Operation Manager (Dredging)

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited; Maharashtra; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) is a fast-growing marine services provider active across dredging, ship repairs, and port facilities. The Operation Manager – Dredging Operations will plan, manage, and execute dredging projects across multiple sites from project sites to head office locations.

The role requires 7–10 years of dredging/marine operations experience, strong leadership, and proficiency in Excel and project MIS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 7-10 years of dredging/marine project operations experience, preferably managing multiple projects.
• Strong understanding of dredging methodologies, hydrographic surveys, and project costing.
• Proven leadership, client coordination, and operational planning abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, project reporting, and operational MIS.

Responsibilities

• Dredging Operations & Project Execution: Manage day-to-day dredging operations with TSHD, CSD, grab and backhoe dredgers; develop deployment plans and targets.
• Commercial & Cost Control: Monitor budgets, fuel costs, subcontractors, and equipment productivity; review progress and reports.
• Client & Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with port authorities, consultants, and clients; ensure timely submission of reports and documentation.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to HSE policies, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Reporting & Performance Monitoring: Submit regular reports on production, costs, utilization, and risks; drive productivity improvements.

Skills

Dredging operations

Marine project ops

Leadership

Project management

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Marine/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MS Excel

Project MIS

Job description

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) is a fast-growing, dynamic player in the marine industry. Managing human resources at KMEW requires a distinct approach that balances corporate HR metrics with the logistical complexities of dredging operations, ship repairs, port ancillary crafts, and multi-country maritime staffing.

Operation Manager – Dredging Operations

Department: Operations

Reporting To: General Manager – Operations / COO

Location: Project Sites / Head Office

Experience: 7-10 Years in Dredging or Marine Operations

CTC : 18-22 Lac/Annum

1. Job Purpose

To plan, manage, and execute dredging operations across multiple project sites, ensuring optimum utilization of dredgers and marine equipment, achievement of production targets, cost control, compliance with contractual requirements, and safe and timely project delivery.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Dredging Operations & Project Execution

• Manage day-to-day dredging operations involving TSHD, CSD, grab dredgers, backhoe dredgers, and other marine equipment.
• Prepare operational plans, deployment schedules, production targets, and mobilization/demobilization strategies.
• Monitor dredging progress, daily production, downtime, fuel consumption, and equipment performance against project targets.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, site teams, vessel masters, technical teams, and clients to ensure smooth execution.

B. Commercial & Cost Control

• Monitor project budgets, operating costs, fuel consumption, subcontractor expenses, and equipment productivity.
• Review daily progress reports, dredging quantities, hydrographic survey results, and monthly performance statements.
• Support preparation of RA bills, variation claims, extension-of-time submissions, and other contractual correspondence.

C. Client & Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with port authorities, IWAI, DCI, consultants, survey agencies, and other client representatives.
• Ensure timely submission of progress reports, survey records, method statements, and other contractual documentation.
• Address operational issues and coordinate corrective actions to maintain client satisfaction and project performance.

E. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with HSE policies, marine safety regulations, environmental requirements, and statutory certifications.
• Monitor safe navigation, dredging procedures, toolbox meetings, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure adherence to project specifications, required depth and width, and applicable quality standards.

D. Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Submit periodic operational reports to senior management covering production, costs, equipment utilization, project risks, and cash-flow-related operational issues.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement measures to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance profitability.

3. Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience in dredging and marine project operations, preferably with experience managing multiple projects.
• Strong understanding of dredging methodologies, hydrographic surveys, LAD requirements, dredging quantities, marine equipment, and project costing.
• Proven experience in team leadership, client coordination, operational planning, and commercial management.
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and problem‑solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and cost‑control orientation.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, project reporting, and operational MIS.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work at remote marine project locations.

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of project production and completion targets.
• Fleet utilization and reduction in operational downtime.
• Control of fuel consumption and operating costs.
• Compliance with safety, quality, and statutory requirements.
• Timely billing support and accurate operational reporting.
• Client satisfaction and overall project profitability.