Crew Manager

Are you passionate about seafarer welfare and engagement, operational excellence, and maritime compliance? Do you look for a role where you can make a meaningful impact? And do you have experience with crew planning, union relationships, and STCW requirements? Then you might be the Crew Manager we’re looking for! 

Be part of the movement – and play your part. 

About the role 

So, what is it like to be a Crew Manager at DFDS?  

As our Crew Manager for the Danish fleet, you will be at the heart of planning, coordinating, and managing the deployment of ratings and officers on DFDS vessels. You will work closely with the Head of Crewing in Denmark and ensure our manning meets operational, legal, and safety standards while maintaining a human touch. 

You will be responsible for end-to-end crewing processes;, from recruitment and onboarding to certification checks and performance evaluations. You will be key to our commitment to compliance, crew wellbeing, and union collaboration – and ensure that seafarers are not only certified but truly supported. 

You will work in the Marine HR team and report directly to the Head of Crewing, Denmark. The role is based at our headquarters in Copenhagen and approx. 15-20 travel days a year will be expected for onboard visits and stakeholder meetings. 

Your responsibilities 

As part of our Crewing team, you will play a key role in ensuring our vessels are safely and effectively manned — balancing long-term planning with day-to-day execution. Your responsibilities will span across these focus areas: 

Crew Planning & Scheduling 

• Ensure vessels are manned in accordance with the Safe Manning Document, STCW, and company budgetary requirements 

• Manage strategic and tactical crew planning, including rotation, relief, and forecasting 

• Act as the primary point of contact for all vessel crew planning matters 

Talent Development & Succession 

• Lead succession planning, cadet development, and promotion readiness 

• In collaboration with Marine HR, support crew evaluations and development plans to ensure a strong and future-fit talent pipeline 

• Safeguard compliance with company expectations and operational standards 

Recruitment & Onboarding 

• Recruit officers and ratings for open positions 

• Issue conditions of employment, coordinate onboarding schedules, and maintain personnel records 

Certificate & Compliance Oversight 

• Track and validate crew certification against internal and legal requirements (STCW, ISM, SMS) 

• Ensure all crew meet the company’s training matrix standards and maritime legislation 

Travel, Logistics & Claims 

• Support travel and logistics for sign-on/off in a cost-effective and timely manner 

• Support emergency crew changes, repatriation, and collaborate with Marine HR and Insurance on P&I claims 

Engagement & Outreach 

• Maintain regular and proactive contact with our seafarers, ensuring engagement and retention 

• Represent DFDS in collaboration with maritime academies to support future talent pipelines 

About you 

To thrive in this role, you enjoy variety, responsibility, and making a meaningful difference in seafarers’ working lives. You bring a strong combination of crewing expertise, strategic thinking, and a genuine care for the people at sea. 

Additionally, we imagine the ideal candidate has have: 

• A solid background in crew planning, with strong knowledge of STCW, Safe Manning Documents, and maritime health certification regulations 

• Familiarity with the ISM Code and working within a Safety Management System 

• A proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the drive to tidy up inefficiencies, optimise processes, and improve the way we work – even when it means challenging the status quo

• A structured and detail-oriented approach, with the ability to juggle both the operational details and the broader overview  

As well as:

• Confidence in working with multiple stakeholders and navigating complex planning environments 

• Strong communication skills – fluent in both Danish and English, and able to collaborate with empathy across departments and cultures 

• A strategic mindset, able to balance short-term crewing needs with long-term workforce planning 

• A people-first approach, grounded in empathy, proactivity, and a sincere interest in seafarer well-being 

• The ability to set clear boundaries, stand firm when needed, and stay calm under pressure 

We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. And we cannot wait for you to join. 

Working at DFDS 

Join the movement and grow with us. 

We promote a great workplace with a diverse and vibrant community and a healthy work/life balance. Our newly built headquarters in Copenhagen is a unique, modern workplace. Here, we enjoy our own game room, fitness facilities, canteen and café and a rooftop terrace with a beautiful ocean view, all just 5 minutes from the nearest train & metro stations. Our Copenhagen headquarters offers a dynamic, collaborative work environment with sea views and easy access to public transport.  

You will be part of the wider Marine HR and Fleet Operations team – a group that values professionalism, trust, and teamwork. We support your development through on-the-job learning, training programmes, and a culture that encourages you to take initiative and shape your own path. At DFDS, people matter. And so does your impact. 

By embracing our differences, we empower every employee to bring their whole selves to work – and achieve great things together. 

Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply now! 

If you think your personality, skills, experience, and desire match this role, and this sounds like your next adventure, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please send your application as soon as possible as we’re keen to meet candidates on an ongoing basis. While the process may be slightly extended due to the summer holidays, rest assured that we will get back to you at earliest convenience. 

If you have any questions about the position, feel free to reach out to Cecilie Enevoldsen, Head of Crewing, at [email protected]. 

We look forward to hearing from you.