VP of Vessel Operations

MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY seeks a Vice President of Vessel Operations to lead the day-to-day management of the offshore DP2 fleet, directing Vessel Managers, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and alignment with company strategy.

You will partner with executive leadership to drive performance, cost control, and client satisfaction while advancing risk mitigation, incident investigations, and the adoption of new technologies.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in maritime operations with leadership experience.
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing vessel operations or similar teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Operations, Engineering, or Business Administration.
• Certifications: DP2 operations, ISM Code, and HSE protocols.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of offshore DP2 fleet and crew.
• Lead Vessel Managers and ensure safety, compliance, and client satisfaction.
• Evaluate performance through reviews and reports.
• Collaborate with Technical, HR, HSE, Purchasing for efficient operations.
• Ensure vessels meet regulatory, safety, and charter requirements and address gaps.
• Provide reports on vessel condition, performance, and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Vessel operations

Budget management

Communication

Risk mitigation

Mentoring teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Operations

Engineering

Business Administration

Tools

Maritime software platforms

Job description

Vice President of Vessel Operations
Oversees the day-to-day management and performance of the company’s offshore DP2 fleet. This role provides leadership to Vessel Managers, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations that align with company strategy and customer commitments. The position serves as the key link between vessel operations and executive leadership.

Functions

• Oversee Vessel Managers to ensure effective vessel management, including crew, maintenance, compliance, and client satisfaction.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex operational or regulatory issues.
• Evaluate Vessel Manager performance through feedback, reports, and structured reviews.
• Foster collaboration among Vessel Managers and support departments (Technical, HR, HSE, Purchasing, etc.) for efficient operations.
• Promote strong working relationships between shore-based teams and vessel crews.
• Implement and monitor operational best practices to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Ensure all vessels meet regulatory, safety, and charter requirements, address compliance gaps proactively.
• Lead development of project risk assessments and safety protocols with HSE.
• Review operational and financial performance to identify improvements and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Maintain client satisfaction through contract oversight, performance monitoring, and timely resolution of issues.
• Represent the company in client meetings and support Vessel Managers in key interactions.
• Align vessel operations with customer and contractual obligations.
• Partner with the VP of Operations on strategic goals, growth initiatives, and diversification efforts.
• Champion adoption of new technologies and systems to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Align daily operations with long‑term company and regulatory objectives.
• Ensure compliance with flag state, SOLAS, IMO, USCG, and environmental regulations.
• Support HSE in maintaining safety programs suited to company size and risk profile.
• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee vessel operations, crew management, and logistics.
• Maintain strong relationships with Captains and Senior Officers.
• Provide timely and accurate reports on vessel condition, performance, and budgets.
• Lead by example in regulatory compliance, safety and client relations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, including Vessel Managers, Port Engineers, and operational support staff.
• Strong knowledge of vessel operations, including technical, regulatory, and budget management.
• Excellent communication and conflict‑resolution skills to maintain cohesive team dynamics and client relationships.
• Financial acumen to analyze operating budgets, track vessel costs, and recommend optimizations.
• Familiarity with maritime software platforms.
• Collaborative yet decisive, with the ability to delegate effectively while maintaining oversight.
• Skilled at mentoring and developing high‑performing teams to meet organizational objectives.
• Focused on proactive problem‑solving and risk mitigation to ensure operational continuity.

Education & Experience

• Experience: 10+ years in maritime operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing vessel operations or similar teams.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Operations, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Certifications: Deep understanding of DP2 operations, ISM Code, HSE protocols, and regulatory requirements.