About the Role
The Marine Technical Manager plays a key role in SA to ensure our vessels are operating at optimum levels. Responsible for the two Kangaroo Island Ferries, and the beautiful Murray Princess based in Mannum, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced maintenance professional to join our team. Ideally, this role will be based in Cape Jervis with weekly travel to Mannum.
We will be introducing 2 new ferries for the Kangaroo Island service, and this is an exciting opportunity to be part of the introduction of state-of-the-art RoRo ferries with azimuth drive propulsion.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Marine Technical Manager is responsible for ensuring our infrastructure, vessels, and company assets operate efficiently and safely, with the ability to troubleshoot and manage issues as they arise. This role will ensure all marine compliance is adhered to, diagnosing and rectifying engineering issues, executing preventative maintenance schedules utilising our planned maintenance system, and through internal auditing, monitoring, and implementing various legislative requirements.
We operate seven days a week; therefore, at times, you will be required to solve issues outside of hours and possibly on weekends. This role is critical to our ongoing operation. Flexibility and reliability are essential.
About You
A confident and experienced Technical Manager with experience, you will need sound knowledge of relevant marine legislation and advanced knowledge of marine diesel engines, propulsion, hydraulic, electrical, navigational, and air conditioning systems. A trade qualification in Mechanical or Electrical, together with a nautical engineering qualification, with comprehensive knowledge of marine vessel machinery, especially marine diesel engines, is essential. A restricted electrical license is desirable.
You will need to build relationships with your team and external contractors to implement and drive change management processes. If you are self-motivated, results-driven, organised, and with a continuous improvement-focused attitude, this role could be for you.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage and lead the Maintenance department
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Maintain the Vessel Safety Management Systems (experience with planned maintenance software would be beneficial)
- Finance and business acumen, including budget development and reporting
- Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders positively
- Show initiative, systematic reasoning, results-focused, and self-driven
- Promote a safe working environment and coordination of risk management processes
Other Requirements:
- Current National Police Clearance - Essential
- Working within confined spaces
- Counterbalance Forklift ticket
- Senior First Aid/Advanced Resuscitation
Whilst the above certificates are desirable, they are not essential, with the exception of the National Police Clearance certificate.
Applications will close by 5.00 PM on Friday, 1 August 2025, or earlier if a suitable candidate is sourced. Therefore, please don't delay in applying.
About Us
With around 12,000 employees, the Kelsian Group is one of Australia’s most experienced and diverse multi-modal transport businesses operating around 5000 buses, 120 ferries and 24 light rail vehicles, carrying over 207 million customers per year.
Our purpose is to be a world leader in delivering essential journeys through safe and intelligent transport solutions and creating brilliant customer experiences.
We aim to provide meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities that are free from barriers, support and celebrate the diverse talents of our team members, improve awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion across our organisation, and enable our leaders to champion diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQIA+, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
