Job description
Fleet Manager
As Plouvier’s Fleet Manager, you will play a pivotal role in steering the technical and safety activities of our inland fleet and ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. This position combines strategic leadership with a hands‑on operational mindset: you continue shaping the long‑term direction of the department while remaining closely involved in daily challenges when needed.
You will lead a local team of superintendents and coordinate with our remote support teams based in India. You act as the central link between the vessels, the shore organization, and the executive team. In this role, you report directly to the CEO and hold a key position within the Management Team.
Your key job responsibilities will be:
Technical & SHEQ
- Further develop and implement a clear fleet strategy, including maintenance planning, technical optimization, and long‑term investment priorities.
- Improve processes within the fleet department and across remote teams with a focus on efficiency, safety, cost control, and operational quality.
- Ensure that all barges are maintained in compliance with statutory, class, and charter party requirements (including TMSA, ISO, BIRE, vetting).
- Report quarterly on fleet performance regarding vessel condition, technical execution, financial control, and cross‑departmental coordination.
- Own and manage the operational budget for fleet‑related departments.
- Propose forward planning based on necessities (dry‑docking, inspections, resources, vendor management, budget adjustments, etc.).
- Ensure that SHEQ policies and procedures are fully embedded in day‑to‑day operations and actively champion a strong safety culture across the fleet.
- Ensure that policies are not only compliant and well‑designed but also realistic and usable in day‑to‑day vessel operations.
- Oversee accident/incident investigations and translate findings into concrete actions for effective close‑out.
- Oversee newbuild activities and review and approve major refits, dry‑dockings, and significant repairs in close liaison with management. Set newbuild specifications and negotiate contracts together with C‑level.
PEOPLE
- Support and develop your teams towards high standards of professionalism and performance.
- Coordinate and oversee the workload and quality of the remote administrative support team (India).
- Translate technical and safety procedures from “office language” into practical, workable processes on board.
- Act as a connector between theoretical frameworks and operational execution, finding the right balance between regulation, practicality, crew needs, and operational constraints.
- Build strong interpersonal relationships with crew members and earn their trust and respect through presence, clarity, and consistent communication.
- Serve as a knowledgeable and trustworthy sparring partner for the CEO and other internal stakeholders.
Profile required
Your profile:
- Preferably a Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent by experience.
- Proven experience in vessel maintenance and technical operations.
- Proven leadership experience, ideally in the inland tanker or barge industry.
- A hands‑on leadership style; equally comfortable with strategic planning and operational execution.
- Ability to lead by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and open dialogue across shore staff, onboard teams, and remote units.
- Strong communication skills: confidence in constructive dialogue and the ability to present well‑founded recommendations to ensure the department moves in the right direction.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and stakeholders.
- Sensitivity to cultural nuances within a diverse crew environment and the ability to navigate these differences professionally.
- Ability to bring structure, calm, and prioritization in a dynamic setting.
- Availability and willingness to travel frequently to operational sites.
- Understanding of European inland maritime regulations and safety standards.
- Fluency in English and at least a good level of German.
Company description
Plouvier operates a fleet of state-of-the-art vessels, offering cutting-edge equipment and optimal working conditions for its teams. We primarily sail on the Rhine and provide professional support through experienced management and technical teams. Our motto, “ONE TEAM, ONE ENERGY” reflects our values of solidarity, dynamism, and collaboration.
On 6/19/2026