What is it like working with Spinnaker? A client’s perspective

Clients are everything in recruitment. If you don’t have clients, you don’t have jobs, meaning no need for candidates. And hearing their feedback is more important than ever. With the recruitment market getting harder and harder every year, it is always key to hear what your clients have to say about working with you and how you can always improve your service.

HR Manager
Dry Bulk Shipowner

Who was your recruiter/s at Spinnaker? What kind of roles have you used our agency for?

We have worked with Liam Daly on many roles for the past 7 years. From General Managers/Fleet director positions, to Technical–Marine, IT superintendents, Crew Operators etc! The whole range!

What has your experience with Spinnaker been in regard to the recruitment process, the calibre of candidates etc.?

Working with Spinnaker, particularly with Liam, has been a consistently positive and straightforward experience. Liam has demonstrated a deep understanding of our company’s needs, especially regarding the quality and calibre of candidates we look to bring into our team. The recruitment process with Spinnaker has been efficient and tailored to meet our specific requirements. The candidates presented to us have consistently matched the high standards we uphold, both in terms of their professional capabilities and their alignment with our company culture.

How beneficial was using a recruiter/recruitment agency for your hiring needs?

The level of service provided by Liam and his understanding has significantly contributed to the success of our collaborations. Liam is always my first move-call!

Would you recommend using a recruitment agency to other companies for their hiring needs?

Absolutely, I would highly recommend using a recruitment agency to other companies for their hiring needs. The level of professionalism and the tailored approach offered by recruitment agencies can significantly streamline the hiring process.

Leveraging their networks and resources can save time and energy, allowing you to focus on your core business activities while still ensuring that your team grows with high-calibre individuals.

Rupa Winch
Global Head of HR, West

Who was your recruiter/s at Spinnaker? What kind of roles have you used our agency for?

We have worked with Hayley Menere for roles within Underwriting and Liam Daly for roles within Loss Prevention.

What has your experience with Spinnaker been in regard to the recruitment process, the calibre of candidates etc.?

We’ve used Spinnaker for many years and have always been pleased with the candidates they have provided. They know our business well, the areas we need help with and are able to provide candidates that are suited to our requirements.

How beneficial was using a recruiter/recruitment agency for your hiring needs?

Very helpful. We’ve had a number of roles, some of which were niche, and I have appreciated the support we’ve had to fill them.

Would you recommend using a recruitment agency to other companies for their hiring needs?

Yes of course!

HR Director
Maritime Technology Group

Who was your recruiter/s at Spinnaker? What kind of roles have you used our agency for?

We worked with David Tubb on a Sales Manager role.

What has your experience with Spinnaker been in regard to the recruitment process, the calibre of candidates etc.?

Our experience with the recruitment process has been comprehensive. Spinnaker has focused on identifying candidates who not only possess the required skills but also align with our company culture. We’ve encountered a diverse range of individuals, each bringing unique strengths and expertise.

How beneficial was using a recruiter/recruitment agency for your hiring needs?

Successful, the position has been filled.

Would you recommend using a recruitment agency to other companies for their hiring needs?

Yes absolutely.

Atiat Nbili
Office Manager, X-Press Feeders

Our recruiter at Spinnaker was David Tubb for a Line Manager role. The experience with Spinnaker was above excellent and very useful for us. I would definitely recommend using a recruitment agency to other companies for their hiring needs.

Recruitment & Talent Advisor
Marine Insurer

We have worked with Hayley Menere for Claims Executive and Solicitor positions. Spinnaker are highly professional and have a coordinated approach. Both myself and our company as an organisation hold Spinnaker in high regard. Using a recruitment agency for your hiring needs is very beneficial. It allows for a streamline process and frees up a lot of capacity.

Onur Yildrim
Global Marine Manager, Advanced Polymer Coatings

At Spinnaker, we have worked with David Tubb for recruitment in Europe and Asia. Our experience was very good, and satisfying and they are very professional with how they work. Using a recruitment agency for your hiring needs is important as it helps access the right pool of people.

Welcome to the Spinnaker Team’s Bucket List

Bucket lists. Some have them, some don’t. They give you the chance to dive into a world of adventure and inspiration and uncover the ultimate experiences waiting to be checked off. We asked the Spinnaker Team, “What’s on your bucket list?” and “What have you already been able to tick off?”

We will delve into the desires, dreams, and aspirations that populate our ultimate must-do lists. From sky-high adventures to soul-nourishing experiences, we explore the eclectic mix of goals that inspire us to live life to the fullest.

Chloe Jones
Researcher, Executive Search

For me, I want to travel to Japan to see Tokyo and the cherry blossoms, I would love to do a ski season at one point as I never got the chance to do it when I was younger. My dad taunts me now by going out for weeks at a time now he is retired – lucky! Nashville is a place I really want to go to, and I am hoping to visit for my 30th! With only 3 years to go, I do plan on making a 30 before I’m 30 list. Let’s see how many of them I can tick off! The big bucket list “dream” is to have a large house in the country with a few farm animals, that would be the goal!

I have been able to tick a few things off my bucket list. Getting my own dog, owning a house, graduating from university and thanks to an obsession from watching the Lizzie Maguire movie at a young age, visiting Rome!

Louise Harris
Business Development Consultant

My ultimate bucket list must-do has to be to fly in a hot air balloon in Marrakech!

David Tubb
Director, Recruitment

It probably didn’t belong on a bucket list before because it wasn’t feasible, but thanks to the likes of Elon Much and Jeff Bezos, we are getting close. Although, I need to make few more placements to make it into space.

Sandra Brown
Reward Manager

I have a whole load of things in my bucket list book, both small and big, but here are a few of the bigger things still looking forward to doing: I will one day have a potters studio in my garden, with kiln and potter’s wheel, so I can build whenever the creative need kicks in. One day I will plan and complete the North Coast 500, there are apparently some beautiful sights along the way.

Things that I’ve crossed off, include learning paddle boarding, going wild swimming, climbing Ben Nevis and learning a Martial Art.

Bethanie-Taylor Grenfell
Marketing & HRC Executive

I’m one of those people that has a massive bucket list. I’d love to do an American road trip, don’t mind where, just get me in an American truck and let me live my American fantasy! I’d love to own a holiday home in America too, Miami maybe? My ultimate bucket list item has to be a small holding out in the middle of nowhere in an old house with my highland cows, runner ducks and goats. A very recent addition to my bucket list has to be to run a marathon. I would love to be part of the 1% and show I can do something like that! I also must hold a sloth at one point in my life! MUST. Another must be an F1 Race, I have to see one in person. Just putting that out in the universe, please. This also fuels my want to learn the Italian National Anthem for my team. Ferrari!

I started my bucket list quite young, so I have been able to tick off a few things from my list. But the biggest tick and achievement has to be getting my Law degree, huge for me!

Daryna Rozum
Reward Consultant

I’ve got loads of things there but probably the most fun (or weird) of them that I’ve done are: Started learning Norwegian with a private tutor – og jeg liker det så mye! Learned to read tarot cards and travelled on my own for the first time, that Stockholm holiday was probably the best I’ve ever had.

In terms of the next bucket list must-do’s, I plan on scheduling archery, horse riding and singing lessons.

Clementine Matiwaza
Recruitment Resourcer

For the first 12 years of my life my bucket list was to pass my GCSE’s, work hard and get into University (which I have successfully managed to do). For the next 10 years, I plan to 1. Have visited at least 35 countries (already on 15), 2. Have bought and built my first home in my home country, 3. Ran a marathon or climbed a mountain, 4. Have a safari staycation experience, 5. Get married in a tropical country, 6. Go Kart in the streets of Tokyo.

I have much more on my list that I would like to achieve, and I hope with the addition of having a Husband and Children, I will have the ability to complete the rest of the list with them.

Recruiter Spotlight – Candidate Success Stories: David Tubb

Being in recruitment, it is important to hear what candidates have to say about their experience and how they are getting on. One of our most senior recruiters, David Tubb, who has been here for over 13 years, recently heard from some previously placed candidates about their experience, how they found the process and how their current role is going. We thought it was about time we showed off candidates in the industry and the glowing work of our recruiters.

Neil McDonald
Regional Manager, Thordon Bearings Inc


What do you do in your current role?

Manage sales of Thordon products throughout Northern Europe, UK and Africa. Mostly via a network of distributors.

How did you get your role?

Through Spinnaker, via David Tubb. It was a great experience as David is clearly very familiar with the client’s brief and is an expert at matching aspects of a candidate to the role. David is very straightforward to deal with, timely and gets things done in a very friendly & professional manner.

Is this your first role within the maritime industry? If so, what attracted you to the sector?

This is my second maritime role. The sector is technically interesting, geographically spread out over many nice places and a sector that is unlikely to contract any time soon.

What do you love about the maritime industry?

Ships are cool, sexy and technically very interesting things to deal with.

What is one piece of advice or a fun fact you would tell someone about the maritime industry?

Learn to be a detective as you will need those skills to navigate around the complex web of Owners, Charterers and Ship Managers. Figure out who makes the decisions on your particular piece of equipment or software and who pays the bills.

Anonymous Candidate
Assistant Corporate Accountant, NYK Group Europe Ltd


What do you do in your current role?

Assisting with the month end accounts preparation. Producing various reports ranging from bank reconciliation, accruals prepayments and VAT returns.

How did you get your role?

My role was obtained through Spinnaker. David Tubb was extremely helpful and informative throughout the course of my interview process.

What do you love about the maritime industry?

The Maritime industry is constantly experiencing changes which provides exposure to new challenges and projects.

What is one piece of advice or a fun fact you would tell someone about the maritime industry?

The versatility every day provides a new challenge which allows room for continuous growth and development.

Earth Day 2024 – Planet vs. Plastics

22nd April is Earth Day and this year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics. The Earthday.org President stated “The Planet vs. Plastics campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we act now to end the scrouge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being upon our planet.” The goal is to achieve a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040. People around the globe have been taking part in ‘Global Cleanups’ to help build a waste-free world. These are a fun and easy way to amplify your ability to make an impact on Earth Day. Take a look at their website to find a Global Cleanup Event near you.

GreenSeas Trust is an organisation that has been saving our oceans since 2003. Their projects are all about providing a solution-based approach to raise awareness about marine plastics. They currently have 17 bins around the country, each collecting between 3000 and 17,000 PET bottles per month! That equated to +0.5million bottles being collected annually.

These 1.5m high bins are made from around 450 recycled PET plastic bottles. Meaning it really is a full-circle moment for each BinForGreenSeas. This is one of the elements that go into creating a long-lasting plastic collector.

GreenSeas Projects

With over 11 counties in the UK now home to a BinForGreenSeas, the organisation’s vision of having a bin placed along 18 or more UK promenades is ever closer. There are even more bins coming out before June.

There are now 3 in London, the Bankside bin being the 17th Bin for the Trust. In London they sit Bankside by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The University of East London – Docklands Campus and Canary Wharf Pier. Their bins range all the way from Kent, to North Wales, to North Yorkshire to West Sussex.

Spread the word! The more people who find out about their projects, the more support the project will get. So post a link to the BinForGreenSeas project on your Facebook page or include it in your email signature. Print out the projects page and pin it to a noticeboard. Let’s all be part of the ripple effect to save our oceans.

The difference between Hybrid, Flexible and Agile working

With the new Flexible Working UK Law that came into enforcement in April, we provided a blog explaining these flexible working changes and what they mean for employees. We thought perhaps people may not understand the difference between the working types. There are three modern approaches to organising work and they all offer varying degrees of flexibility and adaptability. They do share similarities but do however have distinct characteristics.

It is interesting to see how much flexible working possibilities have changed the world of work. According to the CIPD in May 2024, around 4 million people have changed their careers due to lack of flexibility at their work. This in turn has meant that flexible, hybrid or agile working arrangements have begun to creep up to the top of people’s wish list when it comes to job searching. This demand can be seen by the fact that, according to the ONS, 58% of employers were offering remote/hybrid work to employees in 2023.

Flexible Working

Flexible working involves working arrangements that allow the employee to have greater control over when, where and how they work. This includes hours, remote working, part-time, job sharing and shorter working weeks. This allows employees the choice and autonomy to accommodate to their personal and professional needs while still meeting what is required of them.

This is about a work/life balance and allowing people the flexibility to cater their work life around their family, travel, and personal commitments. This depends massively on the company and culture and involves a large level of trust. However, this does in turn make your business more inclusive and a more desirable place to work. In turn, you can attract and retain talent, improve employee morale and satisfaction and all-round increase productivity and performance by allowing employees to align their work schedules and more.

It does go without saying that clear guidelines and policies are created to ensure fairness, consistency, and accountability with your flexible working arrangements.

An element of flexible working can involve fully remote workers as they are given the choice as to where and when they work. As of July 2023, according to the ONS, 16% of the UK workforce are full-time remote workers.

Hybrid Working

Hybrid working involves a combination of remote and in-office work. Employees have the flexibility to split their time between locations. It allows greater flexibility in terms of location and working hours as well as being accommodating for individual and organisational preferences.

This is all about promoting a healthy work/life balance, by giving employees the freedom but also control around where and when they work which in turn can optimise their performance and well-being. The traditional office space becomes a destination of choice, and it is vital to give the workplace a professional and personal appeal. It helps employees reduce commuting times and costs and enhances productivity by letting them create an environment and work life that best suits them.

Hybrid work doe require effective communication and collaboration tools to ensure seamless interaction between remote and in-office employees.

According to Forbes, as of April 2020, 46.6% of UK employees were following the hybrid work structure. As of June 2023, 29% of employees follow the hybrid working model. With another 10% having hybrid working as a choice but choose not to.

Agile Working

Agile working is less about when people work and more concerned about where they work. It prioritises adaptability and collaboration and is very much focused more on the outcomes rather than the processes. A usual set-up of agile working can be seen by open workspaces, flexible seating arrangements and many tools and technology and collaboration tools to facilitate communication and collaboration across teams.

This type of work is all about creating a productive and collaborative work environment. Allowing people to work together and communicate effectively but also giving them the freedom to move around and not feel tied down to a desk. It promotes creativity, cross-functional teams, rapid decision-making, and interactive processes that can, in turn, increase employees’ work productivity and outcomes in terms of reaching goals.

It allows employees to change their work settings and tasks, and this can be day-to-day or even hour-by-hour. Creating a multifunctional, adaptable, and integrated workspace to ensure an element of freedom in your work.

Maritime Training Course

We are pleased to be partnering with Shipping Strategy Ltd in the promotion of their maritime specific training programmes.

These are perfect for those new to the industry or those looking to improve their shipping knowledge.

Fundamentals of ESG for Shipping

This course introduces the main regulations and best practices in each of the Environmental, Social, and Governance domains.

It provides delegates with an understanding of the IMO’s emissions regimes, latest thinking on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and how Governance codes affect the shipping business model.

The programme includes group exercises and multi-media content and can be delivered in-person or online and can be delivered over half a day or a full day.

Decarbonising Shipping

This course introduces the main IMO regulations which will enforce shipping’s transition to net zero.

It covers policy in the major shipping nations and regions. Full review of EEDI, EEXI, CII and their likely implications. It introduces the main low-carbon and zero carbon fuels such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, fuel cells, batteries, biofuels and e-fuels and covers the advantages and disadvantages of each for ship types and business models.

Covers Poseidon Principles, charterer attitudes, and the likely effects of decarbonisation on shipping business model and market structure.

The programme can be delivered in-person or online and is a one-day course.

An Introduction to Shipping Markets Fundamentals

The course covers major ship types and markets, how to earn (and lose) money operating a ship, ship finance 101 and rules & regulations. The course includes multimedia learning.

The programme can be delivered in-person or online and is a one-day course.

A Primer in Shipping Markets Analysis

Designed for candidates who are in their first role and have market research and analysis responsibilities. Guides delegates through best practice in data collection, validation, analysis and reporting.

Delegates learn good practice in housekeeping, report generation, presentation skills, how to write about shipping in its macro economc context, and how to analyse and forecast supply, demand, earnings and values.

The programme can be delivered in-person or online and the course has eight weekly modules, each requiring around six hours’ work and includes a weekly tutorial.

Includes full course texts, MS Excel files, and supporting library in PDF.

Valuing Ships

This half-day course takes you through the process of valuing a vessel so that you have the skills and tools to perform your own valuations, or to critique valuations you are given.

Covers all major ship types: bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, pax/roro. Teaches delegates to understand key technical characteristics of vessels that affect valuation, how to collect and store data, and how to track value changes over time.

The programme can be delivered in-person or online.

Contact the events team for more information.

Hot Jobs – Top 10 maritime vacancies – April 2024

For over 25 years, Spinnaker has been assisting shipowners, shipmanagers, oil majors, and P&I clubs in fulfilling their maritime recruitment requirements. Every day, we receive a constant influx of new job openings, all conveniently listed on our website. To simplify your job search, we have handpicked a collection of the ten most sought-after positions available right now. Get in touch if you’re interested but do it quickly as they won’t be around for long!

A full list of current vacancies can be found on our website:

Claims Manager – Denmark

We are working with a well established P&I Club, who are looking for a Claims/Fleet Manager to join their friendly team in Denmark. This is a great opportunity if you are a UK qualified solicitor 3-5 years PQE, with experience in FD&D and P&I Claims. This Club will also consider qualified Claims Handlers who are looking to progress.

View Job – Claims Manager, Denmark

Administration Manager – Hamburg, Germany

We are currently working with one of the world’s leading International Owners within the Maritime industry seeking a new Administration Manager to join their Hamburg office. With offices globally, the hire will report directly into the HR department and Managing Partner, overseeing and supporting the office in Administration, Finance and IT related functions of the business, whilst assisting in the day to day operations; coordinating and communicating with both internal and external stakeholders for a variety of tasks.

View Job – Administration Manager, Hamburg

Head of Claims – London, UK

We are currently working with an international tanker broking company, who are operating in London, to hire a Head of Claims to cover their demurrage desk. Your responsibilities will include: investigate each claim by gathering information, reviewing, and analysing and creating reports for management, negotiate settlements with carriers on behalf of the client by mutual communication and agreeance, and communicate updates on freight claims to claimant parties when requested.

View Job – Head of Claims, London

Cargo Junior Solicitor – London, UK

We are working with a boutique firm specialising in the Marine Industry. This firm is looking for an ambitious individual (can be qualified or non qualified) with 1-2 years experience in Shipping or Transportation You will be assisting and supporting the Cargo claims, Wreck Removal, Casualties and General Average matters. This firm is also offering Training Contract opportunities for those looking to qualify.

View Job – Cargo Junior Solicitor, London

Business Development & Client Success Manager – Remote

Our client is a fast-growing maritime company providing state of the art supply chain, FinTech and LegalTech. They are looking for a Business Development & Client Success Manager join their team. This is a newly created role in which the right candidate will encompass a variety of functions including but not limited to sales support, client onboarding and training, and relationship building. The right candidate will have the ability to nurture and influence customer relationships with a strong sense of ownership, working as the voice of the client and providing exceptional service in the onboarding and training phases.

View Job – Business Development & Client Success Manager, Remote

Vetting Superintendent – London, UK

The ideal candidate will have a background as a senior officer or engineer on tankers, with a minimum of 1 year’s experience in a similar shore-based position. Alternatively, candidates with a shipping background as a junior officer, provided they have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a comparable role within a ship management company. UK sponsorship is available.

View Job – Vetting Superintendent, London

Claims Manager – Cyprus

We are working with an IG P&I Club who are looking for an experienced Claims Manager to join their office in Cyprus. This Club is looking for a UK or Greek qualified Lawyer with 8-9 years experience handling complex P&I & FD&D matters. You will be responsible for upkeeping the claims files, managing a team of claims executives and processing complex claims. Experience in mentoring/training junior in a team is essential.

View Job – Claims Manager, Cyprus

Marine Commercial Operator – London, UK

We are currently working with a Greek shipowner who are looking for an experienced Operator with a seafaring background to join their team in London. This role would be ideal for someone that has sailed on either bulk or tanker vessels before transitioning into a shorebased operations role. Qualifications include: Master or Chief Officer license, seagoing experience on rank, minimum 4 years’ experience in the same position and excellent knowledge of Greek and English language.

View Job – Marine Commercial Operator, London

Charterer – Hamburg, Germany

We are currently partnered with a growing shipowner predominantly focused on the bulk market but with an LPG Carrier in their fleet. Our client is currently looking for a Charterer to add to their team in Hamburg that will take responsibility for the LPG asset with potential further acquisitions on the gas side planned but the expectation is this hire will also take on bulk chartering responsibility as well as the fleet is predominantly bulk vessels.

View Job – Charterer, Hamburg

Technical Superintendent – Rotation, Saudi Arabia

A tug operator is looking for a Technical Superintendent to manage their vessels for their contract in Saudi Arabia. This position is on a six week on, six week off rotation on a permanent employment basis. To be eligible for this role you must have sailed to Chief Engineer for 3 years and have one years experience managing tugs in a shorebased role. This is an opportunity to join an excellent employer for a long term career.

View Job – Technical Superintendent – Rotation, Saudi Arabia

For more information on any of the jobs above, please email Spinnaker.

View these jobs, and more on our website.

The rise of the ‘soft life’

I came across an article on LinkedIn recently about the ‘soft life’, which I had never heard of but apparently, it is a new way of life that mainly Millennials are embracing. The growth stems from the drive-by numbers of individuals who are seeing a lifestyle that is a bit more enriching and less burdensome. It has raised a much larger conversation regarding the other generational groups and what exactly it means.

So, what is the soft life?

The soft life is a concept, mainly on the rise in Millennials, due to the fact they have experienced the cost of living, and multiple recessions and are always finding themselves questioning the value of hard work when they don’t see any reward. Individuals are finding themselves leaving their traditional careers in pursuit of, what some are calling, a simple life.

It has seen career people leave their jobs, take on a part-time job or more passion project opportunities, some have sold their properties and moved in with friends or family, moved somewhere smaller and have provided themselves with a stress-free life.

People often feel trapped in their careers, weighed down by the mortgage payments and providing for a family and being able to live in general. This is why many feel that salary is still king, as some say and that this kind of ‘soft life’ is unachievable.

Typically, in younger Millennials and Gen Z, the softer lifestyle is non-negotiable. The rise of flexibility, benefits and company culture, adds to the concept of a softer life, it is not all about salary and opportunities necessarily, it is about creating an overall environment that feels right for you. After all, creating a work environment that works for you, is just as important as creating a fulfilling personal life. They both work hand in hand.

The other hand of the argument is that, even if the ‘soft life’ is what you want, many can be filled with guilt for wanting to create a life that serves them. But really, it is redefining the meaning of success. Making people step back and re-evaluate what is important and how they want to live. Work-life balance takes a whole new meaning when it comes to providing yourself with flexibility, and autonomy and creating a healthy mental health environment for yourself.

Blog written by Bethanie-Taylor Grenfell, Marketing Executive, Spinnaker.

Benchmarking Shipping Salaries in 2024

Spinnakers’ Maritime HR Association has been benchmarking shore-based salaries within the maritime industry since 2005.

Over 100 shipping companies participate in the annual survey, including ship owners, ship managers, and oil majors.

The survey represents over 50,000 employees working in the maritime sector and in roles such as Technical Superintendent, Operations Manager, and Charterer.

Data collection for the 2024 survey has begun with final reports being made available in October.

Salary benchmarking is a way for businesses to compare their pay and benefits with those of their competitors and has many benefits, including:

  • Being able to attract top talent with competitive packages – particularly important when new roles are evolving, or skills are scarce;

  • Improve retention – by reducing the risk of losing employees to competitors with more attractive packages, and the associated impacts of staff turnover generally (e.g. cost of hire, lost productivity and knowledge transfer);

  • Increase employee motivation – through reward schemes that link to performance, reflect their value within the business and support career progression;

  • Identify areas for improvement – to stay aligned with market demand and trends; and ultimately

  • Provide reliable information – from which to review pay structures and set pay levels (as part of annual and ad hoc pay reviews)

If you’re interested in taking part in the 2024 survey then please contact the team via email [email protected] and you can find out more on the website.