Ship Manager

JamesFisher; Barrow-in-Furness; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

James Fisher is seeking a Ship Manager to oversee vessel readiness, maintenance, capability, and safety for assigned ships. The post reports to the Senior Ship Manager and ensures SMS compliance and regulatory adherence while managing the Master and Chief Engineer.

The role requires strong leadership, planning, and problem-solving abilities, with travel and out-of-hours coverage as needed in a global maritime operation.

Qualifications

• Leadership and team management in a fast-paced environment.
• Good problem-solving and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of maritime regulations and ship operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vessel operations, maintenance, and safety in line with SMS and regulatory standards.
• Manage Master and Chief Engineer, crew training, and performance.
• Plan repairs, dry-docks, surveys, and vessel servicing within budget.
• Maintain accurate operation records and reports for management.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Willingness to travel

UK driving licence

Education

Marine Engineering or Nautical Science qualifications

Class 2 Motor/Deck preferred (not compulsory)

Tools

AMOS PMS

REFMAN dry-docking software

Ship management software/tools

Job description

Ship Manager

Permanent position, (Hybrid working)

Location is flexible

Reporting to the Senior Ship Manager, the Ship Manager is fully accountable for all aspects of vessel operational readiness, maintenance, capability and safety for the assigned vessels.

The role involves ensuring full compliance with the company SMS, regulations and third-party stakeholder requirements. The position is also responsible for the operational management of the Master and Chief Engineer on assigned vessels. This role plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of operational performance.

Key Duties and responsibilities:

Operational:

• Undertake ride on, SIRE pre-vetting's, SIRE vetting's, terminal visits and attend Class surveys as detailed within the SMS and manage repair periods, dry docks, surveys, inspections and servicing of vessels and their equipment
• Oversee the operations and maintenance of the company’s fleet, ensuring all vessels are in optimal condition and comply with regulatory standards.
• Ensure all ships comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as company policies and procedures.
• Manage and support the ship's crew, ensuring they are well-trained, motivated, and adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of ship operations, prepare reports, and provide regular updates to management.
• Conduct inspections onboard the company’s fleet and ensure findings are recorded and closed out as per company procedures. If appropriate, then findings are to be shared across the fleet/business as part of knowledge sharing.
• Incident investigations are to be conducted as required and recorded as per company procedures.
• Arrange, plan and execute necessary service repairs/surveys for vessels and equipment, liaising with surveyors and contractors as required.
• Manage the planned maintenance for their respective ships/Ship Group within the approved level of budgetary control.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in ship operations and implement initiatives to enhance performance and safety.
• Implement and maintain processes and procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ship operations.
• Manage and support the ship's crew, ensuring they are well-trained, motivated, and adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Such other duties commensurate with the position as may be determined from time to time by the senior leaders in the business.

Strategic:

Support the delivery of an effective and efficient ship management strategy as required by senior management.

Drive performance to ensure that strategic goals are met.

Prepare specifications for repair periods and drydocks for their nominated vessels then subsequently plan and execute.

What we’re looking for:

You will need excellent leadership and team management skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

The ability to solve complex technical problems, along with having a history of innovative ship system solutions.

Key skills, knowledge and experience:

• Marine Engineering or Nautical Science industry recognized qualifications, Superintendence or managerial experience. Class 2 Motor or Deck preferred but not compulsory.
• Understanding and proficient in the use of electronic PMS and SMS – preferably AMOS.
• Understanding and proficient in the use of electronic dry-docking software – Preferably REFMAN.
• Proven experience in ship management or a similar role.
• Strong technical knowledge and expertise in ship operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of and experience of working with tankers.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency in using ship management software and tools.
• Extensive experience in ship management and operations.
• Strong knowledge of maritime regulations and standards.

You must have a full UK driving license and be willing to travel at short notice.

The Company operates their vessels on 24-hour basis 365 days of the year and so travel at short notice and weekend working will be required at times.

The role will also form part of the company “Out of Hours” emergency response rota.

For this position you will need the right to reside and work in the UK.

Availability to attend the head office in Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria.

You will need to have the availability to visit vessels on a frequent basis as per the company's SMS and attend dry dock periods. The ships generally operate but not limited to the UK, Europe and the Caribbean.

Travel to other locations will be as per company requirements and trading areas.

Sailing visits are required once per year, as per the company’s SMS on each assigned vessel.

Why join us?

Competitive benefits tailored to the division.

Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation.

A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.

Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Visit our website at: www.james-fisher.com

Maritime Transport - With nearly two centuries of maritime shipping and innovation, James Fisher has an unrivalled reputation for quality, safety and reliability. Our long-standing customer partnerships allow us to deliver the highest possible standard of maritime solutions. As a global specialist in ship-to-ship transfer and coastal shipping, James Fisher is a recognised market leader in the movement of the world’s critical resources. Ensuring safety at sea and in port, and investing in the fleet of tomorrow, James Fisher is shaping the future of maritime.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.