Operations Superintendent

Job No: RMG1012
Location: Port Hedland, WA

Rivtow Marine is a specialist towage services provider engaged by BHP Ltd to operate a large fleet of escort and harbour tugs and associated infrastructure in Port Hedland, Western Australia. Rivtow Marine is a subsidiary company of the Riverside Marine Group which is a privately owned group of companies with almost 100 years of operations experience in Australia. The Riverside Marine Group of companies operate a variety of marine-based businesses around Australia, with operations and offices in Brisbane, Townsville, Hay Point, Perth, and Port Hedland. 

Rivtow Marine is seeking to appoint an Operations Superintendent

  • Closing Date: 11 December 2020
  • Location: Port Hedland, WA
  • Employment Type: Resident, Full Time

Position Purpose

Rivtow Marine is seeking an experienced Marine Operations professional, reporting to the General Manager Rivtow Marine, for its operations in Port Hedland, WA. The role works in a dynamic and high tempo operational environment requiring the management of multiple and competing business requirements in a timely manner to ensure tug fleet operations run safety and efficiently according to Company and Port expectations and procedures. Co-ordination of Masters training programs, towline replacement strategies and other operational related tasks are other key components of this role. The role requires a high level of safety and risk management understanding and is the primary contact and key interface between the Client and the Vessels for all day to day operational matters and will require “on call” duties at times. Leading the operations team based on site, the candidate should have highly developed leadership and collaborative skills and the ability to achieve KPI outcomes for the business and ensure KPI delivery from contractors engaged in the operations.

Position Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Lead the Operations team to provide safe, reliable daily operation of towage vessels and associated infrastructure
  • Demonstrate and lead the delivery of the contractor operating model in accordance with contractual requirements
  • Re-enforcement of the company Safety Management System at an operational level and ensure compliance with policies and procedures with a view to Continuous Improvement of such systems
  • Ensure properly qualified and experienced crew are available for all operational requirements by maintaining a crew training strategy that delivers a high standard of training and risk management mitigation
  • Develop and maintain operational strategies including but not limited to; training, towlines and fatigue
  • Ensure the reporting requirements for this position are met including, vessel operational metrics, fatigue analysis and risk reviews, weekly and monthly operational reports, incident investigations and closure of actions derived from investigations
  • Attend vessel inspections as required including but not limited to AMSA, DOT, Class Society surveys
  • Conduct internal Health and Safety, ISM/ISO audits as required and provide appropriate follow up and close out of audit actions
  • Attend and represent the organization at stakeholder meetings both internally and externally as required
  • High level of involvement and attention to Client requirements including proactive liaison, communication and stakeholder engagement to ensure safe, reliable and cost-effective towage services are provided
  • Contribute to and be a leader of an established safety culture
  • Provide specialist operational support to the Rivtow Marine operations in Port Hedland to ensure continuing compliance with Australian OHS legislation, ISM and ISO standards, Australian Standards, Statutory body compliance requirements (e.g. AMSA, Pilbara Ports Authority) and other standards and codes of practice applicable to site operations.   

Required qualifications, training and experiences

  1. Minimum 7+ years marine industry experience in towage or port operations
  2. High level of negotiation, client relationship building and contract management skills
  3. Demonstrated flexibility and resilience in dealing with complex issues and implementation of problem- solving methodologies
  4. Good understanding of business system management (people, processes and operational financial management)
  5. Proven ability to lead, direct and deliver results within agreed time frames
  6. Good understanding of QHSE legislation, management systems and practices
  7. Existing ISM/ISO auditor qualification preferred but not essential
  8. Hold a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) or the ability to obtain one
  9. Excellent computer skills in the use of databases and IT systems including the Microsoft Office suite of software

Next steps

If you believe this is you, please forward your current Resume with a detailed covering letter by clicking ‘apply’ for this job. Please also ensure that you complete the application questionnaire that will be sent separately to finalise your application.

Rivtow Marine is an equal opportunity employer and provides industry competitive salary packages with appropriate allowances and benefits that recognize the location of the role.


Rivtow Marine

Always Ready – Always Safe – Always On Time

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