Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Director of Engineering & Vessel Appearance
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Fleet & Infrastructure Engineering Manager
JOB SUMMARY
This exciting role is accountable for all aspects of our fleet (and associated infrastructure) engineering, including maintenance, development, projects, and standards. You will prioritise the safety of colleagues, customers, vessels, and equipment while ensuring compliance with all relevant internal and external standards and legislation, delivering exceptional levels of reliability, comfort, and cleanliness for our fleet.
You are responsible for leading a large team across two sites through a transformation and modernisation program, enshringing a robust continuous improvement and operational excellence culture to deliver exceptional results and standards, on budget. An integral part of the Operations Leadership Team, you will collaborate closely with internal departments and external agencies such as the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA). You will also own relationships with all engineering suppliers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety Leadership
- Accountable for the safety of EVA Teams and contractors on the vessels, at the Home Port, Dry Dock Facility, and any remote or temporary workplaces.
- Ensure all safety processes (e.g., risk assessments) are fully developed and complied with, demonstrably meeting health and safety regulations, current legislation, and the Company’s Health and Safety Policy.
Training & Compliance
- Accountable for defining and implementing training requirements for the department.
- Ensure fleet reliability, maintenance, and appearance meet regulatory and internal standards.
- Vessels must be safe, clean, and fit for service before being released to operations.
Operational & Technical Excellence
- Oversee the effective operation of EVA Bases, including dry docking operations.
- Drive the technical development of new and existing vessels, supporting infrastructure, and engineering supply chain requirements.
- Adhere strictly to the International Safety Management Code, UBTC Safety Management Manual, and Environmental Management Manual.
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Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Prepare, negotiate, and manage the department’s budgets (circa £10 million p.a.).
- Submit relevant business cases to the Chief Operational Officer (COO) or Executive team as necessary.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead the EVA Team, motivating members and creating a continuous improvement culture focused on safety, technical excellence, and efficiency, with a LEAN principles-driven approach.
- Ensure all technical incidents and non-conformities are thoroughly reviewed, root causes identified, appropriate actions implemented, knowledge shared, and preventative measures enacted while complying with the UBTC Maintenance Policy.
Regulatory & Stakeholder Relations
- Liaise with Operational Department Heads, Safety, and Regulators regarding technical safety issues, identifying clear proposals and mitigations.
- Provide high-quality reporting to support business needs, including Safety Department requirements for regulators.
Documentation & Quality Assurance
- Approve all manuals, documents, plans, procedures, and policies (prepared by the EVA Leadership team), ensuring compliance with the Safety Management System (SMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS).
- Maintain and update the planned maintenance and defect-reporting system (PMS, currently Centrik), managing each vessel and component’s lifecycle. Conduct weekly reviews for compliance and audit readiness.
Supply Chain & Financial Management
- Manage stores and stock availability, ensuring spares, high-cost inventories, and tooling are strategically maintained.
- Publish a weekly Engineering Risk Report to the Director of Service Delivery, highlighting critical issues such as spares shortages or supply chain disruptions in engine/gearbox availability.
- Promote effectively sourced, high-quality, efficient supplier relationships with contracted performance management in place.
- Conduct performance management of contractors, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met during maintenance and docking periods.
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Workforce Planning & Talent Development
- Collaborate with People & Culture to manage the engineering strategic workforce plan to support the company’s growth projections for vessel fleets.
- Ensure training and skills align with emerging technology while implementing a succession planning strategy across all departments.
- Oversee and invest in the Engineering Apprentice Program in partnership with college stakeholders.
Reporting & Decision-Making
- Collate and distribute monthly Management Information (MI) to the Senior Leadership Team and UBTC Board.
- Support the development of effective team collaboration within departments, ensuring a safety and customer-centric focus.
- Communicate clear, timely, and accessible information within the team and organisation.
- Optimise the use of materials and resources, minimising waste and reducing costs.
- Continuously identify improvement opportunities across processes, environmental standards, and overall business performance, prioritising safety and customer experience.
REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Extensive technical knowledge, with a transport sector background.
- Regulatory environment experience with a track record of compliance.
- Proven People Leader with experience managing teams of up to 100+, preferably across multiple sites.
- Expertise in comprehensive budget management (circa £10 million annually).
- Robust supplier management and stakeholder engagement experience.
- Strong ability to define and deliver projects on time, on budget.
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