Assistant Manager, Commercial (Ship Conversion & Special Projects)

Job Summary

Assistant Manager, Commercial (Ship Conversion & Special Projects) is responsible for supporting the planning, execution, monitoring, and commercial control of ship newbuilding and special projects. The role ensures technical, schedule, cost, and invoicing aspects of projects are managed in accordance with contractual requirements, shipyard procedures, and regulatory standards, contributing to timely project delivery and positive cash flow.

Key Responsibilities

Newbuilding Project Execution

• Support overall management of ship newbuilding projects from contract signing to vessel delivery.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, procurement, planning, QA/QC, commissioning, and HSE teams to ensure integrated project execution.
• Monitor construction progress against approved schedules and key milestones.
• Review and follow up on technical drawings, specifications, material approvals, and class requirements.
• Assist in managing technical queries (TQs), design changes, and variation requests.
• Support owner, consultant, class, and flag state surveys and inspections.
  
  

Special Projects Management

• Assist in planning and execution of special projects such as vessel conversions, retrofits, life-extension works, upgrades, and green/energy-efficiency projects.
• Support feasibility studies, work scope definition, scheduling, and cost estimation.
• Coordinate subcontractors and vendors to ensure technical and commercial compliance.
  
  

Invoicing, Cost Control & Commercial Management

• Prepare, review, and submit project invoices in line with contract terms, payment milestones, and progress achieved.
• Coordinate with planning, production, and finance departments to validate work progress for milestone-based and progress-based invoicing.
• Track contract payment schedules, retention amounts, bank guarantees, and advance payments.
• Monitor project budgets, committed costs, and expenditures; highlight cost deviations and potential overruns.
• Support preparation and evaluation of variation orders, claims, and change orders, including cost and time impact assessments.
• Maintain accurate invoicing records, supporting documents, and correspondence.
• Follow up on invoice approvals and payment status with clients and internal finance teams to ensure healthy project cash flow.
  
  

Project Planning & Reporting

• Assist in preparing and maintaining project schedules, cash flow forecasts, and cost reports.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports covering technical, schedule, cost, and invoicing status.
• Support management reviews with up-to-date project performance data.
  
  

Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all works comply with shipyard quality standards, HSE requirements, contract specifications, and class/flag regulations.
• Support audits, inspections, and corrective action tracking related to quality and safety.
  
  

Stakeholder & Client Coordination

• Act as a key coordination point between internal departments, owners, consultants, vendors, subcontractors, and finance teams.
• Support commercial and technical meetings with clients, including preparation of minutes, action lists, and follow-ups.
  
  

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8-10 years of relevant experience in shipyard newbuilding, ship repair, or marine/offshore project management.
• Demonstrated experience in project invoicing, milestone payments, and commercial coordination.
• Good understanding of shipbuilding contracts and commercial terms.
• Strong knowledge of ship construction and project execution workflows.
• Solid understanding of invoicing processes, cost control, and cash flow management.
• Ability to interpret contracts, technical specifications, and drawings.
• Proficient in MS Office and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Strong communication, coordination, and negotiation skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in commercial documentation.
  
  

Education

Bachelors in Naval Architect

Diploma in Marine Engineering

Certifications