Operations Capability and Performance Manager in Southampton

Offshore operations have long run on instinct, tribal knowledge and reactive problem-solving. One technology-led business operating in subsea data services has decided that is no longer good enough. With autonomous and remotely operated vessel programmes scaling rapidly, this organisation is building the structural backbone that will allow its operations to perform at the level its technology already demands. This hire sits at the centre of that shift.

The Operations Capability and Performance Manager will not manage day-to-day delivery. The mandate is larger: define how the entire Data Services function measures, governs, and continuously improves the way it operates at sea. This is a role for someone who has worked inside complex offshore environments, understands what drives safe and predictable delivery, and now wants to shape the frameworks others execute against.

The Impact You Will Have

• Design and own the operational capability architecture across Data Services, ensuring it is fit for current scale and built for what comes next.
• Establish decision governance, clear accountability structures and escalation frameworks that reduce friction between functions.
• Build and chair cross-functional performance forums that bring consistency and commercial discipline to offshore delivery.
• Lead operations analytics, translating data from vessels, remote operations centres and onshore teams into insight that improves predictability and resilience.
• Identify systemic performance gaps and convert lessons learned into updated standards, governance and capability requirements.

What Success Looks Like

• 10 to 15 years of offshore experience, ideally with exposure to survey, AUV/ROV or robotics-focused operations.
• A background in operational excellence, efficiency programmes or performance frameworks built inside shipping, maritime or subsea environments.
• Proven ability to analyse data across multiple operational functions and drive measurable improvement.
• Strong enough stakeholder presence to challenge senior leaders constructively while remaining calm and collaborative.
• Able to work autonomously, build structure in evolving environments and avoid overengineering what needs to be practical.

What Is on Offer

A salary of up to £95,000, standard benefits, and the autonomy to build something that does not yet fully exist. This is not a process maintenance role. The frameworks, standards and governance rhythms created here will directly shape how a genuinely ambitious, technology-first business scales its offshore operations. For the right person, this is a defining step.

If you are currently succeeding in a senior operational or performance role and want to move from executing within a system to designing the system itself, we would welcome a conversation.

Who are we?

Executive Integrity is a global executive search and recruitment consultancy for a more sustainable world with a focus on talent within the Maritime and Renewable Energy sectors. We give a proportion of all our profits to Renewable World, a charity that develops affordable and innovative renewable energy solutions to poverty-stricken communities.