General Manager – Marine Operations - Job Opportunity at SALLING SEARCH PTE. LTD.

Singapore, Singapore
Full-time
Executive
Posted: June 6, 2025
On-site
SGD 14,000 - 16,000 per month

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic oversight of comprehensive marine operations ensuring vessel safety, operational efficiency, and full regulatory compliance across the fleet
Lead fleet performance optimization through advanced voyage planning, fuel efficiency management, dry-docking coordination, and execution of specialized maritime projects
Direct critical incident investigations and maintain robust emergency response frameworks in partnership with Health, Safety & Environment teams
Champion cost-effective operational practices, spearhead digital transformation initiatives, and facilitate seamless cross-functional coordination across technical and commercial departments
Serve as primary company representative in regulatory audits, vessel inspections, and strategic industry forums
Build and develop high-performing marine operations teams to consistently exceed operational excellence standards

Requirements

Education

Degree in Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, or a related maritime field

Experience

10+ years' experience in marine operations, both at sea (Master/Chief Engineer) and ashore

Required Skills

Strong leadership in managing teams and aligning with technical and commercial departments Deep knowledge of maritime rules, safety, navigation, and cargo operations Fluent in English and Mandarin Strong reporting, analysis, and system skills

Certifications

Preferably certified as Chief Officer (Class 1) or Chief Engineer
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The maritime industry is experiencing significant digital transformation with increased adoption of IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and automated systems for fleet management, creating demand for leaders who can bridge traditional maritime expertise with modern technology implementation. Regulatory compliance requirements are intensifying globally with new environmental regulations including IMO 2020 sulfur regulations and upcoming carbon intensity measures, requiring marine operations leaders to have deep knowledge of evolving maritime law and sustainability practices. The Asia-Pacific shipping market is consolidating with larger players acquiring regional operators, creating opportunities for experienced marine operations executives to lead integration efforts and optimize combined fleet operations. Supply chain disruptions and port congestion issues have elevated the strategic importance of voyage planning and fleet optimization, making experienced marine operations managers critical for maintaining competitive advantage in uncertain markets.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of SGD 14,000-16,000 monthly (approximately USD 168,000-192,000 annually) is competitive for Singapore's maritime sector and reflects the executive-level responsibilities, required dual sea-shore experience, and bilingual requirements. This compensation aligns with regional standards for senior marine operations roles in major shipping hubs.

Role Significance

Typically manages 15-30 direct and indirect reports including marine superintendents, port captains, technical managers, and administrative staff, with responsibility for coordinating activities across multiple vessels and shore-based support functions.
This is a senior executive-level position with full P&L responsibility for marine operations, requiring strategic decision-making authority over fleet management, regulatory compliance, and cross-departmental coordination. The role sits at the intersection of operational excellence and strategic business development within the maritime organization.

Key Projects

Fleet modernization and digitalization initiatives including implementation of vessel performance monitoring systems and predictive maintenance programs Regulatory compliance projects for new environmental standards and safety regulations Cost optimization programs focusing on fuel efficiency, route optimization, and operational streamlining Crisis management and emergency response protocol development and testing

Success Factors

Ability to balance operational safety requirements with commercial pressures while maintaining regulatory compliance in a highly regulated industry Strong cross-cultural communication skills essential for managing diverse international crews and coordinating with global stakeholders in multiple languages Strategic thinking capability to anticipate industry changes and position the organization for future regulatory and market developments Technical expertise combined with business acumen to make data-driven decisions that optimize both operational performance and financial outcomes

Market Demand

High demand driven by Singapore's position as a major maritime hub, the critical shortage of experienced maritime professionals with both sea and shore experience, and the increasing complexity of marine operations requiring specialized leadership expertise.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Maritime regulatory knowledge is absolutely essential as non-compliance can result in vessel detention, significant financial penalties, and reputational damage, making this expertise the foundation of successful marine operations management Bilingual communication capability in English and Mandarin is critical for this role as it enables direct communication with Chinese crews, suppliers, and business partners without translation delays that could impact operational efficiency or safety Leadership and team management skills are crucial given the responsibility for managing diverse international teams across multiple vessels and shore locations, where poor leadership can directly impact safety outcomes and operational performance

Beneficial Skills

Digital systems proficiency and data analytics capabilities are increasingly valuable as the maritime industry adopts predictive maintenance, route optimization software, and IoT-enabled vessel monitoring systems Commercial awareness and financial acumen enhance effectiveness in balancing operational decisions with business outcomes, particularly important as marine operations managers increasingly participate in strategic planning and budget management Crisis management and emergency response expertise becomes more valuable as shipping companies face increasing scrutiny over environmental incidents and safety performance from regulators and customers

Unique Aspects

Bilingual English-Mandarin requirement indicates operations likely involve significant interaction with Chinese maritime markets, providing exposure to one of the world's largest shipping markets and potential for expanded regional responsibilities
Combination of Class 1 Chief Officer or Chief Engineer certification requirement with 10+ years shore experience represents a rare and valuable skill set that commands premium compensation in the maritime industry
Direct involvement in audits, inspections, and industry forums provides high-visibility exposure to regulatory bodies and industry leaders, building valuable professional networks for future career advancement

Career Growth

Progression to C-suite or regional director roles typically occurs within 3-5 years given the executive nature of this position and the strategic experience gained in fleet management and regulatory oversight.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director roles within shipping companies or maritime service providers Regional Marine Director positions with major international shipping lines or offshore operators Independent maritime consulting roles focusing on operational excellence and regulatory compliance Executive positions with maritime technology companies leveraging operational expertise to drive product development

Company Overview

SALLING SEARCH PTE. LTD.

Salling Search Pte Ltd operates as a specialized executive search firm focusing on maritime and shipping industry placements across the Asia-Pacific region. The company maintains strong relationships with major shipping companies, offshore operators, and maritime service providers throughout Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Positioned as a boutique recruitment firm with deep maritime industry expertise, likely serving mid-to-large size shipping companies and maritime organizations requiring senior-level talent acquisition services in the competitive Singapore maritime market.
Based in Singapore, the firm operates in one of the world's busiest shipping hubs with access to major international maritime companies, providing exposure to global shipping operations and access to diverse career opportunities within the Asia-Pacific maritime corridor.
Professional maritime industry environment emphasizing safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence, with expectation for high-level decision making, international travel, and 24/7 availability for emergency response situations typical of senior maritime operations roles.
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