Technical Manager (Shipping)

Role Overview

This role is responsible for directing the technical side of a shipping fleet. The selected professional will keep vessel operations efficient, safe, compliant, and aligned with strong maintenance and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical oversight for assigned vessels and ensure they operate safely, efficiently, and in line with international requirements.
• Plan and execute maintenance programs, making sure repairs, inspections, and dry-docking are completed on schedule.
• Track vessel performance and fuel-use indicators, then take corrective action to improve efficiency where needed.
• Work closely with ship crews, superintendents, and external service partners to resolve technical issues quickly.
• Maintain compliance with statutory, class, and flag-state obligations, including ISM Code, MARPOL, SOLAS, and related standards.
• Control budgets for maintenance and technical operations, balancing cost discipline with quality and safety.
• Carry out vessel inspections regularly to evaluate condition, confirm compliance, and identify improvement needs.
• Handle sourcing of technical consumables and spare parts, ensuring inventory remains sufficient for uninterrupted operations.
• Build and sustain working relationships with classification societies, shipyards, and other technical vendors.
• Support and train crew members and shore-based teams on technical best practices and vessel management procedures.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives that reduce downtime and strengthen overall technical efficiency.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of ship systems, machinery, and marine operations management.
• Solid grasp of international maritime rules and classification society requirements.
• Ability to diagnose problems and resolve complex technical issues effectively.
• Experience handling budgets, procurement, and cost-control processes.
• Leadership capability to coordinate across functions and manage stakeholders.
• Clear communication and interpersonal skills for working with crews, suppliers, and regulators.
• Comfort with technical management systems used for maintenance planning and performance tracking.
• Practical exposure to dry-docking, major repairs, and vessel inspections.
• Ability to manage multiple vessels and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a closely related discipline.
• Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency, or an equivalent credential, is strongly preferred.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in technical management or a similar shipping-industry role.
• Experience across vessel categories such as tankers, bulk carriers, or container ships will be an added advantage.

Additional Details

Job location: Singapore

Job code: UPG/UPS/021-23