Head of Crewing

MACNA; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

MACNA, a Saudi-owned leader in marine mobility, seeks a hands-on Head of Marine HR & Crewing to ensure reliable workforce supply, regulatory compliance, and smooth execution of contracts and payroll across our offshore and port operations.

You will lead end-to-end recruitment, contracts, payroll, training, and vendor management, partner with senior leadership, and drive international crew deployment while upholding Saudi labor and maritime regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in maritime studies, HR, or related field; master's preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR and crewing leadership experience in maritime/shipping.
• Experience leading international teams and complex workforce structures.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage; willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead Marine HR & Crewing operations: end-to-end employment, payroll, compliance, and crew deployment.
• Ensure compliance with Saudi labor law, international maritime regulations, and company policies.
• Develop workforce capability through training, performance management, and competency frameworks.
• Optimize resources, budgets, headcount, and vendor agreements for cost control.

Skills

Maritime HR

Crewing management

Labor law compliance

Vendor cost control

HRIS / HR systems

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-cultural communication

Team management

Strategic advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Maritime studies / HR / related field

Tools

HRIS

Job description

MACNA, a wholly Saudi-owned company and a key member of the Al Blagha Group, has been a leader in marine mobility solutions since 1995. Focussing on passenger and cargo transport, we operate a specialised fleet of over 30 vessels. As the partner of choice in the Kingdom of high-speed passenger ferries and landing craft, we deliver safe, reliable and customer focused services to all our clients leveraging our history, experience and expertise.

About the Role

Role provides hands-on leadership of Marine HR and Crewing operations, ensuring reliable workforce supply, regulatory compliance, and smooth execution of contracts and payroll. Acts as a trusted partner to the Company, translating business needs into practical crewing solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead Marine HR & Crewing Operations: Manage end-to-end employment processes including recruitment, contracts, payroll, compliance, and crew deployment.
• Ensure Compliance & Standards: Oversee adherence to Saudi labor law, international maritime regulations, and Company policies.
• Develop Workforce Capability: Implement training, performance management, and competency frameworks to maintain high standards.
• Optimize Resources & Vendors: Manage budgets, headcount, and manning agent agreements to ensure efficiency and cost control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime studies, Human Resources, or related field (master’s preferred).
• Previous seagoing experience is desirable.
• 10+ years of progressive HR and crewing leadership experience in the maritime/shipping industry.
• Proven success in managing international teams and complex workforce structures.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Required Skills

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Effective conflict resolution and employee relations management.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Fast and analytical decision making, based on assessment of the situation and related risks.
• Demonstrate ability to engage effectively with seafarers at all levels, address concerns, and deliver practical solutions.

Preferred Skills

• Marine HR operations management (contracts, payroll, compliance).
• Crewing management and workforce deployment.
• Labor law and maritime regulation compliance.
• Vendor and cost control management.
• HR systems and data reporting.
• Unrestricted understanding of maritime operations.
• Leadership and team management.
• Problem solving and operational decision-making.
• Cross-cultural communication and adaptability.
• Stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
• Strategic advisory to senior leadership.