General Manager - Marine Operations

General Manager – Marine Operations

Brigantine Marine Services (AUS)

Location: Flexible within Australia (remote or hybrid) for right candidate or at Matraville NSW .

About Brigantine Marine Services

Brigantine Marine Services (AUS) is an integrated marine services company providing marine and technical services, Quality assurance management, inspections, audits, Maritime Training and surveys to the global marine, offshore, oil and gas industries. Our team including experienced Mariner and Technical Superintendents based in Australia, New Zealand and India support clients with vessel marine standards compliance, inspections, internal audits, pre-AMSA and pre-rightship preparation, pre-SIRE/CDI preparation, navigation audits, VDR analysis, condition assessments, dry-dock supervision etc. We also assist with compliance for AMSA, RISQ, SIRE 2.0/CDI and other regulatory and vetting requirements.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced General Manager – Marine Operations with an experience of senior management role who shall also act as Designated Person Ashore (DPA) for our and our client vessels to take overall responsibility for operational delivery, safety and compliance across the business. You will lead marine operations, ensure robust safety and quality management systems, and act as the key leadership link between our shore organisation, vessels, clients and regulators in line with the ISM Code.

The position can be worked remotely from within Australia for the right candidate with right experience, with a preference for NSW-based applicants, you will lead or attend client, vessel and internal meetings as required.

Key Responsibilities

Marine operations leadership

1. Provide overall leadership and direction for all marine and technical services, including inspections, audits, surveys, advisory work and project delivery.
2. Coordinate and prioritise work across Australia, New Zealand and Chennai teams to ensure safe, on-time and high-quality delivery to clients.
3. Support superintendents, surveyors and consultants with operational decisions, risk assessments and client communication.
4. Business development and promote Brand Brigantine.

Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – ISM Code

1. Act as the company's DPA, maintaining an effective Safety Management System (SMS) and ensuring vessels and operations comply with the ISM Code and other applicable requirements.
2. Monitor the safety and pollution-prevention performance of vessels and projects, ensuring adequate resources and shore-based support are provided.
3. Lead internal ISM audits, incident investigations and management reviews, and drive corrective and preventive actions to continuously improve the Management System.

Integrated Company Operations system – ISO & WHS

1. Oversee the company's integrated management system, aligning procedures and practices with ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) principles.
2. Ensure marine operations are planned and executed with a strong focus on worker health and safety, hazard identification, risk control and legal compliance.
3. Promote a positive safety culture, review toolbox talks and safety campaigns as required, and ensure effective reporting and learning from incidents and near misses.

Regulatory, vetting and client compliance

1. Lead preparation and support for AMSA inspections, RISQ, SIRE 2.0/CDI, rightship and other third-party audits and vetting programs.
2. Ensure services such as navigation audits, VDR analysis, Marine Order 32 compliance checks, CII/EU ETS assessments and condition surveys meet regulatory and client standards.
3. Maintain effective relationships with flag states, class societies, port authorities and other regulators as required.

Commercial & client relationships

1. Act as a primary senior point of contact for key clients, ensuring responsive, technically sound and commercially aware service.
2. Support tendering, proposals, scopes of work and pricing for marine projects, inspections and advisory engagements.
3. Identify opportunities to expand services in areas such as compliance training (e.g. RISQ, SIRE 2.0, ISM, ISO, WHS) and bespoke marine consultancy.

People & organisational leadership

1. Lead and mentor team members in Australia, New Zealand and Chennai, developing capability in marine operations, safety, quality and client management.
2. Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback and support professional development, including ISM, ISO and WHS training.
3. Foster a collaborative, accountable culture focused on operational excellence, safety and customer service.

Finance, reporting & governance

1. Oversee operational budgets, utilisation and cost control to support sustainable profitability.
2. Review and report on operational performance, HSE performance, audit outcomes and key risks to the Directors.
3. Ensure appropriate governance, documentation and records are maintained for audits, legal compliance and client requirements.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

1. Senior leadership experience in a marine operation and Compliance, technical or HSEQ management role within shipping, offshore or marine services.
2. Proven experience with the ISM Code, acting as DPA or in a shoreside role with direct responsibility for SMS development, audits and implementation.
3. Strong knowledge of ISO-based management systems, ideally including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and experience integrating these into marine operations.
4. Demonstrated track record in maritime workplace health and safety, risk assessment, incident investigation and safety culture improvement.
5. Solid understanding of AMSA requirements, Marine Orders (including Marine Order 32), vetting regimes (e.g. SIRE 2.0, CDI, RISQ) and industry best practice.
6. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to work effectively with crews, superintendents, clients, regulators and senior management.
7. Seagoing background as Master or Chief Engineer, or extensive marine superintendent/technical management experience, is highly regarded.
8. Relevant tertiary qualifications in nautical science, marine engineering, maritime management, or equivalent professional experience.

Location & Work Arrangements

1. Remote work from within Australia is available for experienced candidates, with travel to NSW and client sites as required.
2. Applicants will be able to work in a hybrid pattern (home/office/client/vessel visits) are spreferred.
3. Full and unrestricted Australian work rights are required.
4. Visa sponsership for Candidate with Right experiance.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining:

1. Your marine operations and ISM/DPA experience
2. Your experience with ISO-based management systems and maritime WHS
3. Your location in Australia and preferred working arrangement (remote / NSW-based / hybrid)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.