On behalf of an established, international ship management company with a fleet of container and reefer container vessels, we are seeking an experienced and decisive General Operations Manager to oversee shore-based operations and fleet performance in Athens. Reporting directly to the Group Managing Director, you will drive operational excellence, cost efficiency, and full compliance with maritime regulations across all technical, operational, and administrative departments. This role carries broad operational and management leadership, acting as the key link between fleet teams, department heads, and executive leadership.

key responsibilities • Fleet Operations & Vessel Readiness: Direct day-to-day fleet management to maximize vessel availability, minimize off-hire time, and ensure vessels operate at peak technical performance. • Technical & Maintenance Oversight: Oversee planned maintenance systems (PMS), monitor dry-dockings, equipment repairs, and technical troubleshooting in direct collaboration with Fleet Technical Managers and Superintendents. • Safety, Class & Regulatory Compliance: Enforce uncompromising adherence to ISM/ISPS codes, ISO/SHEQ standards, Flag State regulations, and Classification Society requirements. Ensure vessels consistently pass Port State Control (PSC) and industry vet • Greenfield Office & Operational Setup: Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and communication routines (such as daily operational meetings and bi-weekly fleet reviews) to build the new Athens branch from the ground up. • Cross-Functional Operations Leadership: Coordinate daily shore-side functions supporting the vessels, guiding teams across Technical Fleet, Marine Safety/QMS, Crewing, and Procurement. • Crewing & Marine Leadership Governance: Oversee shipboard personnel standards, approving key sea-staff appointments and promotions for senior officers (Masters and Chief Engineers). • OPEX & Vendor Management: Drive operational cost-efficiency across vessel repairs, spares, lubricants, and service contractors, scrutinizing operational expenses (OPEX) at the deck-plate level rather than managing corporate finance. • External Stakeholder & Port Relations: Act as the primary operational liaison with shipowners, class surveyors, port agents, bunker suppliers, and maritime authorities.

experience 10+ years of progressive professional experience within the maritime and ship management sectorskills • Entrepreneurial & Independent Mindset • Decisive & Pragmatic Leadership • Coaching & Team Empowerment • Effective Delegation & Accountability • Stress Resistance & Improvisation • Cross-Cultural Communication & Diplomacy • Advanced Negotiation Skills • Strategic Planning & Prioritization • Cost Consciousness • Stakeholder & Customer Orientation

qualifications • University degree (BSc/MSc) in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline; sea-going service as a Senior Officer (Master Mariner / Chief Engineer) will be considered a significant asset. • Excellent command of Greek and English (written and verbal) • Availability for domestic and international business travel to vessels, shipyards, and corporate headquarters as required. • High proficiency in maritime software platforms, Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS), and office productivity suites.