JOB TITLE: Vessel Manager
DEPARTMENT:
Operations
DIVISION:
Group
LOCATION:
Hamburg
HOURS:
Full Time (Hybrid working week)
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:
The Vessel Manager is accountable for the safe, efficient, compliant and commercially optimal management of assigned vessels within the North Star fleet, including Service Operation Vessels (SOVs).
The role holds end‑to‑end accountability for vessel performance, including financial performance, technical integrity, regulatory compliance and crew management. Acting as the primary vessel asset owner within the organisation, the Vessel Manager ensures vessels operate safely, meet client and contractual requirements, deliver agreed financial outcomes, and are crewed with competent, engaged and high‑performing personnel.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to:
Operations Director
Functional Relationships:
Commercial
Crewing (& Human Resources)
Finance
QHSSE
Procurement
Technical
AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
The Vessel Manager operates with delegated authority for the technical, operational, financial and crew management performance of assigned vessels.
The role is accountable for delivery against agreed safety, compliance, crew performance and financial OPEX and CAPEX) targets, operating within Company governance, HR frameworks and delegated financial authorities.
The Vessel Manager acts as the primary owner’s representative for assigned vessels within the organisation.
KEY WORK AREAS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Vessel Operations & Asset Management
§ Overall accountability for the day‑to‑day operational and technical management of assigned vessels.
§ Act as the primary shore‑based point of contact between vessels and the onshore organisation.
§ Supervise vessel operations, including hotel services (where applicable), client requirements, inspections, repairs and maintenance.
§ Ensure vessels are operated safely, efficiently and in compliance with:
- SOLAS, IMO and MARPOL requirements
- Flag State and Class rules
- Client and contractual obligations
- North Star Integrated Management System (IMS)
§ Maintain oversight of vessel condition, availability, reliability and operational readiness.
Planned Maintenance, Repairs & Projects
§ Accountable for the effective management and integrity of the computerised Planned Maintenance System (PMS) in cooperation with Shipboard Management.
§ Specify, plan, supervise and report on:
- Planned and corrective maintenance
- Port call work
- Dry dockings and shipyard periods
- Major technical and improvement projects
§ Produce dry docking specifications, annual maintenance plans and capital investment programmes.
Financial, Accountability
§ Full OPEX and CAPEX accountability for assigned vessels.
§ Ownership of vessel level financial performance, ensuring technical, operational and crewing decisions support commercial outcomes.
§ Develop, manage and control:
- Annual vessel operating budgets
- Maintenance and dry dock budgets
- Capital expenditure and investment business cases
§ Monitor costs, forecasts and variances, implementing corrective actions where required.
§ Identify and escalate financial risks or forecast overruns before costs are incurred.
§ Approve, within delegated authority:
- Material Requisitions (MRs)
- Purchase Orders
- Invoices and contract expenditure
§ Work closely with Finance and Commercial teams to ensure strong financial governance, accurate reporting and forecasting.
Crew Management, Leadership & Performance
§ Overall accountability for crew management on assigned vessels, working in conjunction with Crewing and Shipboard Management.
§ Act as the shore‑based owner for crew performance, competence, conduct and utilisation.
§ Ensure vessels are manned with appropriately qualified, competent and certified personnel in accordance with:
- Flag State and STCW requirements
- Client and contractual standards
- Company policies and competency frameworks
§ Provide leadership, oversight and challenge to master’s and senior shipboard officers on:
- Performance standards
- Professional behaviours and discipline
- Compliance with Company procedures and expectations
§ Accountable for:
- Reviewing and addressing poor or unacceptable crew performance
- Supporting formal performance management, disciplinary and improvement processes
- Input into promotion decisions, succession planning and critical role cover
§ Support Crewing and HR functions with:
- Crew selection and appointment decisions
- Training needs analysis and competence development
- Engagement, retention and talent development strategies
§ Ensure effective management of crew welfare, fatigue and working environment risks.
§ Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture across assigned vessels.
Compliance, Certification & Assurance
§ Control and maintain vessel certification and statutory compliance.
§ Liaise with Classification Societies, Flag State authorities, Port State Control and other regulatory bodies.
§ Monitor and implement changes to maritime and offshore legislation, class rules and industry guidance.
§ Evaluate non‑conformities, initiate corrective actions and verify effective close‑out.
§ Ensure vessels remain audit‑ready at all times.
Client, Contractor & Supplier Management
§ Manage client technical and operational interfaces, ensuring transparency, responsiveness and KPI delivery.
§ Plan and manage vessel port calls, including:
- Pre‑port scopes of work
- Contractor and supplier coordination
- Permit‑to‑Work, isolations, RAMS and risk controls
§ Ensure safe execution of all work and stop work if unsafe practices are identified.
§ Liaise with suppliers, specialists, shipyards and service providers.
§ Support Commercial and Procurement functions with:
- Supplier performance management
- Contract review and development
- Market assessments and sourcing of new suppliers
Reporting, Systems & Documentation
§ Ensure vessel operational, technical and financial reporting is accurate, timely and fit for purpose.
§ Maintain and improve technical, maintenance and safety documentation.
§ Support enhancements to maintenance and reporting systems.
§ Provide regular performance and financial reports to senior management.
Safety, QHSSE & Continuous Improvement
§ Work closely with HSEQ to ensure full compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.
§ Actively promote the principle that all accidents are preventable.
§ Support incident investigations and learning.
§ Drive continuous improvement in safety, reliability, performance and cost efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
§ Relevant marine industry or professional qualification.
§ Senior seagoing background (e.g. Chief Engineer or Master Mariner) or equivalent shore‑based vessel management experience.
Significant experience in:
§ Vessel technical and operational management
§ Planned maintenance, repairs and dry dockings
§ Offshore wind and/or marine operations
Strong knowledge of:
§ Maritime legislation and Class requirements
§ Safety Management Systems
§ Budget management and financial control
PERSONAL QUALITIES/CHARACTERISTICS:
§ Credible, professional and decisive leader.
§ Strong commercial awareness with disciplined cost control.
§ Effective communicator at shipboard, client and senior management levels.
§ Able to manage complexity and competing priorities.
§ Demonstrates integrity, accountability and strong safety leadership.
