This is an excellent development opportunity for a suitably qualified candidate. The role offers the chance to work within a fleet group that manages a variety of oil and product tankers.
Purpose of the Role:
The primary purpose of this position is to assist in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of vessels managed by Thome Croatia d.o.o., in full compliance with Flag State, company, and client requirements.
This is a development role, intended for a period of approximately 18–24 months, during which the selected candidate will work closely with the existing fleet management team.
As part of a structured training and development program, the candidate will be required to complete approximately 6 months of sailing time on board a managed vessel. Upon successful completion of the program and subject to opportunity, the candidate will be promoted to Vessel Manager, taking full technical management responsibility for 3–4 vessels.
This is a challenging and dynamic position within Thome Croatia d.o.o. You will deal with a variety of tasks and stakeholders on a daily basis, contributing to Thome Croatia’s role as a global leader in ship management.
The role is based in Zadar, but will require occasional international travel, including site attendance during vessel visits, voyage repairs, and other operational activities.
Development Program and Future Accountabilities:
- To be involved in the application of cost preventive maintenance techniques to the Fleet on a planned basis while maintaining flexibility to make spot decisions on emergency repairs as the need arises.
- Investigate, evaluate, and propose alternative systems, equipment, contractors, and methods for replacing obsolete, unreliable, or less efficient systems on fleet vessels and fixed platforms.
- Assist the Vessel Manager and/or Fleet Manager as required, with the preparation of annual operating budgets.
- Maintain a current file of outstanding Fleet group project items and be responsible for their timely completion and distribution.
- In coordination with the Vessel Manager, compile out-of-service repair specifications; liaise with the procurement department to ensure timely ordering of necessary equipment; arrange specialist contractors; and review tender analysis documentation.
- Ensure the Fleet Manager is regularly informed about the technical and operational status of assigned projects.
- Attend dry-dockings as Assistant Vessel Manager, as required.
- Assist in planning and executing preventive and corrective maintenance.
- Coordinate with the shipboard team for troubleshooting and defect rectification.
- Follow up on the status of critical equipment and ensure timely repairs and delivery of spare parts.
- Support compliance with international regulations (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL) and company Safety Management System (SMS).
- Assist in preparations for inspections, vetting (SIRE/CDI), port state control, and audits.
- Monitor the vessel’s safety and environmental performance and support implementation of corrective actions.
- Participate in incident investigations and assist in root cause analysis and reporting.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of vessel maintenance, certificates, and operational logs.
- Prepare technical reports, performance summaries, and monthly updates.
- Assist in the budgeting process for vessel operations and maintenance.
- Support planning, budgeting, and execution of dry docking and special surveys.
- Coordinate with shipyards, class societies, and contractors during docking or major repair projects.
- Follow up on requisitions for spare parts, stores, and services in coordination with the purchasing department.
- Monitor onboard inventory and ensure critical spare parts availability.
- Assist in technical guidance and training for onboard engineers.
Communication & Coordination
- Act as a liaison between shipboard staff, senior vessel managers, vendors, and classification societies.
- Coordinate internal meetings and briefings with the vessel management team.
- Be part of the emergency response team and support crisis handling, particularly technical issues involving hazardous cargo.
Experience and Qualifications Required Essential
- Naval Architecture or Mechanical Engineer Graduate with or without previous experience within shipping industry.
- Excellent communication skills, with a high level of fluency in both written and spoken English.
- Willingness and ability to travel globally at short notice to support our managed vessels.
Desirable:
- Master’s degree in Naval Architecture related to technical vessel management.
Attributes:
- Self-motivated individual with the potential and willingness to grow into a management role.
- Strong professional capability to work independently while maintaining effective communication.
- Ability to identify, initiate, analyse and develop proposals and solutions to a broad range of marine, technical and operational issues.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and collaborate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Safety
- Transparency
- Relationships
- Innovation