General Manager, Fleet Operations

Ocean Choice International
St. John’s, NL
Reference # NH – OCI - 10236The Opportunity

Ocean Choice International (Ocean Choice) is one of Atlantic Canada’s most diversified seafood companies, sustainably producing and marketing a full range of shellfish, groundfish and pelagic species. Their success is driven by people and the strong connection to the communities where we live and work.

Ocean Choice is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager, Fleet Operations to provide overall leadership for the offshore fleet of fishing vessels and the team responsible for its operations. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the overall performance, planning and coordination of a complex fleet operation, including vessel operations, technical and engineering functions, marine safety, regulatory compliance, crewing and fleet administration.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and President, the General Manager will lead and coordinate an experienced Fleet leadership team, bringing together multiple areas of expertise to ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently and effectively. The successful candidate will have strong financial and business acumen, strategic planning and organizational skills, and a demonstrated ability to lead experienced managers, balance competing demands and drive accountability.

• Lead and coordinate the Fleet leadership team, establishing priorities, objectives and performance expectations across the fleet division.
• Develop annual and longer-term Fleet plans that align resources, capabilities and priorities with corporate objectives, operational and fishing requirements and business needs.
• Evaluate overall Fleet performance, financial results and key performance indicators, working with Fleet leaders to address challenges and opportunities.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning and decision-making across operational, technical, engineering, safety and crewing functions.
• Oversee Fleet operating and capital planning, including major vessel investments, maintenance programs, dry-docking, refits and upgrades.
• Establish effective systems, processes and reporting to support informed decision-making, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, collaboration, accountability and performance across the Fleet.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, retention and leadership development in partnership with Fleet leaders and corporate functions.
• Build strong relationships across the organization and ensure Fleet priorities are effectively integrated into broader company planning.
• Provide regular updates to the Chief Executive Officer and President on Fleet performance, priorities, significant issues, risks and opportunities.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in the marine, offshore fishing, maritime operations or related industry, including senior management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with a track record of improving operational performance and delivering business results.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience managing operating and capital budgets, cost control and major capital projects.
• Knowledge of marine safety, regulatory requirements and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Strong communication, organizational and relationship-building skills, with the ability to lead and coordinate experienced teams and work effectively with senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate operational performance, risks, opportunities and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Experience in commercial or offshore fishing operations, vessel refits, dry-docking and major maintenance projects would be considered an asset.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Maritime Studies or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in commercial or offshore fishing operations is preferred.

• Ocean Choice offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with an excellent comprehensive benefits package.