Voyage Operations Team Leader

James Fisher and Sons plc; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits tailored to the ​

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons plc in London is seeking a Voyage Operations Team Leader to oversee a team of Voyage Operators, delivering safe, compliant voyages and driving commercial and operational performance.

You will lead and develop the team, coordinate with stakeholders, manage third‑party contracts, monitor regulatory changes, and provide out‑of‑hours support, shaping safe, efficient maritime operations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team of voyage operators or similar operations staff.
• Strong understanding of commercial and regulatory aspects of voyage operations.
• High attention to detail to ensure compliance and safe execution.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop a team of Voyage Operators with day-to-day line management.
• Provide technical and commercial support to ensure safe, efficient voyage execution.
• Manage third-party service contracts (tug, port agency, bunkers).
• Build relationships with customers and service providers; monitor regulations and best practices.
• Lead governance activities including environmental reporting and group reporting.
• Provide out-of-hours support on a rotational basis.

Skills

Team leadership

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independent working

Stakeholder engagement

Voyage operations knowledge

Job description

About the Role

Voyage Operations Team Leader Full-Time, Permanent London

The Role: As Voyage Operations Team Leader, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the commercial success and operational performance of the business. Leading a team of Voyage Operators, you will provide both commercial and technical expertise to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of voyages. This role combines hands‑on operational oversight with people leadership, driving high standards, optimising performance, and supporting the delivery of exceptional service to customers and stakeholders.

What you'll be doing:

People Leadership

• Lead, support and develop a team of Voyage Operators, providing day‑to‑day line management and performance oversight.
• Coach and train new team members, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience and ongoing professional development.
• Provide leadership cover for the Head of Voyage Operations as required.

Operational and Commercial excellence

• Deliver technical and commercial support across a range of voyage operations activities, including chemical and CPP cargo compatibility, tank preparation, port and berth suitability, and cargo stowage planning.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational and commercial support to the Voyage Operations team, ensuring the efficient execution of voyages.
• Manage key third‑party service contracts, including tug, port agency and bunkers.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, customers and service providers.
• Monitor and maintain awareness of relevant legislation, industry regulations and best practice impacting voyage operations.
• Ensure Voyage Operations procedures remain effective, compliant and aligned with Group policies, legislative and business requirements.
• Lead Voyage Operations governance activities, including environmental regulatory reporting, audit and Group reporting requirements.
• Provide out‑of‑hours Voyage Operations support on a rotational basis.

Continuous Improvement and Projects

• Lead projects and improvement initiatives, or provide subject matter expertise to support wider business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, compliance and service delivery across the function.

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of chemical and oil tanker operations is essential, with the ability to apply technical expertise to support safe and efficient voyage execution.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or supervising a team, with a proven ability to motivate and develop others.
• Previous experience in Voyage Operations, Chartering, Ship Brokerage or Port Agency.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to make sound operational decisions that support business objectives.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy, compliance and problem‑solving.
• Self‑motivated, proactive and able to work independently while managing competing priorities.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage professionally across all levels of the business.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced operational environment and respond positively to changing business needs.

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 idaas and contributions
• Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

With two centuries of maritime shipping and innovation, James Fisher is a trusted partner in the safe and efficient movement of the world’s critical resources. As a market leader in ship‑to‑ship transfer and coastal shipping, we help customers protect people, cargo and infrastructure while shaping the future of global maritime transport. You can find out more about Maritime transport here

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA