Thomas - Marine Operations Manager Germany
I have seagoing experience starting in 1984 as apprentice, studied Marine Engineering in 1988 followed by a Master Mariner diploma.
Location - LR EMEA Hamburg
Date joined - LR November 1998
What did you do before you joined LR?
I have seagoing experience starting in 1984 as apprentice, studied Marine Engineering in 1988 followed by a Master Mariner diploma. I served on board of various ship types (Reefer Vessels, Container Ships, General Cargo Vessels and Product Tankers) in both Deck and Machinery departments accordingly.
How has your career developed since you’ve been at LR?
I started as a Basic Grade Surveyor in 1998 in Bremen as an existing ship surveyor and was promoted to Senior Surveyor 4 years later. In 2007, I was again promoted to the Senior Surveyor in Charge for the LR EMEA Bremerhaven office. I had also been trained to work as Lead Assessor for ISM and ISO during this time. Since 2009 I have been Marine Operations Manager Germany, based in Hamburg, and responsible for Marine Field and Design Support Operations.
How has LR supported you?
LR has supported my development by various training; technical and managerial, but also by giving me the opportunity to learn on the job. I have had the chance to carry out many challenging and interesting tasks which have helped me to broaden my knowledge and perspective. In addition, my line-management has always been supportive in coaching and mentoring my performance
What are the main reasons you’ve stayed at LR for so long?
The main reasons to stay at LR for so long is the diversity of jobs, the different people inside and outside the company you deal with and the opportunity for life time learning as this is the major role of our job as a surveyor or manager. You have to like it as no day is like the other, i.e. it is not a 9 to 5 job.
What do you see as your next role or career opportunity at LR?
I hope to follow the managerial path further on including all opportunities within our career framework as I like to work for and with people.