Head of Marine Operations

Location: Lae, Papua New Guinea

An exceptional opportunity exists for an experienced maritime executive to lead a large-scale commercial ship management operation in Papua New Guinea.

This executive position offers responsibility for the safe, reliable and commercially successful operation of a substantial marine fleet, while leading a significant organisational transformation across fleet operations, technical management, marine engineering, crewing, maintenance and compliance.

This is a role for a leader who enjoys being close to the operation, thrives in complex environments and can build high-performing teams while driving operational excellence.

The Opportunity
Reporting to the executive leadership team, you will have overall responsibility for one of Papua New Guinea's largest marine operations, including approximately 44 vessels and a workforce of around 600 employees.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across:

• Fleet Operations
• Marine Engineering & Technical Services
• Vessel Maintenance & Dry Docking
• Crewing & Marine Personnel
• HSSE & Marine Compliance
• Procurement & Inventory
• Commercial Performance
• Operational Risk & Business Continuity

Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, operational reliability, vessel availability and financial performance.

About You We are seeking an accomplished marine executive with a proven track record leading complex commercial shipping operations.
You may currently be working as a:

• General Manager – Ship Management
• Fleet Manager
• Marine Operations Manager
• Marine Superintendent
• Technical Director
• Head of Marine Operations
• Marine Engineering Manager
• Senior Master Mariner or Chief Engineer who has progressed into executive leadership

Your background will ideally include:

• Extensive commercial shipping or marine operations experience
• Fleet management and vessel performance
• Technical management and marine engineering oversight
• Dry docking and major maintenance programs
• Marine compliance, ISM and Class requirements
• HSSE leadership
• Budget management and commercial accountability
• Leading large multidisciplinary operational teams

Experience within commercial shipping, towage, offshore marine, ports, logistics or similar marine industries will be highly regarded.
The Person You are a pragmatic and visible leader who enjoys solving operational challenges and building strong teams.

You combine commercial judgement with technical credibility and are equally comfortable engaging with senior executives, vessel crews, engineers and customers.

Most importantly, you are motivated by delivering operational excellence while fostering a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
The Location This position is based in Lae, Papua New Guinea.