Marine Fleet Supervisor

South Port NZ Ltd; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

South Port NZ Ltd in Invercargill invites an experienced maritime professional to lead day-to-day marine operations, ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective fleet performance. You will work with the Marine Operations Manager to drive safety, readiness, risk management and continuous improvement across tug and launch operations.

The role requires SRL certificate (Master 500GT preferred), strong leadership, and excellent communication to manage crews and stakeholders in a regulatory

Qualifications

• Minimum Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) Certificate required; Master 500GT preferred.
• Experience in maritime command or port operations.
• Demonstrated leadership of high-performing marine teams.
• Strong safety leadership with risk management and regulatory compliance knowledge.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership for safe, reliable, cost-effective operation of the marine fleet.
• Monitor fleet readiness, performance, maintenance and emerging issues.
• Identify and manage safety, fatigue and compliance risks; implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with regulators and harbour authorities; ensure compliance with Maritime Act and Harbour bylaws.
• Oversee contractors and service providers; manage audits and surveys.
• Deliver crew development, planning and day-to-day guidance.
• Lead toolbox talks and pre-start briefings to reinforce safe operating standards.

Skills

Maritime leadership

Crew management

Regulatory compliance

Operational planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

SRL Certificate

Master 500GT (preferred)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026.

Are you an experienced, highly skilled maritime professional looking for a new challenge? Look no further - an exciting opportunity awaits you at South Port!

About the role

In this newly created role, you will work alongside the Marine Operations Manager to strengthen day-to-day leadership across South Port’s marine fleet. You will play a key leadership role in keeping our tug and launch operations safe, reliable and efficient, while building crew capability, maintaining fleet readiness, managing risk and compliance, and driving ongoing improvement across marine operations.

Key responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and supervisory responsibility for the safe, reliable and cost-effective operation of the marine fleet

Monitor and report on fleet readiness, operational performance, maintenance activities and emerging issues

Identify, manage and escape operational, safety, fatigue and compliance risks, supporting timely corrective action

Support compliance with maritime regulatory requirements, including the Maritime Transport Act, Maritime Rules, Harbour bylaws and harbourmaster directions

Coordinate and oversee contractors, suppliers, service providers, surveyors and auditors working with the marine fleet

Serve as Relief Tug Master or Launch Master when required, including covering periods of planned and unplanned leave

Support the capability, development and overall performance of marine crew through effective planning, coordination and day-to-day guidance

Lead regular crew toolboxes and pre-start briefings to communicate priorities, reinforce safe operating standards and share operational updates

About you

Relevant maritime command or port operations experience, and proven vessel-handling capability

Strong people leadership capability, with demonstrated ability to lead high-performing marine teams

Extensive marine fleet knowledge supported by strong operational judgement and problem-solving skills

Demonstrated safety leadership with a strong understanding of maritime safety, risk management and regulatory compliance

Strong planning, organisation and attention to detail, and ability to prioritise competing demands

Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills

A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to enhance systems, processes and operational performance

Contractor and supplier management capability, including an understanding of procurement processes, service coordination and delegated authority limits

Qualifications: Minimum Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) Certificate, preferably a Master 500GT

Work Eligibility: Valid, unrestricted working rights (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support relocation at this time)

About us

The Marine Department provides 24/7 towage and pilotage services to South Port's shipping customers and is responsible for management and maintenance of the Company's marine fleet of harbour tugs, pilot launches, and other floating plant.