Director of Ship Management Executive Search

Executive Search for a Director of Ship Management for a Global Ship Management Company

Business Type: Global Ship Management Company

Location: UK with Global Remit

Executive Search Team: Mark Charman - Chief Executive Officer, Sebastian Zuliani - Associate Director, Jonathan Pearse - Head of Executive Search and Kevin McCart - Principal Consultant.

The client required a Director of Ship Management, a new growth role in the business to lead the ship management function with experience in managing vessels operating in the global energy logistics sector.

The Executive Search for their new Director of Ship Management was led by the Client’s Managing Director (MD), together with the Group Human Resources Director.

Faststream is the long-term exclusive recruitment partner of this client, undertaking recruitment process outsourcing for all their maritime hiring needs. They selected Faststream based on our long-term relationship and excellence in executive search.

The Challenge

Our client is managing vessels at the very pinnacle of the energy logistics sector and as such required candidates with in-depth knowledge of the sector together with strong leadership skills and business acumen.

An added challenge was that due to the nature of the role, it was a requirement that candidates be able to fully relocate to our client's UK, Head Office. The complex requirements of the role and the location meant there was only a small pool of potentially suitable candidates.

Our Approach

1. Client Needs Assessment

Faststream Group CEO, Mark Charman and Associate Director, Sebastian Zuliani flew to our client's Head Office to meet with the Managing Director and Group Human Resources Director.

This comprehensive session delved into the organisation’s strategic objectives, the role’s critical success factors, and desired leadership qualities. A bespoke search strategy was collaboratively developed to align with their vision.

2. Compensation Advice and Candidate Attraction

Following the initial consultation, we conducted a detailed analysis of market compensation trends and presented strategic guidance to ensure competitive positioning. In collaboration with our candidate attraction team, we crafted an engaging and informative candidate pack, tailored to captivate the interest of high-calibre talent.

3. Global Market Mapping and Talent Identification

Leveraging our deep sector expertise, we initiated a global search in partnership with Faststream’s Singapore office. Our team developed a comprehensive market map of senior professionals in the ship management sector, identifying individuals with the required expertise and leadership experience. This phase was executed with a meticulous and confidential outreach strategy, ensuring candidates were engaged discreetly and effectively.

4. Screening and Shortlist

Interested and potentially suitable candidates were then taken through a more in-depth interview process with the final short list of candidates being personally interviewed by Faststream Group CEO, Mark Charman.

5. Comprehensive Interviews

We facilitated the client’s interview process with shortlisted candidates, offering insights and guidance at every stage. The final round included structured presentations by the two leading candidates, designed to showcase their vision and compatibility with the organisation’s strategy.

6. Final Selection & Offer Management

With a successful candidate identified, we advised both parties through the offer and contract negotiation process, ensuring a seamless agreement. During the candidate’s notice period, our team maintained regular communication to support the transition, reinforcing their commitment and readiness to join.

The Outcome

The selected candidate has successfully transitioned into their new role, with early feedback highlighting their impactful leadership and alignment with the company’s strategic goals.