Executive Search for a New Building Manager for a Nordic Ferry Operator
Job Title: Ferry New Building Manager
Business Type: Regional Ferry Operator
Location: Nordic Region and Asia
Key Stakeholders: Chief Executive Officer and Technical Manager
Executive Search Team: Mark Charman, CEO and Principal Consultant
A large regional ferry operator in the Nordic region approached Faststream Executive Search to appoint an experienced Ferry New Building Manager. The company operates ferry services connecting Norway, Sweden and Denmark and was preparing to deliver one of its most significant newbuilding projects.
The successful candidate would take responsibility for overseeing the construction of a state-of-the-art, hydrogen-powered, €160 million high-speed catamaran ferry – the largest of its kind in the world.
Initially based at the client’s Nordic head office, the Ferry New Building Manager would subsequently relocate to the shipyard in Asia to lead the project through its critical construction phases.
The Challenge
This was a highly specialised search requiring a rare combination of technical expertise, major newbuilding project experience and the ability to act as the shipowner’s representative on a complex and high-value vessel construction programme.
A key requirement was identifying candidates who had previously represented owners during the construction of technically sophisticated vessels and who understood complex propulsion systems and power plants.
The vessel’s hydrogen-powered technology further narrowed an already specialist international talent pool.
Location also presented a significant challenge. The selected candidate would need to relocate from the Nordic region to a shipyard in a remote hardship location in Asia for an extended period. Alongside technical capability and project leadership experience, candidates needed the personal circumstances, motivation and flexibility to make such a move.
The Solution
Faststream Executive Search developed a targeted global search strategy designed to identify executives with the technical experience, project leadership capability and mobility required for the assignment.
Using our first-party database of more than 450,000 maritime professionals, combined with our knowledge of the global ferry industry and established international networks, we researched and built a detailed market map of prospective candidates.
Our research extended beyond the ferry sector to identify professionals who had delivered similarly complex vessel construction projects and worked with advanced propulsion systems and power plants.
Working closely with the client, we developed and agreed on an employer value proposition that clearly communicated the scale, technical significance and career opportunity presented by the project. This formed the basis of our proactive engagement with prospective candidates across the international market.
Our Executive Search team approached and assessed candidates against the agreed criteria, establishing their technical suitability, leadership experience, motivations, mobility and interest in the opportunity.
Following a series of detailed interviews, we produced a shortlist of qualified, screened and engaged candidates for the client to review.
We then coordinated the client’s multi-stage interview process, maintaining close communication with both the client and candidates throughout.
Following the final interviews, the client selected their preferred candidate. We advised on compensation and benefits, supported the construction of the employment offer and managed negotiations through to acceptance.
Once the candidate had accepted the position, we completed references and continued to support both parties through the complex international relocation process.
The Results
The search successfully secured a highly experienced newbuilding professional with the complex vessel and technical project experience required to lead this critical programme.
The appointed Ferry New Building Manager is now responsible for representing the client and overseeing the construction of its €160 million hydrogen-powered high-speed catamaran ferry.
Their appointment provides the client with experienced leadership for one of the most high-profile and technically ambitious projects in its history, helping to manage project risk, maintain oversight at the shipyard and support the successful delivery of this next-generation vessel.
Conclusion
This assignment demonstrates Faststream Executive Search’s ability to identify highly specialised maritime leaders for complex international newbuilding projects.
Through detailed market mapping, global maritime networks, targeted candidate engagement and close management of the recruitment and relocation process, we secured an experienced professional capable of leading a strategically important, technically advanced and high-value vessel construction programme.
Looking to appoint specialist maritime leadership talent?
Faststream Executive Search supports maritime businesses worldwide with the identification, assessment and appointment of exceptional executive and senior-level talent.
If you are planning a critical leadership appointment, major newbuilding project, or succession hire, speak to our Executive Search team about how we can support your search.
