Marine Fleet Manager

A love for the sea and passion for fishing are the driving forces behind I&J, a leading fishing company and manufacturer of high quality chilled and frozen foods. Almost 110 , I&J is the trusted name in seafood, operating a modern and efficient trawler fleet, and continually investing in the training and development of experienced fishing crews, committed to fishing responsibly, with a long-term vision. I&J has achieved and maintained accreditation from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) since 2004. I&J is a globally respected supplier of high quality, chilled and frozen Cape Hake and a leading producer of farmed Cape Abalone. It is also one of AVIs great South African brands. I&J is proudly South African and invests in, and empowers, the communities in which it operates.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for aMarine Fleet Manager at I&J Trawlers Division, Waterfront, Cape Town. The purpose of this role is to manage the deep-sea fishing fleet of I&J within company objectives, quota and safety requirements, ensuring optimal vessel availability, utilization, and performance through a process of continuous improvement

Line Manager: Head of Trawling

Job Specification: Key Performance Areas:

Operational Management:

• Develops and implements short, medium and long-term plans within the parameters of the Company and Safety objectives to achieve optimal vessel availability, utilisation, and performance.
• Co-ordinates all functions regarding the fleet like shore operations, resources, marine, security and safety to ensure optimal integration of fleet systems and processes.
• Sets process output objectives for area of accountability in line with Company goals to execute the catch plan as to maximise profitability.
• Co-ordinates fleet operational systems and schedules to achieve safety, reliability and availability objectives by:
• Co-ordinating the fleet operational management programme to achieve optimal fleet availability.
• Reviewing engineering availability and service levels and to maintain and raise standards.
• Ensuring optimisation of fleet fishing equipment cost efficiency in respect of major replacements repairs and overhauls.
• Identifies scopes, justifies, and manages required capital projects, with Fleet Technical Manager.
• Forecasts increases / decreases to manpower requirements and deployment to achieve optimum utilisation of resource and productivity objectives.
• Co-ordinates and manages working cost budget for area of accountability.

Fleet Management

• Improves the effectiveness and efficiency of fleet processes and systems by:
• Identifying and implementing world class practices in fleet management. Continuously examining the appropriateness of existing systems and processes against the possibility of improved efficiency benchmarked against world best practise.
• Analysing fleet catch trends and managing utilising all available resources to ensure optimal fleet utilization and direction to ensure optimum catch mix to maximize profit.
• Ensure that the fleet stays abreast with latest developments related to fishing gear and technology.

Compliance and Safety:

• Manages safety, loss control and good housekeeping programmes to achieve objectives by:
• Monitoring and checking correct interpretation and compliance of all subordinates with all statutory legislation, safety and security regulations and company policies and procedures.
• Ensuring that safety inspections, investigations and the implementation of corrective actions are carried out where necessary, to maintain and if necessary, raise standards.
• Plans, implements, manages, and controls projects to meet anticipated operational requirements.
• Plan and implements programs to reduce the DIFR (Disabling Injury Frequency Rate)
• Manages the company Safety Management System (SMS)

Manages and controls human resources for optimum utilisation by:

• Setting individual and team goals to support unit objectives.
• Directing subordinates to achieve individual and team objectives.
• Assessing subordinate performance and implementing corrective measures where necessary.
• Identifying the training and development needs of subordinates and implementing them.
• Developing and implementing career and succession plans to increase section and individual effectiveness.
• Support company EE and AA targets by appropriate recruitment and career development.

Logistical Coordination:

• Ensure effective succession planning and career development for fleet and safety staff.
• Determine and co-ordinate relevant training for marine and safety staff by keeping an up to date fleet needs analysis.
• Monitors training standards of marine and safety training by liaising with local and international training establishments, ensuring world class standards.
• Prepares internal and external marine and safety audit schedule and surveys and organises the execution thereof and follows up on findings, recommendations, and other corrective actions.
• Co-ordinates and leads the management audits of the vessels.
• Liaises, consults, and negotiates with government departments, non-government organisations and port authorities on marine and safety matters and other statutory requirements.
• Leads the investigation team for major and minor incidents and reports to the relevant authorities.
• Manage Operations Centre.
• Ensure that all vessels documentation is up to date - pilots exemption, eye site, transire and safety certificates.

Minimum Requirements:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in a Senior Marine Managers position or Master / Fleet Manager
• Experience working on fishing vessels or in the maritime industry
• Familiarity with vessel maintenance, navigation, and fishing techniques
• Management experience, preferably in the fishing or maritime industry

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Maritime Studies, Fisheries Management, Business Administration or similar
• Certificates in marine operations, navigation or fisheries science is advantageous

Additional Requirements:

• Fishing Vessel Captains License - advantageous
• Current Safety Certifications - First aid and sea survival training.
• Certificates related to handling hazardous materials or refrigerated storage - if applicable
• Knowledge of international and local fishing laws and maritime safety standards