Vetting Manager - Bulkers

Zodiac Maritime; England; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime firm in the UK is looking for a Vetting Manager to oversee compliance for their Dry bulk Fleet according to rigorous standards. The role involves coordinating inspections, managing vetting documentation, and ensuring operational efficiency. Candidates should have a maritime background with strong technical skills and experience in vetting processes. Solid communication abilities and a strategic mindset are essential for engaging with operations and maintaining compliance across the fleet.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Officer/Engineer on Tankers or Bulkers, with at least 1 year in a vetting role.
• Shipping background with 2+ years in shore-based vetting role.
• Familiarity with RightShip, PSC requirements and charterer vetting processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate compliance of managed Dry bulk Fleet with Rightship vetting requirements.
• Schedule inspections and review documentation for vetting processes.
• Track performance and compile vetting data for analysis.
• Draft operator responses to vetting bodies and track follow-up queries.
• Maintain records of RightShip, PSC, and third-party inspections.
• Visit vessels for periodic inspections or hands-on support.

Skills

Technical Expertise

Regulatory & Industry Knowledge

Commercial Acumen

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Relationship Management

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Education

Senior Officer Certificate (Deck or Engine) or a shipping-related degree

Tools

RightShip platform

Dry BMS and Class websites

Job description

Reporting to Head of Vetting and Marine Assurance

Location: London, UK

Office based 5 days a week

Overview of role

The Vetting Manager will be responsible for co‑ordinating the compliance of managed Dry bulk Fleet in accordance with Rightship vetting requirements, Dry BMS and other industry standards.

Key responsibilities and primary deliverables

Vetting & Inspection Coordination

• Work closely with Operations and Commercial teams to screen vessel questionnaires and documentation for pre‑fixture.
• Organise and coordinate superintendent attendance based on vessel itineraries.
• Schedule and manage RightShip, terminal, and charterer inspections in a cost‑effective and timely manner.
• Review self‑inspection and superintendent attendance reports and liaise with internal departments to resolve queries or findings.
• Provide vessels with clear guidance and necessary documents to ensure preparedness for third‑party inspections.

Inspection Management & Compliance

• Liaise with vessels, agents, and inspecting companies to facilitate smooth and cost‑effective inspections.
• Maintain updated records of all RightShip, PSC, and third‑party inspections within internal databases.
• Review inspection observations and carry out root cause analysis, ensuring timely and effective close‑out.
• Draft and submit operator responses to vetting bodies, and address follow‑up queries from RightShip, charterers, or other screening entities.
• Maintain updated records and oversee compliance with Charterers and RightShip vetting requirements on dry bulk and other applicable standards.
• Visit vessels as required for periodic inspection and /or hands‑on support.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and monitor fleet vetting performance; provide analytical insights and recommendations to improve outcomes.
• Compile and maintain fleet vetting data; generate reports and identify trends for proactive performance management.
• Disseminate fleetwide PSC and vetting observations to raise awareness and enhance compliance across vessels.
• Support and coordinate internal efforts to ensure effective implementation of the Dry Bulk Management Standard (Dry BMS), including audit readiness, action tracking, documentation, and closure of corrective measures.

Skills profile

The ideal candidate for this role will bring strong technical expertise, excellent communication abilities, and a sharp eye for compliance and operational efficiency. This role requires someone who can operate autonomously while contributing as part of a high‑performing team, manage complex vetting demands, and engage effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Technical Expertise: Proven background in bulker operations and vetting, with deep understanding of vessel inspection procedures and industry standards (e.g., RIGHTSHIP & PSC).
• Regulatory & Industry Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of international maritime legislation, flag/state requirements, Rightship vetting protocols, and best practices.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to understand and apply commercial considerations in vetting decisions and vessel readiness, including charter party compliance and stakeholder coordination.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide expert‑level advice and support across departments, vessels, and clients.
• Analytical Thinking: High level of problem‑solving ability and strategic mindset; capable of evaluating inspection reports, trends, and identifying improvement areas.
• Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills, able to build and maintain effective relationships across a multicultural and geographically dispersed workforce.
• Time Management: Demonstrated ability to prioritize and deliver high‑quality work under tight deadlines, managing multiple streams of activity simultaneously.
• Attention to Detail: Rigorous approach to accuracy and compliance, particularly in documentation, certification reviews, and inspection reporting.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment, with the resilience to handle shifting priorities and ad‑hoc tasks.

Experience

• Former seagoing Senior Officer/Engineer on Tankers or Bulker (Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or Master) with a minimum of 1 year of shore‑based experience in a vetting role within a ship management company.
• OR
• Candidates from a shipping background with minimum 2 years of relevant experience in a similar shore‑based vetting role.

Essential Experience Includes

• Day‑to‑day vetting management for bulker operations in a shore‑based setting.
• Hands‑on experience with RightShip inspections, Dry BMS compliance, and Charterer vetting processes.
• Liaising with superintendents, commercial, crewing, and technical departments to support vessel compliance and readiness.
• Familiarity with tools and platforms such as – RightShip, Dry BMS and Class websites etc.

Education & Certification

• Senior Officer Certificate (Deck or Engine) or a shipping‑related degree is required.
• Additional training or certification in maritime compliance, incident investigation, or safety management (ISM/ISPS) is an advantage.

We regret that due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Other
• Maritime Transportation and Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage