Job Details
Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) is experiencing a period of significant transformation. Formed in 2020, Neptune Pacific Line acquired Pacific Direct Line, bringing together two of the South Pacific’s top shipping and logistics companies to support the full supply chain of our customers in the region. NPDL is part of The Wonderful Company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. Its other companies include FIJI Water, Justin and Landmark Vineyards, Vintage Nurseries, Wonderful Citrus, Wonderful Pistachios, Teleflora, POM Wonderful and Suterra.
The role:
NPDL’s Ship Management Team is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable and compliant operation of our fleet of container, general cargo and other managed vessels operating primarily in the Asia Pacific region, including New Zealand and Australia. We strive to continuously improve our ship management activities, with an overarching goal of being a “best in class” ship manager. Working in a complex, ever-changing environment we work hard to stay ahead of the pack.
To help us achieve this, we are looking for a Deputy Fleet Manager who will play a crucial role in supporting the General Manager, Technical & Marine, by overseeing the efficient operation and maintenance of our marine fleet. You will be coordinating fleet activities, managing maintenance schedules, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and leading the marine team. In addition, you will enhance fleet performance, optimize resources, and support the strategic objectives of the fleet management department.
Here’s what you’ll do:
Fleet Operations Management
• Manage daily marine fleet operations, including vessel scheduling, deployment, operational efficiency, and preventative maintenance plans to ensure vessel reliability.
• Monitor fleet performance metrics and implement improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including waste disposal, emissions reductions, hull biosecurity, and cyber security.
• Communicate planned downtime for surveys, maintenance, or crew changes, and notify management of risks related to vessel condition, crew competency, safety, and schedule delays.
• Assist in procurement tasks, including spare part purchasing, negotiating big-ticket items, docking, bunker contracts, and new build programs.
• Coordinate with port authorities, contractors, and service providers to ensure seamless operations.
Maintenance and Safety
• Oversee and ensure timely execution of routine and emergency vessel maintenance.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and procedures in compliance with regulations.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of vessels and equipment.
• Ensure full implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS) and monitor its performance, making necessary adjustments.
• Allocate resources for effective SMS functioning.
• Conduct internal audits and participate in SMS review meetings.
• Promote ownership of SMS and other systems among personnel.
• Act as a role model for safe working practices.
• Ensure measures are in place for effective emergency response.
Budget and Resource Management
• Assist in preparing and managing the fleet budget, forecasting expenses, and optimizing resource allocation.
• Monitor and control expenditures related to maintenance, repairs, and operational costs.
• Negotiate cost-effective contracts with suppliers and service providers.
• Assist with monthly budget performance reporting to executive management.
• Prepare budgets and Capex requests for major repair items such as dockings.
Team Leadership and Development
• Supervise and provide guidance to marine personnel, including engineers, crew members, and support staff.
• Facilitate training and development programs to enhance team skills and performance, including reviewing and approving training plans for shipboard personnel.
• Address personnel issues and foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure the Ship Management Team is appropriately staffed with suitable personnel to meet the company’s and ISM Code requirements.
• Provide clear direction, motivation, recruitment, development opportunities, and coaching.
• Ensure systems are in place to have qualified and high-quality seagoing personnel available.
• Monitor and manage the conditions of employment for seagoing personnel, ensuring compliance with all relevant international regulations and norms.
Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure all fleet operations comply with relevant national and international maritime regulations.
• Stay informed of changes in maritime laws and standards, implementing necessary updates to procedures.
Strategic Planning
• Collaborate with the General Manager, Technical & Marine to develop and implement strategic plans for fleet expansion, modernization, and efficiency.
• Contribute to long-term objectives aimed at improving fleet performance and sustainability.
Reporting and Documentation
• Maintain comprehensive records of fleet operations, maintenance activities, and incidents.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on fleet performance, budget status, and compliance to the General Manager, Technical & Marine.
Here’s what you’ll bring to the table:
• Relevant seagoing Certificate of Competency, preferably COC1 qualification.
• Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or equivalent job experience is essential.
• Minimum of five years of relevant seagoing experience as well as significant senior-level experience in merchant-marine ship management.
• Proven track record in managing seagoing and shore-based personnel.
• Experience in managing marine budgets and delivering to plan.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory and compliance regimes in shipping.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with marine regulators.
• Successfully delivered large marine projects (dockings, constructions, modifications).
• Effective response and management of unplanned or emergency marine events.
• Leadership in fostering a culture of problem-solving and innovative solutions.
• Expertise in modern ship management with a knack for identifying and developing opportunities.
• Strong commitment to 100% compliance.
• Thorough knowledge of marine regulatory frameworks.
• Highly developed interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• International mindset with the ability to work across multiple cultures.
• Excellent conceptual, logical, and strategic thinking.
• Strong stakeholder management, influence, and networking skills.
• Outstanding integrity and work ethics.
• Flexibility to be able to work after hours, weekends, and public holidays as required.
• Frequent International travel.
Our NPDL Contribution:
• Competitive salary and bonus.
• Hybrid working model.
• Opportunity for development and internal mobility.
• Wonderful Giving - allows you to donate company money to causes of your choice.
• Wonderful Neighbour - spend a day in the community helping with various service projects.
• Company focused on wellness and health.
Become a part of Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional maritime services. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and talented Deputy Fleet Manager to our team.
