Technical Manager – OSVs – France

Technical Manager
Location: To be confirmed
Department: Technical Management
Reports to: Head of Shipmanagement
  
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Technical Manager to oversee the technical management and maintenance of our client’s Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) fleet.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the fleet’s technical availability while minimizing equipment failures and downtime. This role plays a critical part in maintaining safe, reliable, and compliant vessel operations through effective preventive maintenance, technical governance, and continuous performance improvement.
Working closely with Fleet, QHSE, Finance, Asset Management, and external stakeholders, you will ensure that all vessels operate in accordance with company standards, international maritime regulations, and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Technical Department, ensuring the achievement of operational performance targets.
• Ensure the technical availability and reliability of the OSV fleet while minimizing technical breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of preventive maintenance programmes in accordance with Asset Management recommendations and planned maintenance systems.
• Ensure compliance with company technical standards, including Maintenance Culture, Technical Governance, and Asset Management directives.
• Maintain vessels in full operational condition while ensuring compliance with classification societies, flag state requirements, statutory regulations, and customer specifications.
• Monitor fleet maintenance performance using key performance indicators, ensuring:
• 100% maintenance planning compliance.
• Timely completion of scheduled maintenance.
• Accurate defect reporting and corrective action tracking.
• Annual technical downtime maintained below target levels.
• Lead technical incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis is completed and corrective actions are effectively implemented and closed.
• Ensure vessels are supported by qualified, competent, and cost-effective technical teams capable of delivering preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Manage and monitor the technical operating budget (OPEX), ensuring expenditure remains within approved limits while maintaining fleet reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance maintenance efficiency, reliability, safety, and cost performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders, including Classification Societies, Flag Administrations, Shipyards, and equipment manufacturers.

Key Performance Indicators
Success in this role will be measured through:

• Fleet technical availability and reliability.
• Preventive maintenance compliance.
• Reduction in technical downtime and equipment failures.
• Timely closure of technical incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Technical OPEX performance against budget.
• Customer satisfaction.
• Completion of annual performance reviews for technical personnel.
• Delivery of continuous improvement and performance plans.

Skills & Competencies
Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) technical operations and maintenance.
• Extensive experience with Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS).
• Thorough understanding of marine engineering systems, propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and auxiliary equipment.
• Excellent knowledge of Classification Society, Flag State, Port State, and statutory requirements.
• Strong understanding of international maritime regulations, including:
• SOLAS
• MARPOL
• ISM Code
• ISPS Code
• MLC
• Experience managing dry dockings, major repairs, and vessel maintenance projects.
• Knowledge of technical budgeting, maintenance planning, and lifecycle asset management.
• Experience conducting technical investigations and root cause analysis.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisation, and prioritisation abilities.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple vessels and competing priorities.
• Financial awareness with experience managing operational budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across technical, operational, QHSE, and finance teams.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.

Qualifications & Experience
Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline.
• Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency or equivalent maritime engineering qualification is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior technical management role within a Ship Management Company or the offshore Oil & Gas maritime industry.
• Previous experience managing Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) is essential.
• Experience in planned maintenance, dry dock management, technical budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working with Classification Societies and Flag Administrations.

  EU working entitlement is required.