Director of Vessel Operations

Summary

The Director, Vessel Operations is responsible for leading the daily operations, maintenance, repair and regulatory compliance of Trailer Bridge’s barge fleet. This position oversees vessel inspections, dry dock projects, maintenance planning, and vendor management to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations. The Director collaborates with internal stakeholders and external partners to maintain schedule integrity, control costs and support the successful executive of Trailer Bridge’s transportation services

Responsibilities:

• Direct daily vessel operations, maintenance planning, and repair activities for the Trailer Bridge barge fleet.
• Oversee vessel inspection programs and maintenance planning to ensure regulatory compliance, operational reliability and schedule integrity.
• Develop and execute vessel operations strategies that support business objectives, operational efficiency and fleet reliability.
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, budgets and resource plans to support safe and efficient vessel operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, classification societies, vendors, shipyards and other key business partners.
• Prioritize and coordinate repairs, maintenance, and dry dock activities to minimize service disruptions.
• Manage and develop Vessel Ops Team, ensuring timely completion of maintenance and repair objectives.
• Develop repair scopes, oversee dry dock projects, and monitor vendor performance, budgets and timelines.
• Maintain vessel certifications, surveys, inspection records and regulatory documentation to ensure compliance with all applicable maritime regulations.
• Provide leadership and oversight for vessel surveys, audits, training exercises and safety programs.
• Oversee inventory management, equipment readiness, and procurement activities supporting vessel maintenance and repair operations.
• Analyze operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability and service quality.
• Prepare and communication operational updates, repair status, risks and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, safety and company policies

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 7 years of maritime operations, vessel maintenance, marine engineering, or related marine transportation experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Transportation, Marine Engineering, Business, or related field preferred, equivalent experience considered.
• 5 years of leadership experience managing teams, vendors, and operational budgets within a maritime environment.
• Strong knowledge of vessel maintenance, dry dock planning, regulatory compliance, and marine safety requirements
• Strong problem solving, analytical and decision making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to lead cross functional teams and manage multiple priorities in fast paced environment
• Ability to work efficiently with employees, vendors, regulators and executive leadership
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

A Few Benefits we currently offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vison Coverage
• Mental Health Coverage
• 401k, Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Generous PTO Plan & Paid Holidays
• Class Pass Credits
• Opportunity for internal career advancement
• Mentorship & Leadership Development Programs

EEO/AA Institution. Protected veterans and individuals with disability encouraged to apply.