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

ABOUT THE ROLE: : 

Based in Dubai and reporting to the VP, Port Services - MEA, the role is accountable for the overall management and performance of the business unit, including financial management, HR, crewing, HSSEQ, operational delivery, and technical oversight. The position is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the DPW Express RoRo-Pax vessel and all tugs operating in the spot market, while maintaining full compliance with regulatory and company standards. The role will ensure the availability of the required operational and technical capability, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and deliver high-quality, reliable services that meet the contractual requirements and business objectives of DP World Maritime Solutions.

The Operations Manager/BU head, as the key client contact is responsible for the day to day & long-term operational and safety management, customer and stakeholder management of the Ship Management Business Unit primarily (with option to extend to other Business Units or subunits in future) personnel and fleet of vessels. The role is to deliver safe, high quality and cost-effective services to meet the contractual requirements of the Company. Monitor and report as required any issues or key initiatives to improve & ensure business continuity. 

The incumbent will lead and develop the existing local team to achieve “Global Maritime Excellence” and develop new local talent over the years.

Whilst this role is based at Dubai, it could involve worldwide travel, which may be required at short notice, and may involve extended periods (possibly even up to or more than 1 month) overseas.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

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 any concerns with regard to vessel and equipment functionality and personnel
• Responsible for the management of technical projects as required including dry dockings, new installations, conversions etc
• Oversight of other technical and/or operational functions as required and directed including leave relief
• Maintain procedures and processes which allow ownership and accountability by senior ship staff regarding operational expenses
• Ensure adequate asset and equipment acquisition and planning
• Undertake routine inspections of the vessels to verify the maintenance and operation of all shipboard equipment, to confirm that correct procedures are being implemented and in particular the effective and proper operation of cargo, safety, security and lifesaving equipment
• Accountable for vessel vetting performance, attend company vessels during clients vetting and inspections if appropriate and provide a response to the vetting, PSC & Flag observations and non-conformities
• Carry out sea-riding voyages to verify standards are being maintained and provide advice to Masters and Senior Officers
• Responsible for reviewing and responding to ships safety meeting minutes and safety inspection reports and advising Corporate Marine on unresolved matters or those that are not resolved within a timely manner
• Ensures the effective operation of Safety Committees and attends individual committee meetings as is deemed necessary
• Liaises and interfaces with representatives of Port Authorities and other organizations involved in planning port operations to secure close co-operation and availability of up-to-date information.

Financial Management:

• Ensure EBITDA targets are met for the Ship management BU

• Ensure all costs incurred are the best value for money and in accordance with contracts / regulatory requirements
• Assist in the development of annual budgets and responsible for meeting the same

• Authorisation of expenses within authority limits

• Monitoring & reporting of financial variances against budgets

• Ensure correct allocation and management of vessel operating costs
• Monitoring and reporting of operational expenses in line with budget.

Resources and Staff Management :

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

Chartering and Business Growth :

• Understand the spot market for tugs not limited to Middle East and Africa and develop business for our spot tugs. 
• Generate opportunities for the spot tugs in various segments like 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 etc.
• Develop a good industry network with Clients, brokers, marine warranty surveyors, agents etc. to ensure a prime position in securing business. 
• Assisting 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. 
• Good broker network for supporting sale and purchase, valuation and availability of assets in the market. 
• Analysis of competition and 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 / Commercial team for the renewal of existing contracts and assist on new ones
• Networking within country to identify and pursue potential opportunities that could result in viable growth for the group

Leadership and Performance Management:

• Lead and manage subordinate staff to ensure goals are achieved and services are provided in an effective and timely manner
• Develop performance development plans in conjunction 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 co-operation for continual improvement of your team’s performance
• Regularly meet with the ships’ crew to foster sound employer/employee relationships through regular transfer of information 
• Resolve or refer employee grievances and complaints in line with Company grievance and complaint handling procedures to minimize negative effects on employees and the organization's operations

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 the 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 to co-ordinate investigations and/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 of subordinate staff with health and safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment
• Monitor ongoing compliance with ISPS, ISM and ISO’s framework (9001, 14001 and 45001)
• Assist with management of auditing process in accordance with the annual audit schedule, correct deficiencies within agreed timeframes
• Ensure all incident reports are analyzed and closed out including maintaining the register and coordinating any investigation and/or action required and 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

P&O’s Sustainability Goals – Our World, Our Future

• Contribute to our sustainability goals

  • Reducing waste

  • Reducing electricity consumption

  • Reducing CO2 emissions

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE 

 Minimum Qualifications:

• 1st Class Master Mariner with Certificate of Competency 
• Management degree would be a preference 
• Fluency in speaking and writing: English is essential, Arabic, French and Spanish would be a added advantage
• Basic literacy in financial management, P&L, budgeting etc. is essential. 
   

Minimum Experience: 

• Substantial experience in the Tug industry 
• Past experience in commercial, chartering and especially in the Middle East and Africa will be preferred 
• Substantial experience in shore-based ship management
• Demonstrated knowledge of Quality and Safety Management systems in the marine industry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant software applications
• ISM Auditor accreditation (ISM/ISO/ISPS Auditor preferred)
   

Job-Specific Skills/Attributes: 

• 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
• Able to work under pressure and respond to changing work demands
• Strong customer service focus
• Exceptional commitment to the highest ethics and standards