Operations Manager - USV

Job Description

Operations Manager – Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV)

Fugro is seeking an Operations Manager to lead survey operations across our rapidly expanding fleet of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) in Europe. This pivotal role focuses on building and managing an operational framework that enables safe and efficient remote delivery, while driving vessel readiness, crewing, and project mobilisation. With a strong foundation in subsea operations or survey methodologies, the role involves overseeing a multidisciplinary team and ensuring seamless execution across offshore wind, oil and gas, and subsea cable markets.

As the USV service line accelerates in scale and innovation, the role demands strategic foresight to support vessel rollouts and technology upgrades. Based in Aberdeen, with travel to project sites and client offices, this is a leadership opportunity at the forefront of marine robotics and remote operations.

Your role and responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage survey operations across Fugro’s expanding fleet of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) in Europe

• Ensure operational success through the implementation of efficient working procedures

• Establish an operational structure that supports safe and effective remote operations

• Oversee recruitment, crewing, vessel and equipment uptime, project mobilisations, and operational logistics

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, mariners, ROV pilots, and surveyors, providing guidance and project management

• Apply strong knowledge of subsea operations or survey-related projects to support delivery excellence

• Manage programmes of work, delegate tasks effectively, and ensure a clear project delivery methodology is in place

• Forward plan for new vessel rollouts and technology upgrades in line with the service line’s growth strategy

• Analyse USV and team performance during mobilisations to track operational success, identify lessons learned, and drive continuous improvement

• Operate across diverse markets including offshore wind, oil and gas, and subsea cables

• Based in Aberdeen, with travel to vessel sites and client offices for project kick-offs and site visits

What you’ll need to thrive in this role:

• Proven experience in one or more of the following roles: Technical Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager, ROV Superintendent, Survey Party Chief, or similar leadership position within the subsea or survey industry.

• Nationally recognised technical or trade qualification and/or vocational certification in electrical, electronics, computing, or mechanical systems.

• Strong understanding of subsea operations, survey methodologies, and remote project delivery.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Willingness to travel across Europe to support vessel operations and client engagements.

About Us

Who we are 
Do you want to join our Geo-data revolution? Fugro’s global reach and unique know-how will put the world at your fingertips. Our love of exploration and technical expertise help us to provide our clients with invaluable insights. We source and make sense of the most relevant Geo-data for their needs, so they can design, build and operate their assets more safely, sustainably and efficiently. But we’re always looking for new talent to take the next step with us. For bright minds who enjoy meaningful work and want to push our pioneering spirit further. For individuals who can take the initiative, but work well within a team.

What we offer

Fugro provides a positive work environment as well as projects that will satisfy the most curious minds. We also offer great opportunities to stretch and develop yourself. By giving you the freedom to grow faster, we think you’ll be able to do what you do best, better. Which should help us to find fresh ways to get to know the earth better. We encourage you to be yourself at Fugro. So bring your energy and enthusiasm, your keen eye and can-do attitude. But bring your questions and opinions too. Because to be the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, we need the strength in depth that comes from a diverse, driven team.

Our view on diversity, equity and inclusion

At Fugro, our people are our superpower. Their variety of viewpoints, experiences, knowledge and talents give us collective strength. Distinctive beliefs and diverse backgrounds are therefore welcome, but discrimination, harassment, inappropriate behaviour and unfair treatment are not. Everybody is to be well-supported and treated fairly. And everyone must be valued and have their voice heard. Crucially, we believe that getting this right brings a sense of belonging, of safety and acceptance, that makes us feel more connected to Fugro’s purpose ‘together we create a safe and liveable world’ – and to each other.

Benefits of joining our team

• Extensive career & training opportunities both nationally and internationally.

• Competitive salary

• Contributory pension scheme

• Private medical insurance

• Health cash plan

• Group life assurance

• Group income protection

• Flexible working hours and the potential to work 2 days a week from home in accordance with your manager and corporate policies.

• Electric car scheme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Discounted gym membership

• Discounts platform

• The Fugro Card (pre-paid virtual visa card, which earns cash back automatically when money is spent at any participating retailers)

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

• Long service awards

• Fugro values awards

• Employee referral bonus scheme

Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated

#LI-MM

Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated**.**