Fleet Compliance Manager - IFL

Sealord is one of the largest seafood companies in the Southern Hemisphere.  And with more than 60 years of fishing experience, farming, processing, and marketing operations, our business consistently delivers quality seafood to our customers around the world.

Established in 1961, Nelson Sealord is half owned by the Māori people of New Zealand, through Moana New Zealand (Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd), and half owned by global seafood company Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd (Nissui).  Sealord is one of the largest quota holders in New Zealand with partners and subsidiaries around the world through Nissui’s global links.  Sealord Group has fishing operations, which include all deep-water fishing activities as well as international and joint venture deep fishing activities, in New Zealand and Australia.

Independent Fishers Limited (IFL), part of the Sealord Group, is seeking an experienced and driven Fleet Compliance Manager to lead the delivery of safe, compliant and environmentally responsible fishing operations in their BATM fleet. This is a key role, reporting into the Head of Operations - IFL, with responsibility for BATM vessel quality & compliance, auditing and certifications for our fleet, and collaboration across industry and regulatory bodies.

The role is based in Lyttelton (Christchurch), and plays a key role in ensuring our fleet compliance meets all internal and external regulations.

What You'll Be Responsible For

1. Lead with safety. Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with Maritime NZ and other regulatory standards.
2. Ensure compliance. Manage Maritime NZ regulations, environmental standards, food safety, and coordinate fleet audit inspections.
3. Keep us moving. Ensure all BATM vessels are manned appropriately as required under Maritime NZ, oversee product compliance checking at discharge of vessels, inspect and ensure safe fishing gear and safety equipment and all Maritime NZ requirements are met, monitored and audited.
4. Auditing. Coordination of all vessel maintenance surveys, manage SLED audits, certification and permit renewals.
5. Represent the organisation. Work closely with industry bodies and regulators to strengthen our reputation as a sustainable fishing leader.

Who You'll Work With

You’ll collaborate with a highly skilled team including our Operations team, Fleet Managers, vessel Skippers and Compliance Manager/H&S (land based).

What You Bring

Independent Fisheries Limited (IFL) is seeking a practical leader who thrives in a dynamic and complex environment. You will have:

1. Proven experience in commercial fishing operations and seagoing experience.
2. Direct experience in the management of Maritime NZ vessel safety systems and maritime compliance.
3. Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
4. A hands-on, self-motivated leadership style and a commitment to continuous improvement.
5. A well-rounded knowledge in compliance and/or auditing (Quality Management Systems).
6. A valid passport, driver’s licence, and ability to meet health and drug testing requirements.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your maritime leadership career, we’re keen to hear from you. A satisfactory pre-employment drug test and a physical medical assessment will be required to be considered for this role. Applicants must have legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand.

Please include a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and what you would bring to the role.

Please apply online at www.sealord.com by 5pm Friday 30 May 2025.