Vessel Data Manager

Kpler group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kpler is seeking a Vessel Team Data Manager to lead a critical maritime data program. You will guide a team of analysts, define vessel and company data logic, and spearhead data excellence to support product and commercial decisions.

Work with Product, Engineering, Data, and Commercial teams to shape how maritime data is collected, managed, and delivered, turning industry knowledge into value for customers.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in data management or analytics, plus 2+ years of people management.
• SME-level knowledge of the maritime industry, vessel data, or related domains.
• Proven experience leading technical data teams.
• Advanced SQL and Python skills.
• Experience with ETL, APIs, data ingestion, and web-scraping.
• Proficiency with data visualization tools (Tableau/Looker).
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods for automated validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a data analytics team of analysts.
• Act as SME on Vessel Particulars & Companies data logic, rules and datasets.
• Identify and integrate new datasets into databases.
• Develop and test business logic, create dashboards, and curate datasets.
• Allocate resources and train team members.
• Implement automation, integrate data sources, and maintain platforms.
• Collaborate with tech stakeholders for infrastructure and support commercial data insights.
• Enhance data quality and align with company objectives.
• Manage KPIs and OKRs, provide improvement insights, and support product development.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data management

Leadership

ETL

APIs

Web scraping

Tableau

Looker

Statistics

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Science/CS/Engineering/Maritime Studies

Tools

Tableau

Looker

APIs

Dataiku

Job description

At Kpler, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate complex markets with ease. By simplifying global trade information and providing valuable insights, we empower organisations to make informed decisions in commodities, energy, and maritime sectors.

Since our founding in 2014, we have focused on delivering top-tier intelligence through user-friendly platforms. Our team of over 700 experts from 35+ countries works tirelessly to transform intricate data into actionable strategies, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a dynamic market landscape. Join us to leverage cutting-edge innovation for impactful results and experience unparalleled support on your journey to success.

Your future position

Join Kpler’s Maritime Data team as our next Vessel Team Data Manager and help shape the future of maritime intelligence.

In this high-impact leadership role, you will be responsible for one of the industry’s most valuable maritime datasets- ensuring our vessel particulars and company data remain accurate, trusted, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of our customers and products.

You will bring your maritime expertise and leadership experience to guide a talented team of analysts, improve the way we manage and develop our data, and introduce scalable processes that support Kpler’s continued growth. As the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for vessel and company data, you will be the driving force behind data excellence, ensuring our information remains a trusted foundation for decision-making across the maritime industry.

Working closely with Product, Engineering, Data, and Commercial teams, you will have the opportunity to influence how maritime data is collected, managed, and delivered -turning industry knowledge into solutions that create real value for our customers.

If you are passionate about maritime intelligence, data quality, and building high-performing teams, this is your opportunity to make a visible impact in a fast-growing global company.

Your mission is to:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of data analysts, fostering growth, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the subject matter expert on Vessel Particulars & Companies business logic, rules, and datasets.
• Identify and integrate new datasets into our databases.
• Develop and test business logic, create dashboards, and curate datasets.
• Allocate resources, support team members, and identify training needs.
• Implement automation solutions, integrate new data sources, and maintain related platforms.
• Collaborate with tech stakeholders for infrastructure needs and support commercial teams with data insights.
• Enhance proprietary data quality and keep the team aligned with company objectives.
• Manage KPIs and OKRs, provide insights for improvement, and support product development.

Experience & Background

Essential:

• 8+ years of experience in data management, analytics, or related roles, including 2+ years of direct people management experience.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level knowledge of the maritime industry, including vessel data, shipping operations, or related maritime domains.
• Proven People Manager experience managing, building, and developing technical data teams.
• Advanced, hands‑on proficiency in SQL and Python.
• Proven experience designing, optimizing, and maintaining ETL processes, working with APIs for data ingestion, and utilizing web-scraping frameworks.
• Practical familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker).
• A strong understanding of statistical methodologies to build automated data validation logic.

Desirable:

• Project management experience.
• Experience with Dataiku or similar data science and workflow automation platforms.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong people leadership skills with a focus on coaching, development, and team empowerment.
• Ownership mindset with accountability for data quality and operational excellence.
• Structured and process-oriented approach, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical thinking and curiosity with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Maritime Studies or a related field.

Kpler is committed to providing a fair, inclusive and diverse work‑environment. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse, global community. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.