Fleet Operations Manager

Job Description – Fleet Operations Manager

Location: Dubai, UAEDepartment: Marine Operations / Salvage & Offshore

Employment Type: Full-Time / Project-Based (as required)Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Fleet Operations Manager to oversee the technical, operational, and commercial management of our fleet, supporting offshore, marine, and salvage operations.The Fleet Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring vessel readiness, regulatory compliance, maintenance, crew coordination, cost control, and the safe and efficient deployment of vessels across multiple projects.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee the daily operations, technical performance, and maintenance of vessels involved in offshore, marine, and salvage projects.Ensure all vessels are maintained in accordance with international maritime regulations, classification society requirements, and company safety standards.Coordinate vessel mobilisation and demobilisation, ensuring operational readiness for project deployment.Monitor vessel performance, fuel consumption, maintenance schedules, and operational efficiency.Manage planned maintenance systems (PMS), vessel inspections, dry-docking, repairs, and technical upgrades.Liaise with vessel Masters, Chief Engineers, Marine Superintendents, and project teams to ensure smooth operations.Ensure compliance with IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code, ISPS Code, and applicable flag-state regulations.Coordinate vessel certification, surveys, audits, and inspections with classification societies and relevant authorities.Oversee procurement of vessel spare parts, equipment, consumables, and technical services.Prepare and monitor fleet operating budgets, maintenance expenditures, and vessel-related costs.Coordinate with crewing and HR teams to ensure vessels are adequately staffed with qualified and certified personnel.Support salvage operations by ensuring the availability and suitability of vessels, tugs, barges, and marine equipment.Manage relationships with shipowners, charterers, port authorities, agents, shipyards, and marine service providers.Investigate vessel incidents, equipment failures, and operational deficiencies, implementing corrective and preventive actions.Prepare regular fleet performance reports, technical updates, and operational recommendations for senior management.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Maritime Management, or a related discipline.Minimum 7–10 years of experience in fleet management, technical vessel management, or marine operations.Previous experience managing offshore support vessels, tugs, barges, or salvage-related vessels is highly preferred.Strong knowledge of vessel maintenance, marine engineering, maritime regulations, and operational safety.Experience in vessel mobilisation, dry-docking, repairs, and technical inspections.Familiarity with classification society requirements and flag-state compliance.Strong understanding of marine procurement, budgeting, and cost control.Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.Ability to manage multiple vessels and projects simultaneously.Willingness to travel to ports, shipyards, and offshore project locations when required.Preferred SkillsFleet Operations & Technical ManagementOffshore & Salvage Vessel OperationsVessel Mobilisation & DemobilisationPlanned Maintenance Systems (PMS)Marine Safety & Regulatory ComplianceVessel Inspection & Dry-DockingBudgeting & Cost OptimisationMarine Procurement & LogisticsCrew Coordination & Vessel ReadinessEmergency Response & TroubleshootingAdditional RequirementsExperience in salvage, offshore, towing, or marine emergency response operations is a strong advantage.Knowledge of UAE maritime operations and regional port requirements is preferred.Ability to work under pressure and respond to urgent operational requirements.Immediate availability or a short notice period is preferred.