Job Description

About the position :

We are looking for an experienced Technical Superintendent – Fleet to join the technical management team in Dakar, Senegal.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective technical performance of assigned vessels, with a particular focus on maintenance, repairs, dry-docking, vessel inspections, technical budgets, statutory compliance and fleet availability.

The role is particularly suited to a Marine/Mechanical Engineer with a strong seagoing background as Chief Engineer, ideally with significant experience on tugs, workboats or similar port vessels.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Technical & Fleet Management

Supervise the daily technical and operational activities of assigned vessels.
Monitor vessel performance, reliability and technical condition.
Ensure vessels remain operational, safe and compliant with applicable Class, Flag State, statutory and international requirements.
Conduct regular vessel inspections and prepare detailed technical reports.
Monitor maintenance history, defects, breakdowns and corrective actions.
Ensure maintenance activities are carried out according to manufacturers recommendations and company standards.
Monitor the vessel Planned Maintenance System (PMS) and update standard jobs, work orders and maintenance requirements where necessary.
Identify potential technical risks and implement preventive measures to minimize unplanned downtime.
Provide technical support during emergency situations and breakdowns.

2. Repairs, Dry-Docking & Major Projects

Plan and manage vessel repairs, refits and major maintenance activities.
Lead the planning and execution of dry-docking activities from preparation through completion.
Coordinate repair and maintenance activities with shipyards, workshops, contractors and suppliers.
Ensure dry-docking projects are delivered safely, on schedule and within approved budgets.
Support vessel mobilization and commissioning activities.
Develop technical solutions for fleet and port-related projects.
Work closely with the Workshop Superintendent to progressively increase the execution of maintenance activities internally.

3. Spare Parts & Procurement

Coordinate with Procurement to ensure timely availability of spare parts and technical supplies.
Plan spare-part requirements according to vessel trading schedules and maintenance plans.
Work with purchasing teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and supply-chain optimization.
Monitor and close technical requisitions within agreed deadlines.
Ensure critical spare parts are available to minimize vessel downtime.

4. Budget & Cost Control

Assist in preparing annual operating and capital expenditure budgets for assigned vessels.
Monitor technical expenditure against approved budgets.
Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety, quality or vessel reliability.
Report regularly to the Senior Technical Manager on technical performance, expenditure and exceptional events.
Ensure expenditure remains within authorized limits.

5. Safety, Quality & Compliance

Ensure implementation of company HSSEQ policies and procedures across assigned vessels.
Work closely with HSSEQ teams to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Support vessel audits, inspections and corrective-action plans.
Promote a strong safety culture among technical and onboard personnel.
Ensure compliance with the company's Safety Management System (SMS).
Identify and report safety, environmental, security and quality risks.

6. Team Leadership & Development

Lead and supervise technical personnel in accordance with company objectives.
Provide technical guidance and support to engineers and onboard teams.
Monitor individual and team performance.
Identify training and development requirements.
Conduct competency assessments and contribute to performance-management plans.
Develop familiarization programs for newly joining engineers.
Hold regular team meetings and promote collaboration and continuous improvement.
Foster an One Team culture across the technical department.

7. Reporting & Stakeholder Management

Provide regular technical reports to the Senior Technical Manager.
Report vessel condition, maintenance status, technical incidents and budget performance.
Maintain effective relationships with vessel crews, procurement, operations, finance, HSSEQ, workshops, shipyards and external contractors.
Provide technical input to management decisions concerning fleet reliability and performance.

Key Challenges

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Minimize unplanned vessel downtime.
Ensure rapid and effective troubleshooting of technical problems.
Manage repairs and maintenance activities efficiently.
Maintain high standards of safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
Balance technical reliability with cost efficiency.
Coordinate multiple stakeholders during repairs, dry-docking and emergency situations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Mandatory:

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or a closely related discipline.
STCW III/2 – Chief Engineer / Unlimited or equivalent, with relevant certification.
Recent and relevant experience working onboard vessels as a Chief Engineer.
Strong experience in vessel machinery, maintenance and technical operations.
Experience with vessel repair and maintenance.
Strong knowledge of international maritime, safety and statutory requirements.
Strong command of English, both written and spoken.
Good reporting and communication skills.
Good proficiency in MS Word, Excel and MS Project or equivalent tools.

Highly preferred:

Experience with tugs / tugboats / harbour vessels / workboats.
Previous experience as a Technical Superintendent, Fleet Superintendent, Marine Superintendent or Technical Manager.
Experience managing multiple vessels.
Experience in dry-docking and major repair projects.
Experience with Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS).
Experience in port operations or maritime logistics.
Experience managing technical budgets and procurement.

French: Preferred but not mandatory.

Key Competencies