POSTED: 20 November 2024
STARTING DATE: January 2025 or as soon as possible
FULL-TIME, ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

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 10’s and 100’s 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 KPI’s. 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)
Starting date: January 2025
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.