Managing Director

Are you an experienced senior leader with a passion for the marine industry?
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Managing Director to steer the company towards sustained growth and excellence. This pivotal role involves overseeing business development, financial management, team leadership, and service delivery.

The Role
You will drive innovation, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and champion a culture of high performance while fostering strong client relationships and expanding market presence. Reporting to the Group Board of Directors, you will shape the future of the organisation by translating vision into actionable strategies and overseeing their execution.

In this role, you will take full responsibility for developing and implementing business strategies that deliver exceptional surveying services aligned with industry standards and client expectations. You will manage budgets, monitor financial performance, negotiate contracts, and oversee tendering processes to drive profitability. Additionally, you will lead efforts to expand the client base, identify market opportunities, and ensure adherence to all relevant marine regulations and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive expertise, including a strong background in marine surveying, exceptional leadership abilities, and proven business acumen. With at least 10 years of experience in the marine industry, including 5 years in senior management, you will possess the skills to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, and navigate the evolving marine landscape effectively.

In Return
Autonomy to grow the business to the next level and enjoy the financial rewards that will follow. Working with an enthusiastic team within an international organisation that is constantly evolving.

Position Overview
The Managing Director (MD) will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the company. The MD will be responsible for driving business growth, ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining client relationships, and managing a team of surveying professionals. This role requires strong leadership, industry expertise, and the ability to adapt to an ever-evolving marine landscape. The MD will report to the Group Board of Directors and work closely with other senior executives to execute the company’s vision and long-term objectives.

Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the annual budget and financial forecasts for the business, ensuring financial health and sustainability.
• Monitor financial performance and take corrective actions as needed to meet financial targets.
• Oversee contract negotiations and pricing strategies to ensure profitability.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure full compliance with relevant marine industry regulations, environmental standards, and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure that the company has appropriate Health, Safety and Environment policies and that these are complied with at all times by employees and third parties.
• Provide regular performance reports and strategic updates to the Board of Directors.

Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance.
• Ensure effective recruitment, training, and development programs to build a highly skilled workforce.
• Promote a positive work environment that supports employee well-being, retention, and growth.
• Maintain a vigilant approach to risk management, proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks and raising concerns to the executive team as appropriate.
• Ensure the maintenance of appropriate professional ethics, knowledge, and standards within the team.

Service Development:

• Design and develop the services in line with customer needs.

Business Development:

• Drive revenue growth by identifying new market opportunities, expanding the client base, and cultivating existing customer relationships.
• Oversee tendering and proposal processes for new contracts and key clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with marine industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and strategic partners.
• Ensure that sales leads are correctly qualified, customers’ requirements well understood, the sales cycle is well managed, and the sales contract well negotiated and constructed.

Marketing & PR:

• Ensure that the company develops and implements brand and marketing strategies, aligned with strategic goals.
• To support the company strategy, establish, develop, protect, and promote the company brand, ensuring that the brand values are clearly visible externally and embedded into the company’s DNA internally.
• Design and implement effective marketing activities to create valuable opportunities to promote the company and its products and to develop sales leads.
• Take responsibility for all proactive and reactive press relations activity to ensure that the company and its mission, programs, products, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders.

Operations Management:

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality marine surveying services in line with industry standards, safety regulations, and client expectations.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the surveying teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Manage the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of internal processes and quality control measures.
• Maintain a strong focus on risk management and safety within all surveying activities.

Person Specification

Education:
A degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Studies, or a related field. Additional certifications in marine surveying or project management are a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the marine surveying or marine industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
• Proven track record of managing P&L, driving revenue growth, and successfully leading cross-functional teams.
• In-depth knowledge of marine surveying, regulations, and industry standards.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and manage complex projects.
• Experience with client relationship management and business development.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient networker.
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Boardroom presence with the ability to interact with all stakeholders and drive forward appropriate actions.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate team members to meet corporate goals and objectives.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
• Fluent in written and spoken English, with the capability to communicate with diverse audiences and the media.

Preferred Area of Expertise:
Casualty (nautical) investigations, Condition surveys (P&I/H&M/Pre-purchase/On-off hire), Containerized cargoes, Dry bulk (Agri/Minerals), Hull & Machinery, Lashing and securing, Marine Warranty, Personal injury, Pilferage, Project/heavy lift cargoes, Refrigerated cargoes (Fish/Meat/Perishables), Steel (Coils/Finished products).

Contact:
The recruitment process is managed by Teresa Peacock. For a confidential discussion or to submit your application, please contact her directly:
E:
T: +44 (0)1702 481 650
M: +44 (0)7441 349 895
linkedin.com/in/teresapeacock

(Please refrain from contacting Van Ameyde Marine directly.)

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