At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and sustainability initiatives in maritime transport.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a global leader in engineering services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive benefits, career growth opportunities, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- 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.
About the Role
Head of Engineering, Innovation & Sustainability – Maritime Transport
Full-Time, Permanent
United Kingdom with travel
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.
Why join us:
- 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.
About Us
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
With two centuries of maritime shipping and innovation, James Fisher is a trusted partner in the safe and efficient movement of the world's vital resources. As a market leader in ship‐to‐ship transfer and coastal shipping, we help customers protect people, cargo and infrastructure while shaping the future of global maritime transport.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then apply now!
Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
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. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA.
Maritime Engineering & Innovation Leader (Sustainability) in Barrow in Furness employer: JamesFisher
At James Fisher, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in the competitive benefits and career advancement opportunities available across our UK offices, where you can make a meaningful impact in the maritime industry while driving sustainability and digital transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maritime Engineering & Innovation Leader (Sustainability) in Barrow in Furness
✨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
Show off your passion for sustainability and innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and ideas around decarbonisation and digital transformation. They’ll love seeing your enthusiasm for driving change in the maritime sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. This will not only help you understand their goals but also allow you to tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their vision, especially in areas like New Product Development and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at James Fisher. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started on this journey together!
We think you need these skills to ace Maritime Engineering & Innovation Leader (Sustainability) in Barrow in Furness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in maritime engineering and sustainability. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Engineering, you’ll need to lead cross-functional teams. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and innovation!
Highlight Your Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of emerging technologies and sustainability principles. We’re looking for someone who can drive digital transformation, so be sure to include any relevant technical skills or certifications that make you stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at James Fisher!
How to prepare for a job interview at JamesFisher
✨Know Your Maritime Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of maritime engineering and sustainability principles. Be ready to discuss how emerging technologies can enhance vessel operations and contribute to decarbonisation efforts. This shows you're not just familiar with the industry but also passionate about its future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in cross-functional teams. Think about times when you've successfully managed complex projects or driven innovation. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead diverse teams towards common goals.
✨Understand the NPD Process
Familiarise yourself with the New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle, especially in a maritime context. Be ready to discuss how you would govern this process and ensure compliance while driving innovation. This will show that you can handle the rigour required for successful product launches.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Research James Fisher's sustainability goals and their approach to digital transformation. During the interview, align your answers with their vision and values. This demonstrates that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their mission.
