Trainee Ship Manager

Trainee Ship Manager – Cammell Laird, Birkenhead

We are looking for a Trainee Ship Manager to initially support, and in time lead the planning and execution of our construction, repair, refit, and conversion projects for a range of vessels.

In this role you’ll work closely with our engineering teams, subcontractors, and vessel owners to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.

It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience across all phases of project management and follow a clear path to becoming a fully qualified Ship Manager. Could this be what you are looking for?

Who are we?

Part of APCL Group Cammell Laird is known across the globe. Our strategically located facility on the River Mersey operates across 5 core markets: defence refit and repair, commercial refit and repair, defence newbuild projects, commercial newbuild projects and energy.

Across 90 acres we operate four dry docks, a large modular construction hall and extensive covered workshops. We’ve played a strategic role in UK shipbuilding for the past 200 years.

So, what will you do?

• Ultimately, you’ll be managing ship construction and repair contracts and conversions from start to completion. Initially, you’ll be training or as part of a larger project team
• You’ll assist in the planning of vessel projects and you will be managing people, products, and equipment within set budgets. You’ll be negotiating with our teams internally as well as customers, contractors and suppliers
• Ensuring financial controls are in place, you will manage and control sales and costs. You’ll monitor project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensure project documentation is up to date and report on progress
• You’ll gain experience with new builds, repairs, refits, and conversions as you work on vessels in the facility, dry dock and afloat, as well as going out to other locations
  
  

What are we looking for?

• Drive, tenacity and aptitude to acquire new skills through a documented continuous professional development and management training programme, which includes intensive training and coaching, as well as self-exploration
• A sound working knowledge of a shipyard
• The ability to interpret complex specifications, technical drawings paying close attention to detail using bespoke software tools as well as Microsoft Office
• Interpersonal as well as verbal and written communication skills that will enable you to communicate effectively. You’ll be working with your team, senior management, customers, contractors and suppliers to advise on progress so you will need to be organised.
• Due to the size of the facilities and nature of the work you will be doing you’ll need a full UK driving licence. You will travel and work in both shipyard and other vessel-based environments
• A degree or equivalent in marine engineering, naval architecture, shipbuilding, or a related technical field will be useful but is not essential
  
  

Why join us?

• Opportunity to work on high-profile, impactful projects as part of a structured training and mentorship program
• Exposure to high-value, complex marine projects enabling progression to a full Ship Manager position
• Supportive and dynamic work environment at the centre of a marine technology hub on Merseyside, a world class maritime cluster
  
  

Due to the nature of what we do for some of the customers that we work with, some roles working for Cammell Laird are subject to security control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform with us.

You must also undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check before your employment starts, which will include a basic DBS check.