This is a role responsible for the strategic and operational management of Chinese manning offices and agencies, ensuring a stable, high-quality supply of seafarers to support a global fleet.
The Role
Reporting to Director/GM of Manning agencies, the Manager – Manning Agencies will have full responsibility for Chinese crew recruitment, agency performance, compliance, and stakeholder management.
The position requires regular travel across China and close collaboration with both internal stakeholders and external manning partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Set and execute the strategic direction for manning operations in China, aligned with overall fleet and business objectives
- Oversee and manage multiple China-based manning offices and agencies, ensuring operational efficiency and consistency
- Lead recruitment strategy for Chinese seafarers, improving attraction, selection, and retention outcomes
- Drive crew welfare, engagement, and retention initiatives to reduce turnover and improve satisfaction
- Conduct regular audits, assessments, and benchmarking of manning offices to ensure compliance with company standards and industry best practice
- Build and maintain strong relationships with principals, clients, and key partners
- Monitor agency performance through KPIs, reporting regularly to senior management
- Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations, flag requirements, and company policies
- Support long-term workforce planning to maintain a sustainable and reliable crew pipeline
- Proven experience in marine crewing, manning agencies, or ship management operations
- Strong understanding of Chinese seafarer recruitment and local manning practices
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, offices, or third-party agencies
- Solid knowledge of international maritime regulations and compliance standards
- Fluent in both Mandarin and English (written and spoken) – essential to manage Chinese crew and international stakeholders.
- Comfortable with frequent travel across China
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and reporting skills
- Only open to Chinese Nationals for this positions
- Senior regional role with significant autonomy and influence
- Opportunity to shape and professionalise China-based manning operations
- Long-term career potential within a global ship management environment
- Exposure to senior leadership and international stakeholders