This is a senior marine engineering leadership opportunity with the scope to influence how a significant New Zealand transport operation manages, maintains and invests in its fleet for the future.
RobLawMax Recruitment and Manaaki Marine are partnering on this search for StraitNZ Bluebridge Ltd, bringing together specialist engineering and marine recruitment expertise to identify the right person for this key appointment.
Bluebridge operates two large RoPax vessels across one of New Zealand's most important transport links. We are looking for a Head of Vessel Engineering & Asset Management to provide leadership across fleet engineering, reliability, technical governance and long-term asset management.
This is not simply about managing today's engineering issues. You will lead the development of a more strategic approach to the fleet - ensuring maintenance, reliability, lifecycle planning and capital investment are aligned with the longer-term needs of the business.
Just as importantly, this is a people leadership role. You will lead an experienced technical team, build strong relationships across vessel and shore-based engineering functions, develop capability and create an environment of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Safety is Bluebridge's highest priority and will sit at the heart of the decisions you make, the standards you set and the engineering culture you help develop.
The role
Reporting to the General Manager Marine Operations, you will lead the shore-based engineering function and work closely with the Technical Superintendent, Chief Engineers, vessel engineering teams and the shore-based workshop.
You will have responsibility for:
- Leading and developing the engineering function, building a strong, collaborative and high-performing team across shore and vessel operations
- Creating clear accountability while supporting the development and capability of experienced technical professionals
- Developing short, medium and long-term fleet asset management plans
- Aligning maintenance and reliability strategies with the wider fleet and business strategy
- Providing leadership around vessel reliability, recurring defects, technical risk and asset integrity
- Developing lifecycle, renewal, replacement and obsolescence strategies for major vessel systems
- Leading long-term CAPEX planning and investment prioritisation
- Overseeing major engineering projects, vessel upgrades, refits and dry dockings
- Providing governance around engineering standards, technical assurance and asset information
- Managing engineering and asset budgets with a focus on whole-of-life cost and value
- Maintaining strong relationships with Class, regulators, shipyards, OEMs, contractors and specialist suppliers
- Providing clear engineering, asset and investment advice to senior leadership
- Ensuring safety remains at the forefront of engineering, asset and investment decisions
About you
You will bring strong marine engineering credibility, but equally important will be your ability to build strong teams, develop people and create a high-performing engineering function.
You will be comfortable leading experienced technical professionals, bringing people together around common objectives and creating an environment where people are supported, challenged and accountable. Your leadership style will be collaborative and approachable, while giving you the confidence to make decisions and address issues when required.
Why Bluebridge?
This is an opportunity to take a genuine leadership role within an established New Zealand transport business where fleet reliability and engineering performance have a direct impact on customers and the wider supply chain.
You will have the opportunity to influence how Bluebridge approaches engineering leadership, maintenance, reliability, asset strategy and long-term fleet investment, while developing the people and capability that underpin its engineering function.
Apply now, or for a confidential discussion about the opportunity contact Peter Henderson at RobLawMax Recruitment on 027441 9300 or Barry Neilson at Manaaki Marine on 027 623 2437
This search is being conducted in partnership by RobLawMax Recruitment and Manaaki Marine on behalf of StraitNZ Bluebridge Ltd.
