Head of Operations

Role overview

This position leads fleet operations with a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, professionalism, and cost control aligned with current industry benchmarks. The role also includes oversight of operational support delivered by external parties.

Core management duties

• Set operational standards for ships and keep them under continuous review so service to customers remains safe, efficient, and uninterrupted.
• Apply marine operational expertise to day-to-day matters, including risk evaluation and mitigation planning.
• Provide direction and carry out port and terminal due diligence to support safe and effective operations.
• Track the daily marine operations of LNG, LPG, FSRU, and any chartered-in vessels to maintain a high standard of performance.
• Spot weak operational performance and assess better systems, methods, or contractors where existing arrangements are outdated.

Cargo management and compliance

• Ensure all vessels are run safely, reliably, and cost-effectively while maintaining top industry standards, especially in cargo handling.
• Drive adherence to international regulations, flag-state rules, legal obligations, and company policies covering shipping operations, navigation safety, and marine personnel.
• Make sure port and terminal requirements, as well as vetting expectations from oil and gas majors, are fully met.
• Confirm that vessels’ trading certificates remain valid and that non-compliance does not interrupt trading.
• Review vessel performance against charter party terms to protect owners’ commercial interests and prepare responses to performance or off-hire claims.
• Oversee the LNG bespoke emergency STS transfer arrangement with the third-party provider and charterers so it can be deployed quickly when required.
• Carry out ship visits as directed and prepare reports on vessel condition, operational standards, and management effectiveness.
• Ensure ship-to-shore loading, passage performance, vessel performance, and cargo operations are handled efficiently.
• Confirm terminal compatibility and assurance checks are completed correctly and on time, with full compliance to terminal and vetting requirements.

Vetting and vessel records

• Make sure the fleet passes vetting by scheduling SIRE inspections on time, responding promptly to observations, and driving corrective action.
• Maintain vessel-related records and data in VPQ, SIRE, TMSA, Q88, and other relevant systems.

Audits and inspections

• Perform regular ship inspections to support effective ship management during Ras Laffan calls or sailing visits, including internal checks such as navigational, galley, and cargo audits.
• Carry out internal audits related to safety, security, environment, and other SHEQ matters as needed.
• Coordinate with the SHEQ division to close out findings from audits and inspections in a timely manner.

Safety management system

• Maintain and improve the organization’s Safety Management System, with a focus on procedure quality, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Brief newly joining senior officers on the Safety Management System, company rules, vessel operations, and any charterer-specific requirements before they join the vessel.
• Support security-related duties under the ISPS Code when management requests it.

Communication and voyage planning

• Ensure vessels managed by a third party are operated in line with the Master Service Agreement, owners’ instructions, charterers’ instructions, and TCP requirements.
• Oversee voyage planning and performance for vessels managed by NSQL so they meet charterer expectations and minimize exposure to performance claims.
• Support the organization in defending claims if they arise.

Terminal approval and interface studies

• Take an active role in ship-to-shore interface and compatibility studies.
• Coordinate with agents, charterers, terminals, and related stakeholders to give the Master the information needed to assess berth suitability.
• Conduct in-house mooring analysis studies.

Incident investigation, risk, and emergency response

• Lead investigations into incidents and ensure they are closed within agreed timelines together with the SHEQ division.
• Perform safety risk assessments and environmental impact assessments for vessel operations in line with maritime standards and best practice.
• Carry out responsibilities under the Emergency Response Plan as directed by the Incident Commander.

Qualifications and experience

• A degree in Nautical Science or a closely related discipline is required.
• A Master Mariner Certificate of Competence and the associated supporting courses are mandatory.
• At least 12 years of experience is needed, including 3 years as Master on LNG/LPG vessels and 4 years in a head office management role within a large gas or oil shipping company.
• Alternatively, candidates with at least 2 years of comparable shore-based experience or 8 years of Marine Operational Superintendent experience managing LNG/LPG vessels may be considered.
• Experience working with people from varied cultural backgrounds, including ship owners and ship crews, is required.

Technical and professional skills

• Strong command of maritime statutory frameworks, including SOLAS, ISM, MARPOL, ISPS, SOPEP, and ISO standards.
• Practical knowledge of emergency response procedures, vessel vetting, and ship inspection processes.
• Audit capability at Lead Auditor level for ISO, ISM, and ISPS.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer applications.

Additional information

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Doha, Qatar. No salary, allowance, or vacancy count was specified in the source information.