VP of Technical Services

Description Stabbert Maritime is a family-owned business that has been operating for three generations. It offers a wide range of innovative solutions and support services to offshore, science, subsea, and ship repair clients. Our operational fleet serves the science, research, offshore energy, and renewable energy industries. Stabbert Marine and Industrial (SMI) provides comprehensive shipyard, repair, and special mission outfitting services throughout North America.

The VP of Technical Services is responsible for managing the technical services department of our organization, which supports vessel operations by leading the vessel engineering, conversion, refit, new construction, and new technology integration in the company. The VP of Technical Services will be responsible for managing this department and reporting to executive-level leadership on budgets, schedules, and risks associated with the operational fleet, new vessel acquisition, and new technology application within the organization. This role will also assist the organization by identifying areas of opportunity for expanding and developing maritime technologies and integrating these technologies for vessel optimization. This position will lead in the strategic development, planning, and management of technical projects and the supporting staff.

The VP of Technical Services will lead a department of 12 individuals comprised of Port Engineers, Project Managers, ETO’s, and project support team members. It is the responsibility of the VP of Technical Services, to build in integrated and streamlined processes and procedures that create scalability within the organization for continued company growth. A high degree of leadership with a passion for the maritime industry is critical. The VP of Technical Services will assist an executive team within a 50-year-old family-owned company that is passionate and appreciative of the maritime industry, community, and environment. Executive-level leadership, contractual, risk assessment, and team management skills are critical.

The position will report directly to the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) as the division’s leader. Holistic leadership and management of the team with constant communication with the CTO is expected.

Essential Functions

• Utilize functional expertise gained through direct industry experience to assess the organization’s operational and functional baseline and critical components to identify areas of opportunity in present operations and evolving technologies.
• Working with senior managers and executives to determine technical inadequacies and/or deficiencies within the fleet that affect the effectiveness of the operation.
• Work with senior management and ownership to provide the most favorable solutions to facilitate corporate growth with cross-functional teams.
• Conduct preliminary feasibility assessments, including technical scope, resource, and regulatory analysis, to determine project viability, potential risks, and return.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate project development and address concerns.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and assist in implementing risk management strategies.
• Assist in financial modeling, cost estimation, and analysis of project economics to assess profitability and support ownership with investment decisions.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the Technical Services Team, promoting inclusivity, efficiency, and effectiveness by managing project schedules and allocating team resources.
• Collaborate with internal departments to define project scope, objectives, and success criteria.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including contracts, agreements, and technical reports, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Manage the project team and technical services group to ensure smooth project execution by coordinating tasks, monitoring progress, and resolving issues.
• Market Research: Stay informed about industry trends, policies, and incentives related to emerging technologies to identify opportunities and assess market dynamics.
• Assist in developing company standards, best practices, and adherence to industry regulations throughout the project development lifecycle.

Requirements

Ideal candidates will have:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, business administration, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years experience in the maritime industry. Experience as a maritime engineer, project manager, or technical superintendent is highly desirable.
• Have a working knowledge of complex maritime engineering, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex data and make informed decisions.
• Familiarity with maritime technologies, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, ownership, external stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and teams simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in project management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and financial modeling tools.
• A proactive mindset and passion for the advancement of the maritime industry.
• An effective coach and mentor to lead diverse teams across the organization.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and dynamic leader who is able to find creative solutions to challenges.
• Flexibility to travel as required for project site visits and meetings.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is preferred but not mandatory