Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: United States

Industry: Maritime / Ship Repair / Marine Engineering

About the Company

We are a leading provider of ship repair, maintenance, and engineering services specializing in mechanical propulsion systems for commercial, offshore, and marine vessels. Our expertise includes emergency repairs, planned maintenance, drydock projects, propulsion overhauls, rotating equipment, shafting systems, seals, pumps, gearboxes, engines, and auxiliary machinery. We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and technically advanced solutions while maintaining exceptional customer relationships.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for leading the overall strategic direction, operational performance, and financial success of the organization. The CEO will oversee all aspects of the business, including operations, engineering, business development, finance, safety, and workforce management.

This executive will drive sustainable growth, strengthen customer relationships across the maritime industry, and position the company as a market leader in ship repair and propulsion system services. The ideal candidate combines strong executive leadership with a deep understanding of the marine repair industry, shipyard operations.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

* Develop and execute the company’s long-term strategic vision.

* Lead organizational growth while maintaining operational excellence.

* Foster a culture of accountability, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

* Build and mentor a high-performing executive leadership team.

* Represent the company with customers, industry organizations, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

Business Development

* Identify new business opportunities within commercial shipping, offshore, and marine transportation sectors.

* Develop strategic partnerships with vessel owners, operators, OEMs, shipyards, and classification societies.

* Expand service offerings and geographic market presence.

* Lead major contract negotiations and customer engagement initiatives.

Operational Oversight

* Oversee all ship repair, drydock, and field service operations.

* Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.

* Drive operational efficiency and process improvement across all departments.

* Monitor key performance indicators related to profitability, quality, customer satisfaction, and project execution.

* Ensure rapid response capabilities for emergency vessel repairs.

Financial Management

* Develop and manage annual budgets and long-term financial plans.

* Drive revenue growth and profitability.

* Monitor cash flow, capital investments, and overall financial health.

* Review financial reporting and performance metrics.

* Identify opportunities to improve operational margins and cost efficiencies.

Technical & Industry Leadership

* Maintain a strong understanding of marine propulsion technologies and ship repair best practices.

* Support engineering teams in evaluating complex repair projects.

* Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends.

* Ensure compliance with industry standards, classification requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Safety & Compliance

* Promote a strong safety-first culture throughout the organization.

* Ensure compliance with OSHA, USCG, ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, and applicable environmental regulations.

* Support continuous improvement in quality assurance and safety management systems.

Talent Development

* Recruit, develop, and retain top industry talent.

* Build leadership succession plans.

* Promote employee engagement and professional development.

Qualifications

* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field.

* MBA or advanced business degree preferred.

* 15+ years of executive leadership experience within the maritime industry.

* Extensive experience in ship repair, marine engineering, propulsion systems, or shipyard operations.

* Demonstrated success leading profitable engineering or industrial service organizations.

* Strong commercial acumen with experience developing strategic customer relationships.

* Experience managing large operational teams and multiple business functions.

Preferred Technical Experience

* Main propulsion systems

* Marine diesel engines (MAN, Wärtsilä, Caterpillar, MTU, EMD, Cummins)

* Reduction gearboxes

* Shaft lines and bearings

* CPP and FPP propulsion systems

* Thrusters and azimuth drives

* Pumps and rotating equipment

* Mechanical seals

* Stern tube assemblies

* Alignment and vibration analysis

* Drydock planning and execution

* Emergency vessel repairs

Leadership Competencies

* Visionary leadership

* Strategic planning

* Financial management

* Business development

* Customer relationship management

* Operational excellence

* Executive decision-making

* Change management

* Contract negotiation

* Risk management

* Team building

* Communication and stakeholder engagement

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Kieran Mead