Operations Manager

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable execution of offshore projects, ensuring alignment with company strategy, client requirements, and industry standards. The role oversees daily operations, vessel and asset utilization, logistics, and project support functions, acting as the key interface within project teams, between engineering, project support, project leadership, fleet management, and corporate leadership.

This role will require occasional travel to project sites, supplier facilities and offshore locations.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Operational Leadership

• Plan, coordinate and supervise offshore operations across the project (cable lay, trenching, subsea construction, SURF, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with HSEQ policies, international standards, and client specifications.
• Monitor project performance against schedule, budget, and KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Manage vessels and asset deployment, ensuring optimal utilization of fleet and equipment.
• Ensure readiness of assets for operation.

Project & Execution Support

• Provide operational input during tendering and project planning phases.
• Organise and oversee mobilisation/demobilisation activities, port calls and load-out operations.
• Ensure technical and operational readiness of vessels, equipment and crews.
• Liaise with Project Managers, Engineering, Supply Chain and Marine teams to resolve operational challenges.

Commercial & Client Interface

• Represent the Company in operational discussions with clients, partners and subcontractors.
• Monitor contract execution, ensuring compliance with terms and supporting claim/variation processes when applicable.
• Identify and implement opportunities to optimize costs and improve efficiency.
• Understands the financial implications of budget management.

Logistics & Operations

• Oversee logistics operations including international shipping, customs clearance, warehousing and distribution for offshore campaigns.

People Management & Leadership

• Lead and develop onshore and offshore operations teams, ensuring competency and readiness).
• Ensure effective resource planning for project execution, including rotation schedules, logistics, and training
• Promote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement mindset.

Key Tasks

• Develop and implement strategies for meeting environmental legislation requirements.
• Manage the preparation and submission of environmental impact assessments and consent applications.
• Provide technical support on sustainability measures, CO2 reporting, and ECI calculations.
• Liaise with internal teams and external regulatory agencies to obtain necessary approvals.
• Maintain documentation and reporting standards for sustainability compliance.
• Monitor and evaluate legislative changes affecting the project and advise on necessary actions.
• Review permit responsibility matrix and ensure suitability.

Key Measurables

• Proven track record in managing offshore projects, vessels or large scale operations.
• Commercial acumen and budget management skills.
• Strong understanding of offshore construction methods: SURF, cable lay, pipelay (S-lay/J-lay), trenching, heavy lift.
• Solid knowledge of HSEQ requirements, marine regulations, and industry standards (IMCA, DNV, ISO, etc.).
• Commitment to safety, quality and operational excellence.

Key Behaviours

• Strong leadership and decision making abilities under pressure.
• Excellent organisational skills and planning skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent and effective communication skills, able to interface with clients, subcontractors and internal teams.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written. Fluency in other languages are advantageous.

Education and Qualifications Specific to Role

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Marine or related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).

Desirable Qualifications or Equivalent Experience

• Good experience in shallow water and intertidal.

Demonstrable Experience Specific to Role

• Proven track record in managing offshore projects, vessels or large scale operations.
• Experience in leading multi-cultural and multi-discipline teams across offshore and onshore environments.