Fleet Manager

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
To lead the Ship Management Fleet Cell to ensure that assigned vessels are managed and operated to the highest standards, are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and in accordance with V.Ships Safety & Quality Management System (VMS), standards and policies, ensuring client satisfaction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES and TASKS:
1. Manage the day to day activities of the Fleet Cell to ensure it operates effectively and efficiently in the provision of management services required under the Management Agreement.
2. Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients and maintain close contact when/if problems arise on their ships. Through open and transparent communications endeavour to provide a high level of client satisfaction.
3. Working in cooperation with the Fleet Director and Managing Director ensure the Fleet Cell is adequately staffed and that satisfactory levels of competence and experience are available to meet changing demands and priorities.
4. Oversee and have control of the vessels' performance, shipboard maintenance and repair programmes, dry-dockings, deficiencies, class and flag surveys, and ensure these are completed within the required time scales.
5. Approve with the Fleet Director, the annual Vessel Operating Budgets prior to submission to the client. Monitor the development of actual costs throughout the year and take appropriate actions to ensure that expenditure is maintained within budget levels. Unbudgeted expenditure must be authorised by the client.
6. Approve the dry-docking specification and any other major repair works prior to tendering.
7. In discussion and agreement with Fleet Superintendents prepare a 'vessel visitation plan' to ensure compliance with the Ship Management Agreement. Monitor progress of ship visits throughout the year and identify to the Fleet Director when/if resources are inadequate to fully comply with plan.
8. Ensure Client Reports are delivered on time and to the standard required by the Client Portfolio.
9. Contribute fully to the investigation of incidents and/or accidents that happen onboard assigned vessels. Provide technical input as required and ensure open and supportive communication is maintained between ship and shore teams during the investigation process. Review and facilitate with the Fleet Cell lessons learned following completion of investigation.
10. Control and minimise risks within all operations and act as a member of the risk assessment team when required.
11. Actively promote and support the development, cohesion and productivity of the Fleet Cell & Support Teams ashore and the Ship Management Team afloat in order to achieve effective and professional working relationships. Ensure Performance Appraisals are carried out on each Senior Officer onboard assigned vessels, and contribute as appropriate to their career development.
12. Report to the Senior Management any issues that affect the safety, environmental or operational performance of assigned vessels.
13. Develop both professionally and personally direct reports by carrying out meaningful and timely Performance Appraisals and reviews. This includes the flagging of training & development requirements to the MD for agreement and inclusion in the Office training plan.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB (Qualifications, essential skills, and experience)
Recognised marine qualification and/or relevant experience at sea.
Previous experience in a managerial role in a marine related company.
Dry Bulk experience preferred

Good communication (oral and written) skills,
Good interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and interact with people at all levels.
Good planning and organisational skills,
Ability to produce creative and effective solutions to problems,
Committed to delivering a quality service, controlling costs and providing value for money,
Coaching and mentoring skills - desirable.