General Fleet Manager - Operations (Bulk Fleet)

Job Description

The Role

Position: General Fleet Manager, Operations (Bulk Fleet)

Contract type: Full Time - Permanent

Reporting to: Director of Operations

Location: London

Zodiac Maritime is seeking to appoint an experienced General Fleet Manager – Operations to oversee and optimise the operations of our global bulk fleet. This strategic leadership role requires a proactive approach to achieving operational and commercial excellence, driving cost efficiency, and fostering a culture of safety, compliance and collaboration.

You will lead the operational management of the bulk fleet, ensuring seamless coordination, exceptional performance, and strong relationships with Charterers. A central part of this role involves managing and mentoring a high-performing team, supporting their growth and collective success through effective coaching and guidance.

As a key member of our General Fleet Manager team, you will be responsible for aligning fleet operations with the company’s strategic objectives, and all applicable industry regulations and best practices. This is an exciting and fulfilling opportunity to shape the role as we propel Zodiac Maritime into the future.

Key responsibilities and primary deliverables

Marine Operations

• Ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all vessels under your management, adhering to company policies, international regulations, industry standards, and Charter Party terms.
• Provide expert advice on navigation, cargo operations, stowage, and mooring to support optimal fleet performance.
• Guide Masters through Operations Managers, ensuring voyage instructions, Charter Party terms, and any special instructions are clearly communicated and understood.
• Monitor and drive fleet performance through ongoing assessment, implementation of best practices, and alignment with company objectives.
• Oversee inspections, ensuring timely and effective responses to regulatory authorities and charterers.
• Support incident and management response efforts in collaboration with relevant functional teams.
• Collaborate with crewing teams to ensure that vessels are manned with skilled and well-trained personnel.

Commercial Operations

• Work with commercial teams to optimise fleet utilisation and capitalise on market opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Charterers to enhance reputation and secure future business.
• Ensure timely receipt of freight and hire payments, resolving disputes or delays in coordination with commercial teams.
• Analyse market trends and operational data to identify efficiency improvements and revenue opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of commercial strategies to maximise profitability and fleet performance.
• Review and approve cost-effective bunker procurement plans.
• Provide strategic oversight of agency appointments and negotiations, ensuring cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
• Approve cargo documentation, as needed, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

Safety, Compliance, Risk Management and Management of Change

• Actively promote and enforce the company safety culture and standards aboard all vessels, collaborating closely with QHSSE.
• Ownership for ensuring that operational activities strictly adhere to the company’s QMS, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Ethical Trading, and Anti-Money Laundering policies and procedures, as well as international maritime regulations, codes, and standards.
• Manage risk assessments and the Management of Change (MOC) process for navigation, cargo, and operational changes.
• Develop and refine risk mitigation strategies, incorporating insights from incidents and near misses to enhance fleet safety and resilience.
• Ensure emergency plans are robust, regularly updated, and tested through scenario-based drills.
• Monitor and analyse risks across the fleet, providing strategic guidance to minimise exposure.
• Stay informed of industry regulations and best practices, ensuring fleet procedures are updated and operations align with emerging standards.

Budget Management and Performance Accountability

• Oversee operational expenses, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with General Fleet Managers in technical and crewing functions to align financial and performance objectives for the fleet.
• Drive the achievement of fleet Outcomes and Key Performance Indicators through effective leadership and teamwork.
• Analyse fleet performance metrics regularly, addressing gaps and implementing strategies to optimise results.

Team Management

• Empower and motivate your team by setting a clear vision for the bulk fleet and effectively communicating goals and expectations.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and productivity.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to achieve organisational objectives.
• Ensure succession and contingency planning for key roles within your team to maintain operational continuity.
• Evaluate and develop direct reports, providing ongoing feedback, growth opportunities, and training to maximise their potential.
• Champion the adoption of digital tools and updating of workflows and processes required for fleet optimisation and efficiency.

Relevant Experience, Skills and Competencies

• Extensive experience in fleet operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a global shipping company specialising in bulk operations. Ex-seafaring experience at Chief Officer or Master level is highly advantageous.
• A degree in Shipping Operations is but not mandatory for candidates with significant ex-seafaring or equivalent industry experience.
• Deep expertise in bulk fleet operations, including optimising vessel performance, interpreting Charter Party terms, managing cargo operations, navigation, stowage, and ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations and standards.
• Proven effectiveness under pressure, with a strong record in incident management, emergency response, and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Highly skilled in analysing operational KPIs, identifying performance gaps, and driving fleet-wide improvements to maximise fleet profitability and efficiency.
• Financially and commercially astute, with hands-on experience in managing operational budgets, conducting variance analysis, and directly contributing to fleet P&L outcomes.
• Proven success in motivating and empowering teams to consistently deliver results, developing a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and sustained high performance.
• Willing to lead from the front and take ownership.
• Skilled in navigating ambiguity and aligning operations with business goals and objectives.
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills, effectively addressing challenges and adapting to changing priorities.
• Driven by excellence, with a firm commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and safety in all aspects of fleet management.
• Collaborative team player, committed to creating a harmonious and solution-oriented work environment.
• Thrives in a fast paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment, maintaining focus and delivering results even under tight deadlines or unexpected challenges.
• Flexible and willingness to work outside of standard hours as needed to ensure operational success.

Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At this time, we are not engaging with external recruitment agencies.