Dredging Operations Manager (Offshore/Onshore - Marine Experienced)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Dredging Operations Manager (Offshore/Onshore - Marine Experienced)

Reporting To

Project Director / Marine Operations Director

Location

Abu Dhabi (Onshore) with Offshore / Nearshore Project Oversight

Job Purpose

To manage and oversee all offshore and onshore dredging operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of dredging projects in line with ADNOC marine standards, environmental regulations, and project objectives. The role provides leadership for marine teams, contractors, and operational activities, optimizing resources and maintaining high HSE performance.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Dredging Operations Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute offshore and onshore dredging operations, including capital dredging, maintenance dredging, land reclamation, trenching, and sediment management.
• Ensure mobilization, positioning, and operation of dredging equipment (CSD, TSHD, BHD, backhoe dredgers) are conducted efficiently and safely.
• Monitor daily operational progress, production rates, and dredging quality against project requirements.

Marine & Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance on dredging operations, anchor handling, marine positioning, stability, and vessel coordination.
• Ensure accurate dredging volumes, tolerances, and sediment disposal methods are followed.
• Coordinate with survey, geotechnical, and engineering teams to support operational decisions.

HSE & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ADNOC HSEMS, Marine Assurance, Life Saving Rules, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses (JSA), and toolbox talks specific to dredging operations.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and incident response procedures are implemented effectively.

Team & Contractor Leadership

• Lead dredging and marine operations teams, including subcontractors and vessel crews.
• Ensure proper competency, certifications, and training of operational personnel.
• Promote a strong safety culture and high-performance mindset across teams.

Planning & Reporting

• Prepare operational plans, schedules, resource allocations, and contingency plans for offshore/onshore dredging projects.
• Report operational performance, risks, incidents, and progress to Project Management and ADNOC representatives.
• Support audits, inspections, and technical reviews.

Stakeholder & Interface Management

• Interface with ADNOC, marine authorities, contractors, and environmental agencies.
• Coordinate with ports, tug operators, survey teams, and EPC contractors to ensure smooth operations.
• Address technical queries, project changes, and operational challenges effectively.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement operational best practices and optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Monitor KPIs, operational metrics, and lessons learned for performance improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Civil, Marine, Offshore, or Coastal Engineering.
• Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) is preferred.
• Marine/offshore operations certifications are an advantage.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 15–20 years experience in marine and dredging operations.
• Minimum 5–8 years in senior operations management roles (Offshore/Onshore).
• Proven experience managing dredging projects in offshore/onshore environments, preferably in the Middle East or ADNOC offshore/onshore fields.
• Strong background in marine vessel operations, anchor handling, and dredging equipment management.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

Technical Competencies

• Offshore and onshore dredging operations management
• Marine positioning, anchor handling, and dredger operations
• Sediment management and dredging methodologies
• Resource planning, scheduling, and operational optimization
• ADNOC marine and dredging standards

Knowledge

• ADNOC HSEMS and Marine Assurance requirements
• Environmental regulations and monitoring (turbidity, disposal, reclamation)
• Surveying, geotechnical, and marine engineering basics
• Incident investigation and operational risk management

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Safety and environmental awareness
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Problem-solving and decision-making under operational pressure
• Performance-driven and results-focused mindset

Authority & Accountability

• Authorized to manage dredging operations and allocate marine resources within approved limits.
• Accountable for safe, compliant, and timely execution of dredging projects.
• Responsible for operational KPIs, production rates, HSE compliance, and resource utilization.

HSE Responsibilities

• Demonstrate visible leadership in HSE and marine safety during all dredging operations.
• Ensure compliance with ADNOC HSEMS and environmental requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement in operational safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.