Vessel Operations Manager

Vessel Operations Manager – Power Transmission

ONBOARDING YOU TO THE COMPANY

At Nexans, our global vision is to electrify the future. In Power Transmission, this means delivering the world’s longest and most complex high‑voltage subsea and land cable systems to connect nations and drive the global energy transition. We deliver EPCI turnkey projects worldwide using industry‑leading technology, equipment and expertise to design, manufacture, install and service high‑voltage cable systems.

The Vessel Management Department in Oslo oversees Nexans’ owned and chartered marine assets, including specialized cable‑laying vessels and barges used for installation activities. The team is responsible for the full scope of operational, technical and commercial management on behalf of the individual vessel‑owning companies and supports Nexans projects globally.

CHOOSING NEXANS

At Nexans, your work contributes directly to the global energy transition. We offer meaningful careers with purpose, supported by a collaborative and international environment where innovation, safety and operational excellence are at the center of everything we do.

In Vessel Management, you will:

• Play a key role in enabling complex subsea cable installation campaigns worldwide.
• Influence how Nexans operates and develops its marine assets over the long term.
• Work closely with project teams, offshore crews and technical specialists across several countries.

WELCOMING YOU TO THE TEAM

We are looking for a Vessel Operations Manager to join our Vessel Management team within the Power Transmission Business Group, based in Oslo, Norway.

Reporting to the Director Vessel Management, you will hold a key leadership role and be accountable for the safe, efficient and compliant operation of all Nexans cable‑installation vessels and barges, as well as chartered vessels. You will oversee the daily management and operations of Nexans’ owned and chartered marine assets and deliver full operational, technical and commercial management on behalf of the vessel‑owning companies.

You will work in close collaboration with:

• Vessel managers onshore and marine management teams onboard (captain, chief engineer)
• Project Managers, Project Engineers, Offshore Managers and Supervisors
• Tender engineers, Procurement and external vendors

HOW YOU MAKE AN IMPACT

As Vessel Operations Manager, you will set and enforce maritime standards across the fleet, maximize vessel reliability and availability, and provide strong operational governance and maritime support to onboard teams, the vessel management department and Nexans projects.

Your key responsibilities include:

General & Strategic Management

• Ensure the vessel management organization operates in full compliance with international maritime law and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Manage operational and commercial activities on behalf of the vessel‑owning companies.
• Develop and implement strategies aligned with Owners’ requirements and long‑term asset objectives.
• Initiate, negotiate and manage agreements necessary to support operational and commercial scope.
• Adhere to corporate policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct, audit requirements and financial control responsibilities.
• Lead and oversee RCA, FMEA and HAZOP processes related to vessel operations.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support vessel management operations and objectives.

Operational & Vessel Assurance

• Ensure delivery of high‑quality vessel management services that minimize breakdowns, reduce operational risk and maintain vessels and barges to the highest industry standards.
• Maintain vessel operational availability and condition by directing vessel managers toward the correct operational and strategic priorities.
• Maintain a fleet‑wide perspective and actively shape operations strategy, including managing vessel assurance across the fleet.
• Conduct regular vessel and barge visits to assess ongoing operations and support onboard teams.
• Ensure vessel assurance for both Nexans‑owned assets and chartered assets.
• Ensure continuous compliance of the fleet with statutory, QHSE, ISM Code and other internal/external requirements.
• Lead and oversee investigations and corrective actions, ensuring consistency, accuracy and compliance across the fleet.

Commercial Management

• Ensure the delivery of high‑quality commercial management services to maximize Nexans’ results.
• Provide commercial oversight of long‑term chartered third‑party assets.
• Initiate investment and maintenance projects related to marine assets to optimize operational performance.
• Manage the OPEX budget, forecasting and documenting variances, ensuring the business understands cost drivers and reducing risk and cost through proactive planning.
• Support the development of the annual budget by collaborating with finance, vessel/technical managers and onboard teams to identify structural changes and cost drivers.
• Deliver commercial objectives in alignment with Nexans projects and Owners’ expectations.
• Ensure refit specifications accurately reflect future operational needs, address major risks and support long‑term asset‑management strategies.

Tender Support

• Review marine asset requirements during tender phases and provide relevant input to the tender team, ensuring realistic, robust and cost‑effective marine solutions.

People & Leadership

• Provide strong leadership to the Vessel Management team—both ashore and onboard.
• Ensure personal safety, crew safety and asset protection remain the organization’s highest priority.
• Continuously review operational performance, promote best practices, lead change initiatives and drive improvements in processes, efficiency and delivery.
• Foster an excellent work environment and maintain a highly motivated workforce.

YOUR STARTING POINT

The best candidates may not meet every requirement, but the following background will help you succeed:

• University degree (minimum BSc) in marine/offshore engineering, commercial business or a related discipline.
• Strong contractual and commercial management skills.
• Proven experience in budget development, control, financial oversight and vessel assurance.
• Experience with marine operations, vessel management or offshore asset management is a strong advantage.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with personnel at all organizational levels, both onboard and ashore.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work.
• Structured, proactive and solution‑oriented mindset, with a strong focus on safety and operational excellence.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

In this role, you will:

• Ensure safe, high‑quality operation of all vessels and barges.
• Maintain a zero‑accident culture across the fleet.
• Deliver defined services to Owners’ satisfaction, both technically and commercially.
• Achieve results in line with established targets, objectives and KPIs.
• Drive high operational efficiency and optimize both OPEX and CAPEX.
• Minimize vessel breakdowns and unplanned standby through proactive management.
• Uphold high professional and operational standards across all teams.
• Ensure vessel assurance in compliance with project and client requirements.

OUR GROWTH CULTURE

Among our employees we share the same values — we are pioneers of the energy transition, dedicated to delivering the highest standards of performance, united to achieve our ambitious goals.

At the individual level, our growth culture is built on trust, collaboration and empowerment. We believe in giving our people autonomy while fostering strong teamwork, knowledge sharing and continuous development across our global organization.

Apply now and help electrify the future by shaping Nexans’ marine operations.