Crewing Manager

Zodiac Maritime; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime company is seeking a Crewing Manager to oversee the operations of the India crewing office. This role involves ensuring the fleet is manned with competent seafarers, managing recruitment and compliance, and promoting welfare programs for the crew. The ideal candidate will have proven senior experience in operations and crewing, alongside strong leadership and communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the global crewing strategy and operational performance.

Qualifications

• Proven senior experience in Operations, Recruitment, Training, or Crewing.
• Strong leadership with the ability to coach and develop teams.
• Forward-looking, results-driven approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the India crewing operations team to meet fleet manning requirements.
• Ensure compliance and alignment with company crewing standards.
• Promote a high-performance culture with transparent accountability.
• Oversee welfare programmes including mental health support.
• Monitor and interpret new regulations impacting seafarer wellbeing.

Skills

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication

Collaboration

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Leadership

Decision-making ability

Education

Strong academic background; maritime qualifications advantageous

Job description

Reporting to: Head of Manning Offices - Region East

Overview of role

The India crewing office plays a critical role in supplying qualified and competent seafarers aligned with the company's standards and strategic objectives.

The Crewing Manager oversees the full spectrum of crewing operations for the assigned fleet, ensuring vessels are manned with competent, motivated and well-supported seafarers. The role encompasses recruitment, development, compliance, welfare and continuous improvement, while supporting global crewing strategy and operational performance.

Key responsibilities and primary deliverables

Strategic Delivery and Leadership

• Lead the India crewing operations team to meet fleet manning requirements for current and future needs.
• Ensure operational integrity, compliance, and alignment with company crewing standards.
• Ensure all joining crew hold correct documents, certifications and clearances.
• Maintain effective communication across departments and support company-wide crewing initiatives.
• Monitor market conditions, benchmark crew costs, and optimise the pool based on trends.
• Build strong relationships with academies, unions, medical providers, training centers, and authorities.
• Participate in global crewing projects and contribute to strategy execution.
• Track strategy delivery through defined KPIs and performance metrics.

Manning Offices / Agents

• Lead pool planning to maintain an adequate pipeline of qualified officers and ratings.
• Supervise payroll activities to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure adherence to crewing procedures, joining protocols and training requirements.
• Evaluate competitor practices, contract terms, and salary benchmarks.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards across all manning activities.

Performance Management

• Promote a high-performance culture with transparent accountability.
• Ensure compliance with internal, external, and RPSL requirements.
• Integrate performance management into crew reviews and succession planning.
• Review monthly dashboards with the Head of Manning and recommend improvements.
• Identify development needs and support programmes that enhance fleet performance.

Employee Relations

• Lead digitalisation and process optimisation to improve transparency and efficiency.
• Oversee welfare programmes, including mental health support and family engagement initiatives.
• Manage grievance procedures with structured escalation and timely resolutions.
• Conduct satisfaction surveys, analyse retention data, and implement engagement improvements.
• Monitor industry and regulatory developments impacting seafarer wellbeing.

Emergency Response

• Provide flexibility to support urgent or emergency requirements outside normal hours.
• Participate in out-of-hours emergency response activities with the Head of Manning.
• Understand and be aware of the emergency duties and practices on-board vessels and regulatory requirements locally.

Legislation and Compliance

• Monitor and interpret new regulations from Flag, IMO, TMSA, RightShip and other bodies.
• Recommend policy updates and help ensure their consistent implementation.
• Support SMS compliance and audit preparedness across all crewing processes.
• Conduct gap analyses and recommend improvements balancing cost, efficiency and welfare.

Skills Profile

Relevant experience and education

• Strong academic background; maritime qualifications advantageous.
• Proven senior experience in Operations, Recruitment, Training, or Crewing.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and cost optimisation.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail, sound judgement, and strong decision-making ability.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to coach and develop teams.
• Forward-looking, results driven approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.