Ship Operations Director

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

The Ship Operations Director is responsible for daily operational effectiveness onboard the vessel by overseeing several departments including the Academy, Information Services, Finance, Supply, Stewards, and Transport & Maintenance. The Ship Operations Director is also involved in broad participation across the organization with tactical planning, annual scheduling, and management of shipboard policies and procedures in alignment with Mercy Ships strategic goals.

What you will contribute

• Lead and manage all operational functions to ensure they are performed according to expectations – with regard to projected output, staffing, and stewardship of resources

• Proactively review operational business systems, procedures, policies, and workflows ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness in accordance with best practices

• Supervise, encourage, and coach direct reports, providing regular feedback and spiritual leadership

• Manage internal communication, flow of news, and information needed by Mercy Ships office locations, ship’s management, and Crew for smooth daily operations

• Provide regular written reports to assist with information flow and organisational planning

• Advise the ship’s Managing Director and Management Team regarding ship’s operational priorities. Monitor results through routine evaluation and use of identified metrics, and implement course-corrections as necessary

• Prepare and maintain annual schedule for the vessel, accounting for programmatic, operational, and maritime activities, including the annual maintenance phase

• Recommend and budget for capital purchases such as vehicles, kitchen & laundry equipment, furniture, etc.

• Organize and host a weekly briefing for all Crew members, briefing on upcoming activities, important notices, and policy and procedure reminders

• Represent Mercy Ships at functions and speaking engagements onboard and ashore to raise awareness of the mission of each vessel

• Host local officials, VIP’s, and any other contacts as required in functions, events, etc.

• Be available to assist others with their responsibilities in their absence as needed – up to and including the Managing Director

For This Role, You Will Need

• Understanding of servant leadership, working collaboratively with integrity, and demonstrating accountability

• Highly effective English communication – written & verbal – and be comfortable addressing individuals and groups

• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program is required

• At least 3-5 years previous relevant management experience – with Mercy Ships or international equivalent

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or equivalent education preferred

• Conversational French fluency preferred

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most.