River Operations Manager

20 November 2024
STARTING DATE: January 2025 or as soon as possible

MISSION TO METRICS

The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. One part of the solution is to design, develop, and deploy cleanup systems to stop plastic from reaching our oceans by intercepting it in rivers.

"Operations is about maximizing the river cleanup by ensuring the technology, the local infrastructure, the resources, and the total OPEX are aligned in the most effective and safe way."
Onno van de Sande, Operations Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

With a number of Interceptors already installed, the Rivers team is now working on new projects. To prepare for scale-up to tens and hundreds of rivers, it is important that the learnings from our current operations are tracked and incorporated. For this, we need strong performance monitoring and close contact with the owners & operators of the system. We are looking for an operations manager with a connection to water bodies who wants to take on the challenge of bringing operational excellence to a still-new territory.

• Preparing and managing the deployment and ramp-up of system operations in a project or program. You will work closely with our local representatives and are the point of contact for our team and partners for any operational challenges.
• Ensuring fast local response on issues to keep systems availability on target.
• Monitoring performance, reliability, efficacy, and always be on the lookout for ways to improve and optimize system operations.
• Keeping an overview of operational contracts and KPIs. You will ensure that both contract holders (our partners and The Ocean Cleanup) deliver accordingly.

Key Deliverables & Outcomes

• Detailed design of operations, including assembly & installation plans, operational plans, safety plans.
• Contribute to OPEX calculations.
• Contribute to setting realistic targets for operational performance.
• Contribute to the deployment of an Interceptor solution.

Key Responsibilities
Safely deploy Interceptor solutions (heavy machinery) by:

• Developing and implementing assembly- and installation plans.
• Reviewing of towing and lifting plans.
• Ensure safe operations of the system and surrounding logistics.
• Handover to the local owner/operator.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A relevant technical bachelor’s or master’s degree (for example, in naval engineering, mechanical engineering, or civil engineering).
• Around 5-10 years of relevant work experience in an operational role in the maritime world or river civil works.
• Experience with contract management, subcontracting, outsourcing, or collaborating with external partners.
• Relevant international experience (preferably Asia, Latin America, Africa).

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands-on; yes, we can attitude.
• Experienced in working in multi-cultural environments.
• An intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful mission.
• Willing to travel.
• Practical way of working with good foresight.
• Excellent communication and social skills, including a strong cultural awareness and ability to communicate on all levels (operational to political).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Experience with repair & maintenance or asset management is preferred.
• Fluent in English. Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, or Bahasa is a plus.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Work permit: A valid European Union work permit is highly preferred for this position (the role is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands).
• At The Ocean Cleanup, we believe we are stronger together, while harnessing the uniqueness each individual brings. That is why we take a fair, equal opportunity, and transparent approach to hiring and welcome special needs requests.

Curious to hear how it is to work at The Ocean Cleanup? Listen to our team members explain their work in our podcasts.