Job Summary

The Vice President of Engineering is responsible for shoreside and marine engineering, including the overall fleet management, new vessel construction and major repairs of all vessels, vessel maintenance, and repairs that are owned, chartered, and operated by G&H Towing Company. The VP of Engineering is also responsible for all shoreside CAPEX major projects. The VP of Engineering will coordinate with the VP of Human Resources to identify and develop training requirements for all engineering personnel. Overall responsibilities include scheduling and coordinating fleet repair and maintenance, coordinating purchasing of parts, repair services, and supplies. Responsibilities also include overseeing process development, routine maintenance, performing inspections of vessels for repair, and upholding maintenance standards. The VP of Engineering will maintain fleet compliance with regulatory agencies and keep accurate records of maintenance performed on vessels. The VP of Engineering will develop and execute annual maintenance budgets, manage, and supervise engineering projects, budgets, marine hull claims, and support staff. Collaboration with other departments including Operations, Safety (HSSQE), Information Technology, Accounting, Training and Development, Human Resources, and Purchasing and Logistics will be essential.

Key Interactions

G&H Employees, G&H executive leadership, senior client leadership, mariners, industry associations, and 3rd party vendors

Job Responsibilities, Required Knowledge, Skills

• Ability to always communicate effectively and professionally
• Ability to familiarize yourself with company documents including policies and procedures and the company Towing Safety Management System (T.S.M.S.)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters and areas of the organization
• Ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously while maintaining service standards
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Interpersonal skills including self-awareness and the ability to deal professionally with others and always make professional judgments
• Must be a team player and support the mission, vision, and goals of the company and the department
• Must be service-oriented and customer-centric to all internal and external customers
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, test resolutions, and escalate common issues
• Possess proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, time management, problem-solving, and planning skills
• Advises new construction team with design, construction, and major modifications input
• Approve invoices for spare parts, consumables, and repairs on assigned vessels; and ensure that all maintenance and repair planning data are accurate
• Approves vessel spare part and consumable requisitions and works closely with the purchasing department to effectively procure required materials
• Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures
• Contributes to company business strategy as a member of the senior management team
• Coordinates with the purchasing and logistics departments with the solicitation and vetting of service and goods suppliers
• Develops and maintains maritime academy programs including a feeder program for both marine and shoreside positions
• Develops and maintains technical and departmental policies in support of sustained quality work and zero unplanned maintenance downtime
• Develops and reports monthly M&R, drydocking, and personnel metrics to executive management
• Directs all dry-docking strategies, budgeting, and contract administration
• Drives day-to-day key strategic initiatives on behalf of the president
• Ensures that vessels are maintained in an efficient state of repair ensuring engineering standards
• Executes all projects on time and within budget guidelines
• Identifies, develops, and implements company-wide training programs to enhance company safety in operations culture - efficiently and effectively meets company needs
• Implements predictive maintenance solutions following diagnosis of reoccurring issues
• Leads a team to ensure overall fleet maintenance and repair, maximizing fleet availability and utilization with zero unplanned downtime
• Collaborate with other departments regarding required maintenance schedules
• Collaborate with manufacturer’s representatives, vendors, and major repair facilities
• Maintain knowledge of regulatory requirements and keep the fleet managers, port engineers, chief engineers, and supporting staff suitably informed
• Maintains vessels in class, and ensures that U. S. Coast Guard, Class, Underwriters, Charterers, Surveyors, and other requirements are met
• Manages company claims processes, including conducting loss and near loss reviews, making recommendations to senior management to control future risk
• Monitors and maintains conformance to the requirements of the T.S.M.S. within their areas of responsibility
• Monitors vessel performance, implementing corrective and or preventive action where required
• Oversees policy and management of fleet repair records to support preventative and predictive repairs
• Participates in corporate-wide initiatives to identify and develop best practices
• Participates in incident investigations and analyzes trends in loss and near loss experience and loss causation, suggesting best practices to address performance issues
• Participates in the management review meetings, company safety meetings, and all other meetings as required
• Partners with senior management to create a framework for strategic initiative planning and tactics
• Plans, budgets, executes, and oversees all aspects of fleet maintenance, repair and drydocking, managing
• Prepares repair specifications and bid packages in consultation with the vessel’s senior officers
• Prepares technical reports as required
• Promotes operational excellence through full support of HSSQE policies and practices
• Provides inspections and or surveys for prospective vessel purchases and charters
• Provides leadership and supervision to the fleet engineering team that oversees all maintenance and repair, shipyard drydocking, and craft trades (mechanical, electrical, welding, etc.) support
• Responsible for maintenance, repair, modification, overhaul, and new construction of owned and operated vessels
• Serves as the department head for vessel and shoreside engineering personnel
• Tracks all costs against budgets, reporting variances and managing cost initiatives

Education & Experience

• A High school diploma or GED is required; an advanced degree is preferred; extensive experience may be considered in lieu of education
• Extensive knowledge and experience in data management utilizing software skills (i.e. - Excel, Word, AutoCAD, MS Project Management, etc.)
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Database and development management
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both verbal and written, including technical writing
• Experience with vessel management systems
• Formidable project management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Requires proficiency with computer hardware and software to include Microsoft Office applications, using a computer with a keyboard and mouse, navigation with a web browser, checking and sending email, and use of internet search engines
• Strong management and organizational skills
• Ten (10) or more years in a technical leadership role
• Specification and contract management experience, for shipyard and shoreside construction projects

Required Licensure & Certifications

• Requires an active and valid driver's license
• Requires a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential (TWIC)
• A valid passport for out-of-country business travel
• A merchant mariner credential as a licensed engineer is preferred
• PMP certification preferred

Working Conditions

• Work hours will be assigned based on business needs however, work hours will typically be Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. By request from the President, work hours may include irregular hours including weekends, holidays, and after-hours to assist in completing special tasks or assignments
• Out-of-regional travel may be required to attend training, seminars, or work-related events including managing offsite projects

• Work will be performed in the office and in the field

Special Projects

• Assist the executive team when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a negotiated time frame established by the President

• Completion of other duties as assigned by the President as it relates to the program and position

Behavioral Competencies

Analysis

• The candidate will be able to conduct examinations of the elements and structure of a subject, providing a logical conclusion based on data analysis

Leadership

• The candidate will be a strategic thinker who can manage complex problems and lead teams to desired outcomes

Listening

• The candidate must be able to understand and act upon verbal direction or explanation of support need

Time Management

• The candidate is comfortable with goal setting and working in a team setting
• The candidate must be able to prioritize and complete tasks promptly
• The candidate has excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work

Teamwork

• The candidate is autonomous, self-motivated to complete work-related tasks and solve problems, reliable, customer service oriented, and intrinsically driven to collaborate with and help the organization achieve the overall department visions and goals
• The candidate should be comfortable working autonomously and as a team, while always maintaining professionalism
• The candidate must be able to collaborate with others to problem solve and establish effective solutions to problems
• The candidate understands the urgency of ensuring business continuity and will set and manage reasonable expectations for stakeholders regarding the resolution of issues.

Listening

• The candidate must be able to understand and act upon verbal direction or explanation of support need

Resourcefulness

• The candidate will not hesitate to share creative or innovative ideas that will yield efficiency or provide resolution to needs or problems
• The candidate will be proactive, working cross-functionally as needed to provide answers and solutions
• The candidate will not hesitate to seek guidance and support from other employees to complete their job duties safely and effectively

Essential Job-Related Physical & Mental Requirements

Physical:

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and or reach for items
• Ability to board vessels safely
• Ability to detect and write effectively
• Ability to handle objects
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting
• Ability to hear with or without aid
• Ability to move around within an office setting and or other locations as needed
• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to push, pull, and or squat
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods
• Ability to transport, adjust, and or move items up to 50 lbs
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Ability to anticipate needs
• Ability to cultivate a positive working environment
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgment
• Ability to deal professionally, ethically, and effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public including providing professional courtesy, tact, decision-making skills, prompt responsiveness, efficiency, and courteous customer service and assistance to all
• Ability to maintain regular attendance
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to be professional and use professional judgment 100% of the time
• Ability to multi-task and plan time efficiently 100% of the time
• Ability to perform job description and duties with minor supervision
• Ability to reason and analyze effectively
• Ability to solve practical problems as they relate to the position
• Ability to understand, communicate, and comprehend information in English
• Ability to work professionally with others 100% of the time
• Required to pass and maintain all mandatory training
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
• Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect

Worksite Environmental Conditions

• Ability to work alone
• Ability to work closely with others
• Ability to work long and or irregular hours
• Potential exposure to tobacco products
• May be exposed to excessive noises
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
• May be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and or chemicals
• May be subjected to water and or liquids
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit unlawful discrimination per federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are committed to being an inclusive environment for all candidates and employees representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment is based on qualifications. Qualified individuals must be able to perform all the functions listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation as based on ADA requirements.