Head of Technical

Overview

Lead the technical performance of a global fleet

Gearbulk is a global leader in open-hatch shipping, driving safe, sustainable, and efficient maritime operations that play a vital role in international trade. With a proud history and a clear focus on the future, the company is now looking for a Head of Technical to lead the performance and development of their fleet, consisting of around 53 vessels.

As Head of Technical, you will carry overall responsibility for the quality, safety, efficiency, and compliance of the fleet’s operations. You will lead experienced teams of Fleet Managers, Technical Superintendents, and support staff in Norway and Asia, oversee vessel performance, and ensure strategic maintenance and lifecycle planning. A key part of the role is managing significant budgets and cost control across the fleet, supporting procurement processes, and contributing to the company’s emergency response capacity.

We are seeking a candidate with solid technical education and extensive senior-level experience from international shipping. Strong operational and commercial insight will be combined with proven leadership capabilities and cross-cultural awareness. The role requires both authority and social intelligence – the ability to balance technical and operational demands with long-term requirements such as decarbonization and commercial success, while developing and retaining technical talent in Bergen and abroad.

Based in Bergen and reporting to the Managing Director of Gearbulk Norway, you will be part of an international organisation that values operational excellence, continuous improvement, and sustainable development. This is a unique opportunity to influence the technical future of a world-leading fleet and to make a real impact in a global industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the performance and development of the fleet (around 53 vessels).
• Hold responsibility for quality, safety, efficiency, and compliance of fleet operations.
• Lead Fleet Managers, Technical Superintendents, and support staff in Norway and Asia.
• Oversee vessel performance and ensure strategic maintenance and lifecycle planning.
• Manage significant budgets and cost control across the fleet.
• Support procurement processes and contribute to emergency response capacity.

Qualifications

Location & Reporting

Based in Bergen and reporting to the Managing Director of Gearbulk Norway.

About Gearbulk

Gearbulk is an international shipping group providing high quality transportation services for various industrial sectors. Founded in 1968 by Kristian Gerhard Jebsen in Bergen, Norway, the company is 72 % owned by Mitsui OSK Lines, and as from January 2025, 25 % owned by Marubeni Corporation, both based in Japan. In 2017 Gearbulk and Grieg Star established the joint venture G2 Ocean with headquarters in Bergen, Norway.

The group operates the world’s largest fleet of open hatch vessels, specifically designed and equipped to transport unitized cargoes such as forest products, steels and non-ferrous metals and project cargo.

Contact

Interested? Contact Visindi : Rune Hope at or Are Gjølberg Lien at . All enquiries will be treated confidentially, if desired also towards the client in the initial phase. Please submit your application and CV as soon as possible.

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