At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and sustainability initiatives in maritime transport.
- Company: Join James Fisher and Sons, a leader in maritime innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive benefits, career growth, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment process.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and innovation in the maritime industry.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and leadership experience in maritime innovation required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Head of Engineering, Innovation & Sustainability will play a pivotal role in driving the Maritime Transport Division’s digital transformation and innovation through New Product Development. This position leads the identification, development, and integration of advanced technologies and innovative maritime solutions that strengthen our operational capability and future‑readiness as well as working with the Product Managers to set up a roadmap for new products in the Fendercare business. Acting as a strategic link between engineering teams, operational stakeholders, and senior leadership, this role will oversee the entire innovation lifecycle - from establishing long‑term roadmaps and managing external technology partnerships, to governing New Product Development (NPD) with rigour and compliance.
Leading the identification, development, and implementation of sustainability‑driven strategies, incorporating digital and decarbonisation initiatives, to optimise vessel operations and product line growth. You will enhance operational safety, ensure regulatory alignment across complex maritime environments, and deliver measurable, long‑term business value through innovation excellence. The role can be based anywhere in the UK within commutable distance to one of our offices in London, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Norwich or Barrow–in–Furness. There will be some international travel as well when required.
What you’ll be doing:
- Drive digital transformation and decarbonisation across the division’s fleet.
- Lead cross‑functional collaboration and govern the NPD process.
- Identify, develop, and implement digital and decarbonisation strategies to optimise vessel operations and support product line growth.
- Manage complex engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery aligned with strategic goals.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the division.
- Develop product roadmap in partnership with Product Managers.
- Integrate advanced technologies to enhance operations, safety, and navigation.
- Lead and inspire cross‑functional teams across Engineering, Operations, IT, and Compliance.
- Ensure collaboration with internal teams and external partners to maintain regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
- Develop and implement the division’s digital strategy in line with organisational and Group‑wide objectives.
- Establish prioritisation frameworks, roadmaps, tools, and metrics to track delivery against KPIs.
- Identify and evaluate growth opportunities through emerging technologies and stakeholder feedback.
- Build a network of innovation partners from academic to external suppliers and start‑ups.
- Provide technical input for bids, new service development, and innovation funding.
- Drive NPD gate delivery with rigour, ensuring milestones are met on time and aligned with business objectives.
- Implement structured review processes to monitor progress, risks, and resource allocation.
- Develop and implement a broader sustainability strategy aligned to James Fisher’s sustainability goals.
What we’re looking for:
- Relevant engineering degree/qualification preferably in the maritime industry (i.e. naval architect, marine engineer).
- Proven leadership experience in engineering, innovation management, or digital transformation within the maritime sector is essential.
- Experience with vessel operations and emerging technologies relevant to tankships and fender products.
- Demonstrable strong knowledge of sustainability principles and ESG frameworks, with proven experience in conducting ESG assessments, performing data analysis, and developing ESG strategies aligned with recognised industry standards.
- Expertise in Industrial IoT and big data analytics within maritime environments.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex, multi‑disciplinary projects.
- Strong understanding of maritime technologies, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability initiatives.
- Broad knowledge of marine systems, digital tools, asset and vessel management, risk, and project management.
- Experience managing New Product Development (NPD) processes and delivering structured innovation programmes.
- Ability to build and maintain strong networks with academic partners, research bodies, and technology suppliers.
- Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen.
- Previous experience in building and managing teams.
Competitive benefits tailored to the division. Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation. A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions. Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce. To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida.
Head of Engineering, Innovation & Sustainability, Maritime Transport employer: James Fisher Maritime Transport
At James Fisher and Sons, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and sustainability within the maritime transport sector. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our competitive benefits, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career advancement, all while making a meaningful impact on safety and global capability. With offices across the UK and a focus on collaboration, we empower our teams to drive digital transformation and decarbonisation initiatives that shape the future of maritime operations.
Contact Details:
James Fisher Maritime Transport Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering, Innovation & Sustainability, Maritime Transport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the maritime industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in engineering and innovation management. Share specific examples of how you've driven digital transformation or sustainability initiatives in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and innovations. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially around decarbonisation and advanced technologies. This shows you're genuinely interested and well-informed!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering, Innovation & Sustainability, Maritime Transport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience in engineering and innovation management, especially within the maritime sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about digital transformation and sustainability in maritime transport. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and managed complex projects in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of emerging technologies and sustainability principles. We want to see how you can integrate advanced technologies to enhance operations and safety in maritime environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher Maritime Transport
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in maritime technology and sustainability. Familiarise yourself with digital transformation strategies and how they apply to vessel operations. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re also knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams or managed complex projects in the past. Highlight your experience in innovation management and how you’ve driven change in previous roles. This is crucial for a position that requires strong leadership and strategic thinking.
✨Be Ready to Discuss ESG Strategies
Since sustainability is a key focus, be prepared to discuss your understanding of ESG frameworks and how you've implemented sustainability-driven strategies before. Bring specific examples of how you've conducted assessments or developed initiatives that align with industry standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company’s goals and challenges. Inquire about their current digital transformation initiatives or how they plan to integrate new technologies into their operations. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking critically about the role.
