General Manager (Operations) at Strickland Services Limited (SSL)

Strickland Services Limited (SSL) is a fully indigenous, industry-leading Marine Logistics and Supply Services Company, renowned for delivering safe, reliable, and modern maritime solutions across the West African oil and gas sector. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, SSL provides a comprehensive portfolio of marine assets and support services designed to enhance offshore operations, improve efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted project execution.

Leveraging cutting-edge vessels, experienced personnel, and strict safety and compliance standards, SSL has built a reputation as a trusted partner to major oil and gas operators. The company’s capabilities span marine transportation, offshore support services, supply boat operations, and specialized maritime logistics tailored to the unique demands of the energy industry. Through innovation, continuous improvement, and a deep understanding of local and international maritime requirements, Strickland Services Limited remains dedicated to advancing marine logistics in West Africa while contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of the region’s oil and gas value chain.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: General Manager (Operations)

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Employment Type: Full-time

Core Roles & Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Strategy:

• Formulate and execute the organization’s marine operations strategy in alignment with corporate objectives, regulatory frameworks, and client contractual requirements.
• Provide high-level technical oversight of vessel deployment to ensure fleet optimization, fuel efficiency, and cost-effective utilization of marine assets.
• Lead the coordination of multi-vessel operations to support offshore production, maintenance, and emergency response missions.

Regulatory & Compliance Management:

• Enforce strict compliance with international maritime standards, including the ISM Code, MARPOL, SOLAS, and ISPS.
• Liaise with classification societies, flag states, and port authorities to ensure certification, statutory surveys, and audits are up to date.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement in HSE performance, ensuring zero-harm operations and full regulatory adherence.

Technical & Asset Oversight:

• Oversee technical condition, lifecycle maintenance, and reliability of all vessels in the fleet.
• Approve maintenance schedules, dry-docking plans, and CAPEX/OPEX budgets for fleet renewal and refurbishment.
• Collaborate with technical and engineering teams to implement advanced monitoring systems and predictive maintenance solutions.

Client Relations & Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the principal point of contact for major clients (IOCs, EPC contractors, and government agencies) on operational deliverables and performance evaluation.
• Negotiate and manage service-level agreements (SLAs), ensuring timely delivery and compliance with project KPIs.
• Represent the company at regulatory, industry, and client interface meetings to reinforce the organization’s operational credibility.

Human Capital & Crew Management:

• Supervise marine superintendents, technical managers, and vessel masters, ensuring adherence to operational policies and performance standards.
• Oversee crew competency development programs, including training, certification, and rotational planning to ensure skill retention and regulatory compliance.

Performance Optimization & Digitalization:

• Drive the adoption of data analytics, AI-assisted fleet monitoring, and real-time operational dashboards for enhanced decision-making.
• Initiate continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis of incidents and benchmarking against international best practices.
• Lead operational audits, vessel performance reviews, and client satisfaction assessments to identify areas for enhancement.

Qualifications & Requirements
Academic & Professional Credentials:

• Advanced degree (M.Sc., M.Eng., or equivalent) in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Nautical Science, Offshore Operations Management, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution.
• Completion of specialized executive programs in Maritime Operations Leadership, Offshore Asset Management, or Strategic Fleet Management is highly desirable.
• Mandatory possession of STCW Master/Chief Engineer certifications, including relevant endorsements for PSVs, AHTS, and FSIVs.

Experience & Expertise:

• Minimum 15 years of progressive, demonstrable experience in offshore marine operations, with 10+ years in senior management leadership roles overseeing multi-vessel fleets across PSVs, AHTSVs, FISVs, and crew transfer vessels.
• Proven track record of managing high-value offshore contracts, ensuring compliance with client KPIs, international regulatory frameworks, and safety management systems.
• Extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance, including ISM, ISPS, SOLAS, MARPOL, NIMASA, and NCDMB statutory requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic fleet deployment, CAPEX/OPEX budgeting, lifecycle asset management, and predictive maintenance programs.
• Hands-on experience with AI-driven fleet monitoring, digital twin simulations, and advanced operational analytics for performance optimization.

Technical & Operational Competencies:

• Deep understanding of marine vessel dynamics, offshore logistics, propulsion systems, and complex offshore engineering operations.
• Proficiency in modern PMS platforms, fleet management software, and operational decision-support tools.
• Strong capability in incident root-cause analysis, risk assessment, and implementation of continuous improvement programs aligned with international best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technical, operational, and commercial objectives, translating complex technical information into actionable strategic decisions.

Leadership & Personal Attributes:

• Exceptional leadership skills with proven ability to motivate, mentor, and retain highly skilled marine and technical personnel.
• Outstanding stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills, with experience interfacing with government agencies, IOCs, EPCs, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong analytical mindset, strategic foresight, and decision-making under high-risk offshore operational environments.
• Demonstrated integrity, ethical decision-making, and commitment to HSE excellence, regulatory compliance, and organizational reputation.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness and physical readiness for periodic offshore deployment, inspections, audits, and client visits.
• Ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder operational challenges while maintaining focus on operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Membership or fellowship in professional maritime or offshore engineering bodies (e.g., Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), Nigerian Institute of Marine Engineers, or equivalent) is highly advantageous.

Application Closing Date
19th February, 2026.