We are seeking an experienced and senior maritime professional to join the crew management function of a well-established international organisation based in Cyprus. This confidential leadership role will have overall responsibility for the effective management and performance of key Crew Services functions, including HSEQ and Governance, Payroll and Tax, Industrial Relations, Project Management and Crewing Systems. The successful candidate will be an experienced crew or ship management professional with a strong understanding of international maritime regulations, crew management practices and the operational requirements of a large international organisation. The role will involve leading senior departmental managers, driving operational performance, ensuring regulatory and corporate compliance, managing key stakeholder relationships and supporting the continued growth and development of the wider Crew Management function. As a senior member of the Crew Management Leadership Team, the Director, Crew Services will work closely with other senior leaders across the organisation to ensure effective collaboration, consistent service delivery and alignment with Group strategy. This is an excellent opportunity for an established maritime leader with significant crew management experience to take on a broad senior leadership position with responsibility for multiple critical functions within an international organisation. This is a confidential search. The company name will not be disclosed at this stage.
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Translate the Crew Management strategy into clear objectives and operational priorities across HSEQ and Governance, Payroll and Tax, Industrial Relations, Project Management and Crewing Systems.
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Take overall accountability for the performance and effective operation of the assigned Crew Services departments, ensuring agreed objectives, KPIs and service standards are achieved.
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Lead, coach and develop senior departmental leaders, building organisational capability, leadership depth and succession readiness across the function.
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Drive a culture of operational excellence, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement across all areas of Crew Services.
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Ensure compliance with applicable international maritime regulations, company policies, contractual obligations and internal governance and quality requirements.
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Provide senior leadership and oversight across Crew Services, ensuring effective coordination between the assigned departments and the wider Crew Management Leadership Team.
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Oversee the effective management of crew payroll and tax activities, industrial relations, crewing systems and related operational and integration projects.
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Establish and monitor appropriate quantitative and qualitative KPIs, ensuring regular performance reviews and timely corrective action where required.
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Identify operational, regulatory and organisational risks and ensure appropriate controls and mitigation measures are implemented.
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Ensure effective financial management of the shore-based organisation, including appropriate budgeting, internal controls and transparent reporting in line with Group standards.
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Support the implementation of Group strategy and ensure effective alignment between country operations and wider organisational objectives.
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Act as a senior representative of the organisation within the assigned country, developing and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
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Work collaboratively with senior leadership and other business units to ensure an integrated and consistent approach to crew management and service delivery.
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Provide leadership on people, governance and organisational matters, supporting employee development, succession planning and organisational capability.
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Ensure company values and culture are consistently embedded across the function and reflected in leadership and decision-making.
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Lead and support major operational, organisational and systems projects relating to Crew Management, process improvement and business integration.
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Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service quality, systems capability and the overall effectiveness of Crew Services.
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Represent the organisation in relevant external meetings, industry forums and stakeholder engagements where required.
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Extensive senior-level experience within crew management, crewing, ship management or a closely related maritime environment.
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Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, including significant leadership responsibility within crew or ship management.
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Proven experience leading large operational teams and managing multiple departments or functions.
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Strong knowledge of international maritime regulations, crew management practices and the operational requirements of the maritime industry.
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Demonstrated experience in senior operational leadership within an international maritime organisation.
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Proven ability to translate business strategy into operational objectives and deliver measurable performance improvements.
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Strong understanding of crew management operations, with exposure to areas such as payroll and tax, industrial relations, governance, crewing systems and project management.
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Experience leading, coaching and developing senior managers and building high-performing leadership teams.
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Strong stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior management, internal departments, external partners and regulatory stakeholders.
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Strong understanding of risk, compliance, governance and quality requirements within an international maritime environment.
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Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets, financial controls and operational performance.
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Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
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Strong strategic and operational thinking, combined with the ability to remain close to operational detail when required.
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Ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions and operate effectively in a complex international environment.
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Relevant university degree in Maritime Studies, Business, Management, Shipping or a related discipline.
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Fluent English is essential; additional languages would be considered an advantage.
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive at GRS Recruitment, only shortlisted candidates will be responded to.