
• Exceptional commitment to the highest ethics and standards.

Additional Information

• Based in Dubai; worldwide travel may be required at short notice, potentially involving extended periods of up to or more than one month overseas.