Director, Fleet Operations (Finance)
We are on a mission to become the world's most sustainable and innovative maritime, logistics, and technology company. As a privately- held, U.S - owned and operated company, Crowley provides Logistics, Government Solutions, Shipping, Wind and Fuel services in 36 nations and island territories.
By expanding and innovating our services, we have grown to a committed team of over 7,000 diverse people, generating an annual revenue of more than $2.9 billion. We live up to our purpose of bravely advancing what's possible to elevate people and planet, with our core values of Integrity, Sustainability and Drive guiding everything we do.
To continue laying the groundwork, challenge what's possible and celebrate the power of inclusion, we seek to partner with driven individuals who are ready to elevate their career with us.
SUMMARY: The Director, Fleet Operations serves as the primary point of contact for the assigned fleet of vessels, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and delivering safe, efficient, and reliable service. This role is responsible for managing a team of Engineering Managers, Project Managers, Port Captains, and other staff to oversee maintenance, repairs, drydocking, vessel acquisition and project execution. The role drives operational excellence, fosters a culture of safety, and ensures compliance with budgetary and regulatory requirements.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Customer Engagement:
• Act as the primary liaison with the customer, maintaining effective communication to ensure alignment in service delivery and operational goals.
• Drive customer satisfaction through proactive updates, issue resolution, and regular performance reviews.
Team Leadership:
• Supervise and lead program staff to ensure timely and cost-effective execution of maintenance, repairs, drydocking, acquisition and vessel modifications.
• Foster a collaborative and safety-focused culture across the team.
Program Safety & Compliance:
• Champion a strong safety culture, promoting adherence to safety protocols and continuous improvement in safety performance.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and class agency requirements, including USCG, MSC Engineering, and others.
Financial Management:
• Develop annual program budgets, forecasting work and funding requirements for planned, emergent, and drydocking needs.
• Review and analyze monthly budget reports with the contracting officer and program staff, maintaining budget awareness and requesting additional funds as necessary.
• Participate in monthly financial reviews to assess program performance and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Project & Maintenance Oversight:
• Provide leadership and oversight for vessel acquisitions.
• Collaborate with program staff to develop detailed technical specifications for drydocking and major projects.
• Monitor major repair periods (drydockings) and projects for compliance with budget and schedule.
• Track historical data and pricing to enhance decision-making for future repair periods.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting:
• Coordinate weekly and monthly engineering and operations discussions to address vessel material conditions and performance.
• Lead quarterly reviews with customers, port engineers, and shipboard teams to evaluate progress, identify issues, and implement corrective actions.
Operational Improvement:
• Develop and refine operational and engineering procedures to drive cost savings, improve vessel readiness, and enhance material condition.
• Identify and implement best practices to improve efficiency and optimize service delivery. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in a related area e.g. Marine Engineering, Marine Architecture; Marine Transportation, Nautical Science; Maritime Business, preferably from a maritime academy. Advanced degree and/or study courses are highly desirable. At least 20 years of experience in the maritime business may substitute for a degree.
EXPERIENCE: 10 years of experience within the disciplines of the maritime community, with a minimum of 5 years of sea time experience serving aboard commercial or government owned ocean-going ships as Master, unlimited tonnage restriction; or as a Chief Engineer, unlimited tonnage restriction.
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY: Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Outlook and Word.
COMPETENCIES: Ability to apply skill sets and demonstrate proven experience developing, improving and streamlining processes to meet established goals and objectives. Ability to effectively manage projects that may vary in nature and scope.
JOB SCOPE: Position impacts multiple business units/segments.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Works both inside an office environment and outside in conditions of both high and low temperatures. May be exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels and potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to crouch and stoop to get into areas with restricted headroom and be able to climb ladders. May require extended use of computer keyboard and viewing of computer monitor and ability to sit for long periods of time.
