General Fleet Manager – Operations (Bulk)

stonefort marine talent; Tottenham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime staffing firm is seeking an experienced General Fleet Manager to oversee operations of its global bulk fleet based in Central London. The ideal candidate will balance safety, commercial operations, and team management while ensuring regulatory compliance and optimal fleet performance. Strong leadership and extensive fleet experience are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role within global shipping, preferably in bulk.
• Ex-seafaring experience at Chief Officer or Master level is advantageous.
• Exceptional communication skills across various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe and compliant operations of bulk fleet.
• Manage operational expenses, ensuring cost efficiency.
• Literally inspire and lead a high-performing team.

Skills

Fleet operations management

Safety compliance

Team leadership

Emergency response

Commercial acumen

Education

Degree in Shipping Operations

Job description

• Central London (no hybrid).
  
  

General Fleet Manager – Operations (Bulk)

• Central London (no hybrid).
• Start: Next three months
  
  

Mark Fortnum

• [e-mail]
• [phone]
  
  

Our client is seeking to appoint an experienced General Fleet Manager to oversee and optimise the operations of its global bulk fleet.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader who has demonstrable ability to balance safety, commercial and operational needs while managing and mentoring a high-performing team,

Key Responsibilities And Primary Deliverables

• Marine Operations:
• Ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all vessels under your management, adhering to company policies, international regulations, industry standards, and Charter Party terms.
• Provide expert advice on navigation, cargo operations, stowage, and mooring to support optimal fleet performance.
• Guide Masters through Operations Managers, ensuring voyage instructions, Charter Party terms, and any special instructions are clearly communicated and understood.
• Monitor and drive fleet performance through ongoing assessment, implementation of best practices, and alignment with company objectives.
• Oversee inspections, ensuring timely and effective responses to regulatory authorities and charterers.
• Support incident and management response efforts in collaboration with relevant functional teams.
• Collaborate with crewing teams to ensure that vessels are manned with skilled and well-trained personnel.
  
  

• Commercial Operations:
• Work with commercial teams to optimise fleet utilisation and capitalise on market opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Charterers to enhance reputation and secure future business.
• Ensure timely receipt of freight and hire payments, resolving disputes or delays in coordination with commercial teams.
• Analyse market trends and operational data to identify efficiency improvements and revenue opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of commercial strategies to maximise profitability and fleet performance.
• Review and approve cost-effective bunker procurement plans.
• Provide strategic oversight of agency appointments and fee negotiations, ensuring cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
• Approve cargo documentation, as needed, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
  
  

• Safety, Compliance, Risk Management and Management of Change:
• Actively promote and enforce the company safety culture and standards aboard all vessels, collaborating closely with QHSSE.
• Ownership for ensuring that operational activities strictly adhere to the company’s QMS, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Ethical Trading, and Anti-Money Laundering policies and procedures, as well as international maritime regulations, codes, and standards.
• Manage risk assessments and the Management of Change (MOC) process for navigation, cargo, and operational changes.
• Develop and refine risk mitigation strategies, incorporating insights from incidents and near misses to enhance fleet safety and resilience.
• Ensure emergency plans are robust, regularly updated, and tested through scenario-based drills.
• Monitor and analyse risks across the fleet, providing strategic guidance to minimise exposure.
• Stay informed of industry regulations and best practices, ensuring fleet procedures are updated and operations align with emerging standards.
  
  

• Budget Management and Performance Accountability:
• Oversee operational expenses, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with General Fleet Managers in technical and crewing functions to align financial and performance objectives for the fleet.
• Drive the achievement of fleet Outcomes and Key Performance Indicators through effective leadership and teamwork.
• Analyse fleet performance metrics regularly, addressing gaps and implementing strategies to optimise results.
  
  

• Team Management:
• Empower and motivate your team by setting a clear vision for the bulk fleet and effectively communicating goals and expectations.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and productivity.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to achieve organisational objectives.
• Ensure succession and contingency planning for key roles within your team to maintain operational continuity.
• Evaluate and develop direct reports, providing ongoing feedback, growth opportunities, and training to maximise their potential.
• Champion the adoption of digital tools and updating of workflows and processes required for fleet optimisation and efficiency.
  
  

• Relevant Experience, Skills and Competencies:
• Extensive experience in fleet operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a global shipping company specialising in bulk operations. Ex-seafaring experience at Chief Officer or Master level is highly advantageous.
• A degree in Shipping Operations is preferred but not mandatory for candidates with significant ex-seafaring or equivalent industry experience.
• Deep expertise in bulk fleet operations, including optimising vessel performance, interpreting Charter Party terms, managing cargo operations, navigation, stowage, and ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations and standards.
• Proven effectiveness under pressure, with a strong record in incident management, emergency response, and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Highly skilled in analysing operational KPIs, identifying performance gaps, and driving fleet-wide improvements to maximise fleet profitability and efficiency.
• Financially and commercially astute, with hands-on experience in managing operational budgets, conducting variance analysis, and directly contributing to fleet P&L outcomes.
• Proven success in motivating and empowering teams to consistently deliver results, developing a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and sustained high performance.
  
  

• Location:
• Central London (no hybrid)
• Must be able to commute to the office five days a week.