Trenching Supervisor

Advance Global Recruitment Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 115,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance Global Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Offshore Trenching Supervisor to lead subsea trenching and burial operations on international assignments. You will supervise offshore activities, coordinate personnel, and ensure safe deployment and maintenance of SMD trenching equipment.

Applicants must have proven offshore supervisory experience with SMD trenching systems, and strong technical knowledge of subsea trenching equipment across mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and control

Qualifications

• Extensive offshore trenching supervisory experience.
• Hands-on experience with SMD trenching systems.
• Strong knowledge of subsea trenching equipment across mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control systems.
• Ability to interpret trenching data and project specifications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily offshore trenching operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Oversee deployment, operation and recovery of SMD trenching systems.
• Coordinate trenching personnel and operational teams offshore.
• Monitor trenching performance and equipment parameters.

Skills

Offshore supervision

SMD trenching systems

Subsea trenching equipment knowledge

Leadership

Safety & HSE

Communication

Job description

Position: Offshore Trenching Supervisor
Location: Offshore - International Assignments
Department: Subsea / Trenching Operations
Employment Type: Offshore Contract / Rotation

Role Overview

Advance Global Recruitment (AGR) is seeking experienced Offshore Trenching Supervisors with proven SMD equipment experience to support subsea trenching and cable installation operations on behalf of our international clients.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising offshore trenching activities, coordinating operational personnel and ensuring the safe and efficient deployment, operation, maintenance and recovery of subsea trenching systems.

Applicants must demonstrate previous supervisory experience on offshore trenching projects, with a strong technical and operational understanding of SMD trenching equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily offshore trenching operations, ensuring activities are completed safely and efficiently in accordance with project requirements.
• Oversee the deployment, operation and recovery of SMD subsea trenching systems.
• Coordinate trenching personnel, technicians and operational teams during offshore activities.
• Monitor trenching performance, equipment parameters, burial depths and operational progress.
• Support subsea cable and pipeline burial operations, including pre-lay and post-lay trenching activities.
• Ensure trenching operations comply with approved project procedures, method statements and risk assessments.
• Oversee planned preventative maintenance, fault finding and repairs on SMD trenching equipment.
• Liaise with offshore management, vessel personnel, project engineers and client representatives.
• Review seabed conditions, trenching performance and operational limitations to optimise equipment efficiency.
• Ensure accurate completion of daily operational reports, trenching logs, maintenance records and project documentation.
• Coordinate equipment inspections, pre-deployment checks and operational readiness assessments.
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, permit-to-work procedures and emergency response drills.
• Identify and report equipment defects, operational hazards and potential project delays.
• Maintain compliance with company HSE procedures and applicable offshore industry standards.
• Previous offshore experience working as a Trenching Supervisor is essential.
• Proven hands‑on experience with SMD trenching systems is mandatory.
• Demonstrable experience supervising subsea trenching and burial operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of subsea trenching equipment, including mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and control systems.
• Experience overseeing equipment deployment, recovery, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of subsea cable installation, cable burial and offshore construction operations.
• Ability to interpret trenching data, operational parameters and project specifications.
• Experience coordinating offshore personnel and managing operational activities.
• Strong understanding of offshore lifting operations, risk assessments and permit-to-work procedures.
• Excellent leadership, communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with vessel management, project teams and client representatives.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, equipment reliability and operational performance.

Mandatory Certification & Documentation

All applicants must hold the following valid certification and documentation:

• Valid Passport - suitable for international offshore travel and mobilisation.
• Two Professional References - preferably from recent offshore supervisors or employers.
• BOSIET / FOET - valid offshore survival training.
• CA-EBS - valid certification.
• OEUK Offshore Medical Certificate - valid and in date.

Additional Requirements

• Must be medically fit and available for offshore deployment.
• Must be willing to work rotational offshore assignments.
• Must demonstrate verifiable experience supervising operations involving SMD trenching equipment.
• Must comply with all client-specific competency, HSE and mobilisation requirements.
• Must be capable of managing operational teams and making safe decisions within demanding offshore environments.