Chief Operating Officer

Our client is an international dry bulk ship management company set up by shipping professionals. It works with shipowners in a transparent, accountable way, and its services cover full technical management, dry dock management, newbuilding supervision, procurement, crewing oversight, HSQE, insurance and claims support. The company has offices in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and India and combines hands-on operational experience with a modern, owner-focused management model.

We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer to run day-to-day operations from the Cyprus office and lead the operational side of a growth plan that aims to more than double the managed fleet within 12 months. This is a hands-on seat, not a role managed through layers: the team is lean, and you go on board, into the dry dock and into the PMS yourself when needed. Reporting to the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical, marine, crewing, procurement and HSQE operations across the managed fleet.
• Scale the organisation for fleet growth - structure, staffing plan and shore-side hiring ahead of new vessel entries, not after them.
• Own a standardised, repeatable vessel takeover process - technical due diligence, handover, crew change, PMS and spares data migration - so that several vessels per month can join without disruption.
• Personally attend pre-takeover inspections, takeovers and key dry docks, and step in for a superintendent or fleet manager when needed.
• Lead the investigation of serious incidents, PSC detentions and major breakdowns, including root cause and corrective actions.
• Review vessel budgets, dry-dock specifications and yard quotations line by line, and keep OPEX and dry docks within budget.
• Ensure compliance with ISM, ISPS, MLC, flag, class and vetting standards, as well as EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and CII, with a target of zero PSC detentions.
• Build and improve processes, KPIs and reporting, and drive digitalisation of PMS, procurement, crewing and reporting.
• Secure crew supply for the growing fleet through a reliable network of manning agencies, and be part of the 24/7 emergency response chain.
• Act as the senior operational contact for shipowners with clear monthly reporting, and support the CEO and business development with technical input for new clients.
• Hire, coach and develop superintendents, fleet managers and department heads.

What We're Looking For

• A solid background in technical ship management with strong dry bulk experience.
• A hands-on track record - you still attend vessels and dry docks personally and are comfortable working without a large team underneath.
• Experience leading vessel takeovers from other managers.
• In-depth knowledge of ship management processes - technical, crewing, procurement, HSQE and budgeting - including DOC holder responsibilities and ISM audits.
• Practical experience with EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and CII compliance.
• Experience implementing or optimising ship management software (AMOS, ShipNet, Danaos, BASS or similar) and automating workflows.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Seagoing experience as a Chief Engineer or Master is an advantage.
• Based in Cyprus or ready to relocate, and willing to travel at short notice.

What We Offer

• A senior role with real influence in a fast-growing, owner-focused ship management company.
• Ownership of the operational side of a plan to more than double the managed fleet.
• Competitive compensation package with a bonus and relocation support, discussed individually and built around your expectations.

If you run ship management operations hands-on and want to scale a fleet without losing control of quality - send us your CV, we'd love to hear from you.