The VP of Marine Technical Operations is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing all technical and engineering operations across the company’s marine fleet. This executive will lead cross-functional engineering, maintenance, and compliance teams to ensure optimal vessel performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. The role requires extensive experience in marine engineering, asset lifecycle management, and technical leadership at a fleet or corporate level.
Provide strategic direction and oversight for all technical operations across the fleet, including maintenance, repairs, retrofits, and dry dockings.
Lead and manage a global team of technical superintendents, fleet engineers, and shipboard technical staff.
Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations (IMO, MARPOL, SOLAS), classification societies (ABS, DNV, LR), and company safety/environmental policies.
Oversee technical budgets, long-term maintenance plans, and capital expenditures for the engineering function.
Lead the development and implementation of fleet modernization programs, including fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, digital systems, and automation upgrades.
Serve as the primary liaison with shipyards, OEMs, regulatory authorities, and classification societies during major projects.
Establish and enforce company-wide technical standards, maintenance best practices, and risk-based asset management frameworks.
Monitor vessel performance, fuel consumption, and technical KPIs to drive operational improvements and cost efficiency.
Provide executive-level reporting to the COO/CEO and Board of Directors on fleet condition, risk, and capital projects.
Represent the company in technical forums, regulatory discussions, and industry partnerships.
Fleet-Wide Engineering Strategy: Define and implement a unified technical vision across a diverse vessel fleet.
Regulatory & Class Compliance: Maintain fleet compliance with international regulations and classification standards.
Maintenance Optimization: Develop predictive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
Technical Leadership: Mentor and guide senior engineers and technical managers across global operations.
Innovation & Modernization: Lead initiatives in digitalization, green technologies, and automation for fleet improvement.
Budget & Asset Control: Oversee multimillion-dollar budgets, ensuring cost-effective and high-impact technical decisions.
Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or Mechanical Engineering (MBA preferred).
15+ years of progressive experience in technical operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Extensive experience in managing the technical performance of a commercial or defense marine fleet.
In-depth knowledge of international maritime regulations, class rules, safety codes, and environmental standards.
Proven track record in ship maintenance strategy, dry-docking, vessel conversions, and newbuild supervision.
Strong leadership, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Chief Engineer’s Certificate of Competency (preferred).
Experience with LNG, offshore, container, bulk carrier, or specialized fleets.
Familiarity with asset management systems, digital twin technologies, and performance monitoring platforms.