Operations & Technical Manager – Svitzer Argentina

About the Role

Are you ready to lead operational excellence and technical innovation in one of Argentina’s most dynamic maritime environments? Svitzer Argentina is seeking an experienced Operations & Technical Manager to drive the performance, safety, and reliability of our fleet across Argentinean ports. In this pivotal role, you will shape the future of our towage operations, ensuring we deliver outstanding service to our customers and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to all operational and technical staff in Argentina, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion safety as the foundation of Svitzer Argentina’s operations, driving effective preventive measures, fostering a transparent reporting culture across all teams, and ensuring every incident is thoroughly investigated and translated into practical lessons learned to continually strengthen operational.
• Oversee harbour towage operations, special towage operations (e.g. Offshore) and service delivery, offering clear guidance and support to sea staff to ensure efficient and reliable performance.
• Manage all technical department functions, including preventive maintenance, general repairs, and planning and execution of dry docks in close collaboration with the Regional Dry Docking (DD) team, ensuring high-quality preparation, execution, and follow‑up.
• Ensure overall financial responsibility for fleet OPEX and CAPEX, monitoring operational and technical expenditures, ensuring alignment with established budgets, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization without compromising service, safety or performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, port authorities, and maritime stakeholders, representing Svitzer Argentina in meetings and industry forums.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks to safeguard the safety and sustainability of crew, vessels, and operations.
• Prepare and deliver timely reports on key operational, safety, and technical developments for senior management.
• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements (local, national, and flag state) for both existing and new vessels.

Reporting Lines

This position reports directly to the Svitzer Argentina Managing Director, with a dotted line to the Regional Chief Operating Officer.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Nautical or Marine Engineering, Shipping, Maritime Studies, Nautical Science, Logistics, or a related field.
• Master’s experience in the towage or offshore industry.
• At least 7 years of maritime industry experience, with a preference for towage or offshore operations.
• Strong network within the Argentinean port’s community and among key stakeholders such as the Navy, Pilots, and Port Authorities is a significant advantage.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams and drive results in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, communicate complex technical and financial information clearly, and collaborate effectively across functions.
• Experience working in a global business environment with a strong appreciation for cultural diversity.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel for short periods as required.

Why Join Svitzer Argentina?

At Svitzer Argentina, you’ll join a globally recognized leader in maritime services, where your expertise and initiative will make a real impact. We offer a collaborative, growth-oriented environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of a team that values safety, innovation, and operational excellence.

If you’re ready for a new challenge and want to help shape the future of maritime operations in Argentina, we invite you to apply!

Building a Diverse Workplace

In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!

How to Apply

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