Red Funnel
Senior Chief Engineer
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About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Chief Engineer to take responsibility for the technical management, maintenance, safety, and operational performance of one of our vessels.
As a key member of the Vessel Management Team, you will be accountable for all technical aspects of your vessel, ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, compliance, and customer service are consistently achieved.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive engineering leader who thrives in a dynamic marine environment and enjoys developing high-performing teams.
As Senior Chief Engineer, you will lead all engineering and technical operations onboard, ensuring the vessel remains fully compliant, safe, operationally efficient, and audit-ready at all times. You will work closely with the Master, Technical Superintendent, and wider management team to deliver maintenance programmes, vessel projects, refits, and continuous improvements.
The role combines practical vessel-based engineering responsibilities with strategic leadership and administrative duties, with approximately 75% of time spent onboard overseeing day-to-day operations and 25% focused on project management, planning, and leadership activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all technical and engineering operations onboard the vessel.
- Manage planned maintenance and ensure all defects are recorded, delegated, and resolved effectively.
- Deliver vessel-specific projects, refits, and maintenance programmes.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, ISM, and company requirements.
- Maintain the vessel in a continual state of audit readiness.
- Prepare vessels for surveys, inspections, and refit periods.
- Develop and maintain operational procedures that support the highest standards of safety for passengers, crew, and vessel operations.
- Support the development of long-term fleet maintenance and improvement plans.
- Lead and motivate onboard engineering teams, creating a culture of accountability and high performance.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure operational standards are consistently met.
- Collaborate with shore-based management teams to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to delivering an outstanding customer and guest experience through safe and reliable vessel operations.
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What We're Looking For:
Essential
- Senior marine engineering experience, ideally within passenger or commercial vessel operations.
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing engineering teams.
- Strong knowledge of marine maintenance systems, safety management systems, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience planning and delivering maintenance projects, refits, and technical improvements.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and resolve technical challenges effectively.
- Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Chief Engineer COC Class 2
- All relevant STCWs maintained and in date
- ENG1 medical certificate
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Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
- Leads by example and motivates others to perform at their best.
- Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in a changing environment.
- Thinks strategically while maintaining attention to operational detail.
- Builds strong collaborative relationships onboard and ashore.
- Embodies a customer-focused approach.
- Takes ownership, delivers results, and drives high standards across all areas of responsibility.
Benefits
- Free foot travel/subsidised vehicle travel on our ferries – great for heading to the island, relaxing on the beach, and exploring the stunning scenery!
- Subsidised Rail Travel
- Access to Perkz – offers and savings on loads of household names!
- 50% off Southern Vectis (Island buses) – tour the beautiful Isle of Wight!
- Free car parking during work.
- Free access to WeCare – a 24/7 online GP, mental health support, and virtual wellbeing tool.
- Free access to a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP).
If you're a qualified marine engineer looking for a role that combines technical challenge, career development, and the unique benefit of being home every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of a team that keeps our vessels operating safely, efficiently, and reliably for our customers and communities!
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