Senior Technical Manager
Zodiac Maritime
Job Description
The role
Position: Senior Technical ManagerContract type: Full TimeReporting to: General Fleet Manager - Technical (London)Location: Mumbai, India
Overview of role
As Senior Technical Manager you are responsible for:
Ensure safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective technical management of assigned vessels in alignment with company policies and objectives.Support GFM Technical in maintaining fleet technical performance and operational readiness.Provide consistent technical guidance and support to vessel teams to ensure effective maintenance and defect resolution.Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and assigned technical projects.Demonstrate leadership by coaching, guiding, and developing Technical Managers and onboard Leadership team.
Key responsibilities and primary deliverables
Leadership & Performance ManagementAct as a role model for safety, integrity, and professionalism.Coach and guide Technical Managers and onboard Leadership team, fostering a culture of learning and high performance in line with the company's ways of working.Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to vessel teams.Contribute to the development and implementation of performance management systems and objectives for assigned vessels.Support the GFM Technical in driving team engagement, training, and talent development.
Supporting the General Fleet Manager - Technical Provide operational and technical support to GFM Technical, including input on fleet-wide initiatives, cost control, and process improvements.Deputise for the GFM Technical as required, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making.Collaborate with the GFM Technical on strategic projects, audits, and change management activities.
Maintenance, Repairs & Budget ControlPrepare, monitor, and control technical budgets for assigned vessels, including repairs, spares, and consumables.Plan, coordinate, and execute routine repairs, voyage repairs, and technical inspections.Support dry-dock planning and execution under the guidance of the GFM Technical.Review invoices and recommend payments in line with delegated authority and cost control procedures.Liaise with purchasing teams and vendors to ensure timely supply of spares and services.Monitor vessel condition through reports, PMS, inspections, and performance data, and initiate corrective actions as required.
Safety, Compliance & RiskPromote and reinforce safety-first behaviour across vessel operations.Ensure timely closure of deficiencies, audit findings, and incident-related corrective actions for assigned vessels.Participate in incident investigations and contribute to root cause analysis and preventive actions.Identify technical risks and escalate significant concerns to the GFM Technical.Ensure compliance with statutory, class, flag, and company safety and environmental requirements.
Collaboration & Stakeholder InterfaceLiaise closely with Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure alignment on technical priorities.Participate in crew briefing, debriefing and performance evaluation.Coordinate with Operations, Crewing, QHSSE, Purchasing, and Finance departments to support efficient vessel operations.Interface with Classification Societies, Flag Administrations, shipyards, and technical service providers as required.
Projects & Continuous ImprovementParticipate in assigned technical projects, including retrofits, upgrades, new building specification reviews and improvement initiatives.Support project planning, execution, and reporting under the direction of the GFM Technical.Identify opportunities for technical improvements, cost savings, and reliability enhancement within area of responsibility.Share lessons learned and best practices across the technical team.
AuthorityRecommend technical expenditures and approve costs within delegated authority.Raise repair specifications and work scopes for approval.Escalate safety, compliance, or cost risks exceeding defined thresholds.
GeneralTake proactive and timely action to address technical issues impacting safety, compliance, or operations. Participation as needed in office auditsEnsuring safety and environmental protection remain a high priority in all activities.Maintain accurate technical records and reporting.This job description is subject to periodic review by management in line with organisational needs.
Skills profile Relevant experience & education Ex sea-going senior engineer officer (experienced 1st Engineer / Chief Engineer) on relevant vessel type.Previous experience of carrying out the shore-based day to day Technical Management of vessels. (Minimum 3 years as a Technical Manager / Senior Fleet Superintendent / Senior Vessel Manager)Have planned, prepared and executed periodical drydocking of vessels.Relevant education - degree / diploma in Marine Engineering / Nautical Science, Class 1 Certificate of Competency, and Marine Transportation, Chief Engineer's Certificate or equivalent.Excellent problem solving and analytical skills together with the ability to support decisions with sound reasoning and judgement.Have experience of overseeing fleetwide projects within the ship management domain with a strong focus on delivering quality and meeting deadlines.Clear, precise, and confident verbal and written communication, combined with strong interpersonal skills, to build and sustain effective relationships with key stakeholders.Proven record of commercial awareness and ability to apply sound commercial judgement.A successful track record in dealing with a broad set of activities within a fast-paced environment, whilst managing ambiguity and pressure well is a requirement for this role.