Managing Director – Short Straits Maritime Cluster

About The Opportunity

Partially funded by the Department for Transport (and therefore the UK government), DFDS, Port of Dover, and the University of Kent, the Short Straits Maritime Cluster is being established as a collaborative, membership-based, not-for-profit organisation. Its ambition is to transform the Short Straits into a global model for maritime efficiency, safety, skills, and sustainability.

We are seeking a visionary, hands-on leader to build and drive this emerging cluster.

As Managing Director, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership, translating innovative ideas into actionable projects while fostering seamless collaboration between industry, academia, and government stakeholders.

Initially, the role is being offered as a 20-hour-per-week, fixed term 12-month contract with the opportunity to develop into a full-time position for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Development: Set the vision and direction for the cluster, ensuring alignment with national and regional maritime strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison: Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, educational institutions, and local communities.
• Membership Growth and Development: Grow cluster membership and clearly communicate the advantages of joining the cluster, such as networking opportunities, access to funding, training programs, and collaborative projects.
• Facilitating Innovation and Collaboration: Create and nurture innovation opportunities for joint projects and networking among cluster members fostering an environment conducive to business growth.
• Advocacy and Representation: Represent the cluster in national and international forums while advocating for policies that benefit the maritime sector.
• Resource and Budget Management: Overseeing the allocation of resources, including funding, in-kind funding and human capital, to ensure the cluster's objectives are met.
• Funding, Contracts, and Project Leadership: Lead multi-stakeholder projects from initiation to completion, manage contract negotiations, and secure funding through grants and strategic partnerships, reporting progress to relevant authorities.
• Team Supervision and Performance Monitoring: Tracking the progress of cluster initiatives, assessing their impact, and making necessary adjustments to strategies and plans.

Qualifications

Degree in Business, Engineering, Maritime Studies, or equivalent practical experience.

Essential Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset.
• Collaborative leader who excels in fast-paced, cross-sector environments.
• Decisive problem-solver with a balanced approach to innovation and execution.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a flagship initiative in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable trade alongside industry and academic pioneers.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Apply Now

If you are ready to bridge strategy and execution in a role that will impact global maritime sustainability, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience in multi-stakeholder leadership to this job ad.

About DFDS

We operate a transport network in and around Europe with an annual revenue of DKK 30bn and 17,000 full-time employees.

We move goods in trailers by ferry, road & rail, and we offer complementary and related transport and logistics solutions.

We also move car and foot passengers on short sea and overnight ferry routes.

DFDS was founded in 1866 and headquartered and listed in Copenhagen.

Be part of DFDS and be part of the movement.