Job Vacancy
Subsea Tooling Manager – Aberdeen
Our client is a world leader in the supply of Work Class ROVs, Observation Class ROVs, Trenchers and Submarine Rescue Systems. Design and manufacture of these systems is based at the facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, part of a worldwide company with headquarters in Houston, USA. These products are known worldwide for unrivalled quality and technical excellence, delivering products that perform reliably in hostile environments.
Job Purpose
The Subsea Tooling Manager is globally responsible for the technical and commercial aspects of the client’s range of subsea tooling. The role ensures that tooling products and solutions are engineered, delivered and cost‑managed to meet project requirements safely, efficiently and reliably. The manager acts as the primary interface between engineering, operations, supply chain and commercial teams to drive excellence in subsea tooling performance and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design, development, selection and integration of subsea tooling products including the Moffat product range, subsea pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) launch and recovery systems and subsea connectors.
* Oversee the tooling engineers, providing guidance on standards, best practices and technical risk mitigation.
* Ensure all tooling designs are maintained, certified and compliant with industry regulations and company standards.
* Support project teams with technical reviews, feasibility assessments and troubleshooting during planning and execution.
* Develop and maintain a continuous improvement plan for tooling performance, reliability, customer perception and innovation.
Commercial, Strategic Management & Marketing
* Own the commercial strategy for subsea tooling, including budgeting, pricing models and cost control.
* Work with the necessary teams to ensure the management of vendor relationships, procurement strategies and contract negotiations for tooling equipment and services.
* Support enquiries arriving via the sales team, taking ownership as required.
* Prepare technical and commercial proposals in response to RFQ's from customers.
* Optimise tooling inventory and lifecycle management to maximise returns and reduce costs and lead times.
* Identify market trends, emerging technologies and strategic growth opportunities within the subsea tooling domain.
* Visit customers and attend exhibitions as required.
* Grow client market share and revenue.
* Develop and improve marketing efforts including the website, brochures and datasheets with the support of marketing and commercial teams.
* Deliver two key strategies: tactical – short‑term plan to increase revenues with the existing product range, strategic – 3‑5‑year plan that includes funded NPD and a review of current business models to drive positive margin incremental revenues.
* Market intelligence development to include future trends and competitive analysis.
Project & Operational Support, HSE & Quality Assurance
* Coordinate with internal departments to ensure tooling products are delivered in line with customer expectations.
* Ensure timely resolution of equipment issues to minimise operational impact.
* Champion a strong HSE culture in all tooling activities.
* Ensure that all tooling operations comply with relevant safety standards, legislation and quality systems.
* Conduct technical audits and participate in incident investigations to drive learning and prevention.
Key Competencies
* Technical expertise in ROV systems and subsea tooling.
* Commercial acumen with strong financial and contract management skills.
* Leadership and team development capabilities.
* Strategic planning and operational execution.
* Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Work Environment
* Office based.
* Regular visits to remote teams including the Moffat Team based in Newcastle.
* Visit customers and attend exhibitions both in the UK and overseas.
Education and Qualifications (essential)
* Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Robotics or related discipline.
* Chartered Engineer status (desirable).
Technical Competencies (essential)
* Engineering design for manufacturing.
* Experience of hydraulic and electrical systems.
Key Skills (essential)
* Technical leadership and motivational skills.
* Attention to detail and effective checking regime.
* Good verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and problem solve.
* Ability to liaise with customers and third parties.
* Ability to maintain accurate records.
* Knowledge of ISO 9001 QA systems.
* Flexibility, adaptability and professionalism with the ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team or on individual projects.
Experience (essential)
* Proven experience in a design and build environment specifically related to ROVs and ROV tooling.
* 7+ years of experience in subsea tooling, ROV operations or subsea engineering.
* Proven background in both technical management and commercial oversight.
* Strong understanding of offshore energy industry standards (API, ISO, IMCA etc).
* Experience managing teams, vendors and cross‑functional stakeholders.
* Excellent problem solving, communication and decision‑making skills.
* Defining and implementing strategies over a short, medium and long‑term timeline.
QHSE Competencies
* Maintain behaviour in compliance with Forum HSE requirements.
* Maintain responsibility and accountability through personal commitment and behaviour.
* Report any unsafe or environmentally unsound acts and conditions to the immediate supervisor so remedial action can be taken to manage the risk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr