SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER is a full-time position based at Southampton or Hereford Office.
The Role
This position is for a Senior Operations Manager TVS (Transfer Vessel Services) reporting to the Director Offshore Delivery. The role will provide leadership across the planning,
coordination and execution of TVS operations, taking responsibility for operational
performance, resource utilisation, cost control and service quality. Working closely with
internal departments, clients, vessel operators, agents and other external stakeholders, the
successful candidate will drive continuous improvement, strengthen client relationships and ensure the department can respond effectively to changing operational demands.
The ideal candidate will have maritime experience, strong leadership and decision-making
capabilities, and a proven ability to manage complex operations while balancing commercial priorities with operational requirements.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operational delivery of Transfer Vessel Services, ensuring all activities are planned and executed effectively and in line with client requirements.
- Coordinate the delivery of physical security, digital security and incident response services, ensuring effective communication between internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Oversee vessel movements, deployments and operational planning to meet client demands and maintain service continuity.
- Monitor vessel capacity and utilisation, ensuring Ambrey-owned vessels operate within applicable Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) capacity limits and relevant safety requirements.
- Ensure all deployed personnel meet applicable industry, flag state, vessel and client requirements before mobilisation.
- Make timely, informed decisions in response to changing operational circumstances, including situations where information is limited or immediate action is required.
- Maintain oversight of operational risks, escalating significant issues and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
- Oversee operational expenditure, including vessel-related costs, agent fees and subcontractor charges, ensuring expenditure is appropriate, accurate and commercially justified.
- Review and approve subcontractor invoices in accordance with company procedures and oversee the timely and accurate invoicing of TVS clients.
- Work with Finance and relevant operational stakeholders to maintain accurate cost records, support financial reporting and monitor performance against budget.
- Liaise with vessel agents, suppliers and subcontractors to negotiate competitive rates and secure reliable, cost-effective services.
- Identify opportunities to improve resource utilisation, streamline processes and enhance the overall commercial performance of the department.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, vessel operators, agents, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
- Act as a senior point of contact for operational matters, responding promptly to client enquiries and ensuring issues are resolved effectively.
- Provide out-of-hours operational support and act as a client point of contact when required to maintain continuity of service.
- Lead client meetings, service reviews, visits and operational calls, providing updates on service delivery, addressing concerns and identifying opportunities to improve client satisfaction.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments, including Finance, Operations, Training and Recruitment, to ensure operational requirements are understood and effectively supported.
- Support client retention and the development of existing services through consistently high standards of delivery and proactive stakeholder engagement.
- Provide leadership and direction to the TVS team, setting clear expectations, maintaining accountability and promoting a culture of professionalism and operational excellence.
- Manage, coach and develop team members, identifying training needs and supporting individual and departmental performance.
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels, personnel deployment and resource allocation to meet current and anticipated operational demand.
- Develop, review and improve operational procedures, workflows and reporting to support consistency, efficiency and scalability.
- Monitor operational performance, identify trends and implement corrective actions where required.
- Ensure compliance with applicable maritime regulations, client requirements and Ambrey policies and procedures.
- Promote effective communication and collaboration across teams and departments, ensuring operational knowledge and responsibilities are shared appropriately
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Proven experience managing complex maritime operations, with responsibility for service delivery, resource planning and operational decision-making. Experience from a different industry will be considered.
- Demonstrable leadership and people-management experience, including the ability to develop teams and manage performance.
- Strong commercial awareness, including experience with budgeting, cost control,
- supplier negotiations and financial oversight.
- Excellent client relationship management and stakeholder communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to assess competing priorities and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to assimilate information from multiple sources and maintain accurate operational records.
- A proactive approach to identifying operational risks, resolving issues and driving continuous improvement.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across a geographically dispersed, cross-functional team.
- Flexibility to respond to changing operational requirements, including occasional out-of hours support.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Salary: Commensurate with experience
- Annual Leave: 25 days per annum plus public holidays
- Working hours: 08:30am to 17:30pm Monday to Friday
- Job type: Full-time, permanent
- Location: Southampton or Hereford Office
- Benefits: Referral Bonus, Eye Care, Discount Card, Techscheme, Cyclescheme,
- Discounted Gym Membership, Wellness & Fitness, Employee Assistance Programme,
- Pension, Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay. And much more!
The Job Description for this post will be subject to routine review and revision in order to meet the developmental requirements of the company. The post holder may be required to undertake additional appropriate duties as directed and required.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
At Ambrey, we are committed to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We aim to create a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where individual differences are valued.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to ensuring our recruitment and employment practices are fair, transparent and compliant with the Equality Act 2010.
A copy of our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy is available on request.
To view all current opportunities, please visit our Careers page.
