Head of Vessel Engineering & Asset Management

Wellington | StraitNZ Bluebridge Ltd – operators of Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries

This is a senior marine engineering leadership opportunity with the scope to influence how a significant New Zealand transport operation manages, maintains and invests in its fleet for the future.

RobLawMax Recruitment and Manaaki Marine are partnering on this search for StraitNZ Bluebridge Ltd, bringing together specialist engineering and marine recruitment expertise to identify the right person for this key appointment.

Bluebridge operates two large RoPax vessels across one of New Zealand's most important transport links. We are looking for a Head of Vessel Engineering & Asset Management to provide leadership across fleet engineering, reliability, technical governance and long-term asset management.

This is not simply about managing today's engineering issues. You will lead the development of a more strategic approach to the fleet – ensuring maintenance, reliability, lifecycle planning and capital investment are aligned with the longer-term needs of the business.

Just as importantly, this is a people leadership role. You will lead an experienced technical team, build strong relationships across vessel and shore-based engineering functions, develop capability and create an environment of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Safety is Bluebridge's highest priority and will sit at the heart of the decisions you make, the standards you set and the engineering culture you help develop.

The role

Reporting to the General Manager Marine Operations, you will lead the shore-based engineering function and work closely with the Technical Superintendent, Chief Engineers, vessel engineering teams and the shore-based workshop.

You will have responsibility for:

Leading and developing the engineering function, building a strong, collaborative and high-performing team across shore and vessel operations
Creating clear accountability while supporting the development and capability of experienced technical professionals
Developing short, medium and long-term fleet asset management plans
Aligning maintenance and reliability strategies with the wider fleet and business strategy
Providing leadership around vessel reliability, recurring defects, technical risk and asset integrity
Developing lifecycle, renewal, replacement and obsolescence strategies for major vessel systems
Leading long-term CAPEX planning and investment prioritisation
Overseeing major engineering projects, vessel upgrades, refits and dry dockings
Providing governance around engineering standards, technical assurance and asset information
Managing engineering and asset budgets with a focus on whole-of-life cost and value
Maintaining strong relationships with Class, regulators, shipyards, OEMs, contractors and specialist suppliers
Providing clear engineering, asset and investment advice to senior leadership
Ensuring safety remains at the forefront of engineering, asset and investment decisions

About you

You will bring strong marine engineering credibility, but equally important will be your ability to build strong teams, develop people and create a high-performing engineering function.

You will be comfortable leading experienced technical professionals, bringing people together around common objectives and creating an environment where people are supported, challenged and accountable. Your leadership style will be collaborative and approachable, while giving you the confidence to make decisions and address issues when required.

Why Bluebridge?

This is an opportunity to take a genuine leadership role within an established New Zealand transport business where fleet reliability and engineering performance have a direct impact on customers and the wider supply chain.

You will have the opportunity to influence how Bluebridge approaches engineering leadership, maintenance, reliability, asset strategy and long-term fleet investment, while developing the people and capability that underpin its engineering function.
Apply through Manaaki Marine

Apply

Applications for this senior appointment are being managed by Manaaki Marine, in partnership with RobLawMax Recruitment, on behalf of StraitNZ Bluebridge Ltd.

Please clearly outline your relevant marine engineering leadership, fleet asset-management experience, qualifications, current work status, remuneration expectations and availability.

All applications and enquiries will be handled in strict confidence. Candidates whose background aligns with the requirements of the position will be contacted by Manaaki Marine for an initial confidential discussion.