Assistant Director - Vessel Technical Program Management

Assistant Director, Vessel Technical Program Management

Position Summary

Witt O’Brien’s seeks an assistant director to join our Vessel Services team. This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It recognizes that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.

Position Details

• Reports to: Associate Managing Director
• Position Location: Remote
• Position Type:  Regular Full-Time
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Pay: Salary
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience
• Travel: 20-25%, domestic and international

Essential Job Functions

Responsibilities may include:

• Provide support in administration and coordination of the logistics of the vessel technical program that oversees onboard audits and training worldwide.   
• Developing metrics for evaluating associate consulting performance in support of the vessel technical program and identifying hiring and training needs.
• Conducting safety and security inspections for our extensive US and Foreign vessel clients.
• Providing vessel captains with guidance before, during and after US Coast Guard Port State Control vessel exams and inspections.
• Demonstrating and understanding of vessel safety, security, safety management systems, crew training, firefighting, pollution prevention, navigation, hull construction, machinery, cargo segregation and transfer systems, crew manning and operators and owners.
• Conducting safety and security audits and training with merchant mariners their awareness and understanding as they work to increase productivity in an effective and safe manner.
• Demonstrate the skills to support client preparedness activities such as consulting exercises and training.
• Collaborating with leadership to develop and implement strategic plans for growth and expansion within the industry.
• Design and implement initiatives, key tools, and metrics for development, issuance, and tracking of proposals in support of strategic growth goals.
• Review the existing level of support provided by the accounting and finance department to identify ways in which it can be improved for the benefit of the business line and customers.  Develop a plan to implement process improvements with measurable performance indicators.
• Review the existing level of support provided by the contracts department to identify ways in which it can be improved for the benefit of the business line and customers. Develop a plan to implement process improvements with measurable performance indicators.
• Liaise with the contracts department to research, develop, and issue a new streamlined contract template with a multi-phase plan of implementation.  
• Develop a more efficient and effective onboarding process for new customers including an incentive plan for customers who achieve loyalty milestones whether measured by time or an increase in the volume of services required.
• Develop and deliver an online customer service feedback mechanism that can provide key indicators for improvement / satisfaction for all applicable services available to the customer base.
• Coordinating with other team members to facilitate efficient and effective delivery of services for clients.
• Be available and prepared to support and potential deployment for spill response services to clients, including Qualified Individual (QI), Operations Section Chief and Division Supervisor positions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field from an accredited college or university. As an alternative, two (2) years of experience working in assigned technical discipline may be substituted for one (1) years of education (i.e., eight (8) years of relevant work experience is equal to a bachelor’s degree).
• 8+ years professional experience in the field of project management or maritime consulting.
• Possession of a current and valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
• Demonstrated experience working with either regulatory agencies or shipping companies on issues related to US compliance.
• Successful candidates must be self-directed and manage their own time effectively. Must be willing to work hours as necessary to meet business development and project implementation goals.
• Position may require travel as necessary.  Ability to work after hours and on weekends as necessary.
• Ability to plan as necessary to meet position objectives effectively and efficiently.
• Maintain account and company information in an organized manner.
• Ability to work well under pressure. Strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Performance and results driven.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work individually and as part of a team
• Ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously.
• Effectively able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Preferred Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in relevant field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Project Management Professional Certification
• 5 years of experience as a Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, OR an experienced US Coast Guard Marine Inspector.
• Vocational Certificate or Engineering Qualification / Equivalent to minimum 5 years of industry experience.
• Experience with conducting MARPOL and VGP exams to ensure vessels meet both US and International Standards.
• Experience with US regulations and International Safety of Life at Sea standards.
• Experience with ISM audits / ISM Certified Examiner.
• Knowledge of SMS & HSSEQ maritime practices
• Knowledge of 33 and 46 CFR requirements for commercial vessels as well as SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISPS requirements.
• 5 plus years of experience in the field of emergency response such as oil spills or releases of hazardous materials, maritime emergency response, civil unrest, man-made disasters, natural disasters, or equivalent experience
• Experience with oil spills, maritime responses or other complex emergencies involving natural disasters, fires, civil disturbances, and pollution responses, and have worked with government and industrial response teams at the local, state, federal and international levels
• Knowledgeable in various methodologies of oil spill response
• Experience holding a Command or General Staff position on an actual incident or numerous exercises.

Work Schedule

This position requires the following time and staffing commitment:

• May be asked to work irregular/extended work hours
• May work at other locations than assigned
• May require deployment to impacted communities

Job Description Disclaimer

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job.  It recognizes that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.

Commitment to Diversity

• Witt O'Brien's is always looking for the most qualified and experienced professionals with a passion for public safety, emergency management, homeland security, disaster response, and continuity of operations.

• We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.