Newbuild and Conversion Project Manager

AVENTA; Paris; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent position

Based in Paris area

Regular international travel

Growth opportunities

Job summary

AVENTA is seeking a Newbuild and Conversion Project Manager to join our Paris-area team. You will steer vessel newbuilds and conversions from technical specs through shipyard selection, sea trials and delivery, with frequent travel to shipyards mainly in Asia.

You will report to the Newbuild and Projects Director and replace them when absent. The role requires travel 60–100 days/year and fluency in French and English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in maritime engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years maritime project experience (newbuilds or conversions).
• Experience managing vessel construction from specs to sea trials.

Responsibilities

• Participate in technical assessments during project and construction phases.
• Select design office and steer conceptual studies for prototypes.
• Write/adjust specs to rules, class, and company standards.
• Manage supplier selection and factory acceptance tests.
• Visit shipyards and evaluate offers and selections.
• Supervise plan approvals for hull, accommodation, deck, machinery, piping, and electrical.
• Monitor construction with site teams and shipyard PM; report delays/cost overruns.
• Lead sea trials, vessel acceptance and commissioning.
• Handle flag inspections and certificates for French-flagged vessels.
• Support warranty claims and post-delivery disputes.

Skills

Maritime engineering

Project management

Shipyard coordination

Sea trials

MS Office

Bilingual FR/EN

Education

Maritime engineering degree

Tools

Naval architecture software

Job description

For one of our clients, a leading French shipowner and maritime services group whose fleet is set to double in the coming years, we are looking for a Newbuild and Conversion Project Manager to join their newbuild and projects department in the Paris area. You will manage vessel newbuild and conversion projects from technical specification and shipyard selection to sea trials and delivery, starting directly on ongoing projects in shipyards mainly located in Asia. You will report to the Newbuild and Projects Director, whom you will replace when absent.

What you will do

• Take part in technical assessments with industrial clients during the project and construction phases
• Select the design office and steer conceptual studies for prototype vessels
• Write and adapt technical specifications to national rules, the chosen class and the company's standards
• Meet suppliers, specify the equipment suited to each vessel and finalise supplier selection, including factory acceptance tests
• Visit shipyards, analyse their offers and take part in shipyard selection
• Supervise plan approval: hull, accommodation, deck, machinery, piping and electrical plans
• Follow construction with the site supervision team and the shipyard's project manager, and report delays and cost overruns to management
• Lead sea trials, vessel acceptance and commissioning
• Handle flag inspections and certificates for French-flagged special vessels
• Support the technical department on warranty claims and disputes after delivery

What you bring

• Maritime engineering degree (ENSTA, Centrale Nantes or equivalent)
• At least 10 years of professional experience in the maritime sector
• Hands-on newbuild or conversion experience, from specification to sea trials
• Knowledge of class and flag requirements
• Good command of MS Office
• Fluent French and English, written and spoken
• Availability for 60 to 100 travel days a year, with possible missions of 3 to 4 months in shipyards

What we offer

A permanent position at the heart of a major fleet renewal and growth programme, with newbuilds and conversions of specialised vessels. The role is based in the Paris area, with regular travel to shipyards, mainly in Asia. Start date: ASAP.