Crewing Manager

At James Fisher, we're looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking Crewing Manager to lead the transformation of our crewing function, ensuring we have the talent, capability and workforce strategy required to support a modern, high-performing fleet. Reporting into Senior Leadership, you'll take ownership of the strategic direction of crewing across the James Fisher fleet, driving improvements in workforce planning, recruitment, retention, compliance, training and crew welfare. Working alongside key stakeholders and third-party crewing partners, you'll have the opportunity to challenge existing practices, implement meaningful change and build a crewing model that supports both current operations and future growth. This role offers genuine scope to influence business performance, shape culture, enhance crew engagement and develop a best-in-class maritime workforce. We're looking for someone who combines strong marine personnel expertise with the commercial acumen, leadership capability and transformational mindset needed to deliver lasting results. If you're energized by the opportunity to lead change, improve processes, develop high-performing teams and leave a tangible legacy within a respected global maritime organisation, we'd love to hear from you. What you'll be doing: Alongside ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient deployment of officers and ratings across the fleet, you will:

• Lead and deliver the long-term crewing and marine HR strategy aligned to business objectives and fleet growth plans.
• Drive transformational change across crewing operations, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery, employee experience and workforce capability.
• Develop workforce planning strategies that build organisational resilience, succession pipelines and future talent pools.
• Build strong partnerships with operational leaders, HR, technical teams, external crewing providers and unions.
• Use workforce analytics and insight to influence decision-making and improve business performance.
• Champion seafarer welfare, wellbeing and engagement across the fleet.
• Ensure full compliance with MLC, STCW, Flag State and client requirements while supporting audits and inspections.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing crewing team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and excellence.
  
  We're seeking a strategic maritime people leader with the credibility to influence at all levels and the drive to deliver meaningful change.
Essential Experience
• Significant experience in marine personnel, crewing or maritime workforce management.
• Experience operating in a senior leadership role within the maritime sector.
• Proven track record of leading change, transformation or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing workforce strategies, succession plans and talent pipelines.
• Strong experience managing third-party crewing providers and key external partnerships.
• Experience working with maritime unions and collective bargaining agreements.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, controlling costs and delivering efficiencies.
• Experience supporting maritime audits, inspections and compliance programmes.
Knowledge & Qualifications
• Strong knowledge of tanker operations and OCIMF requirements.
• Comprehensive understanding of STCW, MLC and maritime crewing compliance.
• Understanding of Flag State requirements, certification management and workforce governance.
• CIPD Level 5 qualified or working towards qualification.
Leadership Skills
• Inspirational leadership style with the ability to influence, engage and inspire others.
• Strategic thinker who can translate vision into practical delivery.
• Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and lead through change.
  
  James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
With two centuries of maritime shipping and innovation, James Fisher is a trusted partner in the safe and efficient movement of the world's critical resources. As a market leader in ship-to-ship transfer and coastal shipping, we help customers protect people, cargo and infrastructure while shaping the future of global maritime transport. You can find out more about Maritime transport here


• Competitive benefits tailored to the division
• Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation
• A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.
• Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability