Fleet Manager (m/f)d)

BSM Cruise Services; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Canteen contribution

Free public transport ticket

Internet fee contribution

Bike leasing (JobRad)

Childcare support (KITA)

Language courses

Fitness contribution

Urban Sports Club membership

Job summary

BSM Cruise Services in Hamburg seeks a Fleet Manager to oversee the safe, efficient operation of a cruise fleet and lead a high-performing team. You will manage client relationships, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement to uphold BSM’s reputation for excellence.

You will collaborate with Marine, Technical, Crewing, Procurement, HSEQ and Hotel teams to deliver integrated vessel operations and lead fleet life-cycle initiatives in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or equivalent maritime qualification.
• Chief Engineer or Master Mariner qualification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Technical, Marine or LPSQ Superintendent with cruise or passenger vessels.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex vessel operations.
• Experience working with ship owners, cruise operators or third‑party clients is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the safe, reliable and efficient operation of assigned vessels, ensuring compliance with international, flag state and classification requirements.
• Ensure high vessel availability and operational reliability, recognising the impact of technical failures on itineraries, guests, clients and commercial operations.
• Manage maintenance strategies, dry-dockings, refurbishments and major technical projects, ensuring effective planning and execution.
• Manage vessel budgets and OPEX/CAPEX, balancing technical requirements, reliability, compliance and commercial objectives.
• Lead and develop fleet team members and support the selection and development of senior shipboard officers.
• Coordinate closely with Marine, Technical, Crewing, Procurement, HSEQ and Hotel/Hospitality functions to ensure an integrated approach to vessel operations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Maritime degree

Chief Engineer / Master Mariner qualification

Job description

As a Fleet Manager at BSM Cruise, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and commercially viable operation of a fleet in line with international standards and regulations. You will lead a high-performing team, manage client relationships, and drive continuous improvement to uphold BSM’s reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the safe, reliable and efficient operation of assigned vessels, ensuring compliance with international, flag state and classification requirements.
• Ensure high vessel availability and operational reliability, recognising the impact of technical failures on itineraries, guests, clients and commercial operations.
• Manage maintenance strategies, dry-dockings, refurbishments and major technical projects, ensuring effective planning and execution.
• Manage vessel budgets and OPEX/CAPEX, balancing technical requirements, reliability, compliance and commercial objectives.
• Lead and coordinate vessel life-extension programmes, including long‑term technical planning, asset condition, obsolescence, major upgrades and investment requirements.
• Monitor existing and upcoming regulatory developments and translate their impact into practical fleet strategies, particularly regarding environmental compliance, decarbonisation, energy efficiency and future fuel requirements.
• Ensure effective execution of inspections, audits and surveys and timely closure of findings.
• Maintain strong relationships with ship owners, cruise operators, clients and key stakeholders, ensuring contractual obligations and expected service levels are delivered.
• Coordinate closely with Marine, Technical, Crewing, Procurement, HSEQ and Hotel/Hospitality functions to ensure an integrated approach to vessel operations.
• Lead and develop fleet team members and support the selection and development of senior shipboard officers.
• Support effective response to operational incidents and technical disruptions that may impact the vessel, itinerary, guests, client or reputation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or equivalent maritime qualification.
• Chief Engineer or Master Mariner qualification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Technical, Marine or LPSQ Superintendent with cruise or passenger vessels.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex vessel operations.
• Experience working with ship owners, cruise operators or third‑party clients is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of vessel technical requirements, class, flag and international maritime regulations, with a good understanding of the specific operational demands of cruise and passenger vessels.
• Strong understanding of the relationship between technical reliability, itinerary performance, guest operations and commercial performance.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage complex dry‑dockings, upgrades, and vessel projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, openly and confidently with clients, senior shipboard management, shore teams and external stakeholders, including in challenging situations.
• Strong leadership and people‑development capabilities, with the ability to create accountability within both shore and shipboard teams.
• Good understanding of vessel life‑cycle management, ageing assets, technical obsolescence and long‑term CAPEX planning.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound operational decisions in a fast‑paced, 24/7 passenger‑vessel environment.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance safety, compliance, vessel reliability, client expectations, and cost.

Why You Should Join Us!

You may choose up to three benefits from our benefits-catalogue:

• Contribution to our Canteen
• Free Ticket for the local public transport
• Contribution to Internet Fee
• Bike Leasing (JobRad)
• Childcare (KITA contribution)
• Language Courses
• Fitness Contribution
• Urban Sports Club Membership

In addition, you will benefit from:

• Flexible working hours and home‑office entitlement
• Annual leave days: 28
• Open‑door‑policy and flat hierarchies
• A beautiful office in the heart of Hamburg