Fleet Director

The Fleet Director is overall responsible for leading the safe, compliant, and cost-effective operation of assigned vessels in accordance with Total Quality Management (TQM), ISM Code, ISO standards and customer requirements. This role holds ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the vessels' operations, including performance, regulatory compliance,budget control, stakeholder coordination, and crew management. The Fleet Director also supports emergency response and promotes continuous improvement across technical and operational areas.

Duties

• Lead the Technical Department, ensuring effective resource allocation, team performance, and alignment with safety-critical business priorities, ISM Code, ISPS, MLC, ISO, and TMS requirements.

• Oversee all aspects of technical ship management, including dry-dockings, repairs, conversions, and vessel performance in cargo, navigation, and maintenance—ensuring operations meet safety, cost, and compliance expectations.

• Ensure continuous fleet compliance with Flag, Class, Port State, charterer, and customer requirements; coordinate and follow up on audits, inspections, certifications, and vetting processes.

• Monitor and manage vessel operating budgets across the fleet; control costs, address deviations, support procurement, and approve invoices to ensure efficient financial operations.

• Act as a Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME), contributing to Management Reviews, performance indicator tracking, and KPI reporting aligned with strategic and operational goals.

• Supervise office-based vessel management teams, including Vessel Managers, Superintendents, and Coordinators, providing leadership, coaching, and performance oversight.

• Collaborate with the Manning Department on senior officer recruitment, crew rotation planning, performance reviews, and onboard well-being in line with company standards.

• Maintain close relationships with vessel owners, charterers, and key stakeholders, ensuring satisfaction, service transparency, and swift resolution of operational issues.

• Lead and coordinate emergency response support during vessel incidents; ensure effective team readiness and participation as part of the company’s Emergency Response Team (ERT).

• Ensure proper integration of newly acquired vessels into the fleet, covering crew deployment, documentation, vessel certification, and operational onboarding.

• Promote a strong safety culture, support HSSEQ initiatives, and lead by example to ensure continuous improvement across technical and marine operations.

• Drive the development, review, and implementation of internal procedures, manuals, and work instructions, ensuring ongoing compliance and process efficiency.

• Represent the company in owner meetings, inspections, and industry engagements; coordinate internally across departments to support integrated, high-quality fleet operations.

Required Experience

•  Higher education, MSc/BSc within naval architecture, marine technology/engineering, or

• Higher maritime education and experience as engineer or navigational officer, or similar positions as Vessel Manager/Superintendent.
• Ideally a proven track record for a minimum of 3years in a shore-based shipping company as Fleet Manager will have an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of ISM Code, ISPS, MLC, SOLAS, MARPOL, Class and vetting requirements.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing vessel operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in vessel budgeting, cost control, and procurement processes.
• Effective communication skills and ability to coordinate with owners, charterers, and internal departments.