Richard Smith

Business Unit Lead / Group Strategy Manager (P&S, UCO and ETPM) at Pirie and Smith
  • Claim this Profile
Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom, UK

Topline Score

Topline score feature will be out soon.

Bio

Generated by
Topline AI

5.0

/5.0
/ Based on 1 ratings
  • (1)
  • (0)
  • (0)
  • (0)
  • (0)

Filter reviews by:

Gary Thomson

Richard and myself worked together during his Canyon Offshore years, whilst he held the technical and asset manager role. His knowledge and drive to deliver solutions, both on daily and future company aspects were evident throughout the many challenges that we faced, add a few laughs along the way, and the ingredients were in place for an enduring relationship on both a business, and personnel level. Our working relationship spanned many years, the Linkedin 3000 txt limit is just not enough, to capture why Richard, is just one of those people, its worth the time to meet up with.

You need to have a working account to view this content.
Join now
You need to have a working account to view this content.
Join now

Credentials

  • IOSH Managing Safely
    Phoenix HSC (UK) Limited
    Dec, 2020
    - Oct, 2024
  • ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor
    NQA
    Sep, 2020
    - Oct, 2024

Experience

  • Pirie and Smith
    • Business Unit Lead / Group Strategy Manager (P&S, UCO and ETPM)
      • Apr 2019 - Present

      I am the Business Unit lead for Pirie & Smith, part of the Ocean Marine Group with ETPM and Underwater Contracting limited. I've been involved across the group, supporting Marine & ROV projects, developing strategy and implementing process improvements across the group. One of the first tasks was to align the branding and resulted in the creating of the "Ocean Marine Group" as a portfolio brand for the companies. With a focus on Strategy and Business improvement, I have streamlined our processes along with Tasha Brown and implemented a range of digital systems across the group, developing a SharePoint structure and using Power BI, Power Automation and Power Apps to automate a number of business functions. We have secured ISO9001:2015 for P&S and UCO, which was a great achievement, and highlights our commitment to ensuring we maintain a high quality and consistent approach to our business processes. At Pirie & Smith specifically, I have been instrumental in developing digital technology for our Marine Assurance and DP Assurance service lines, including the development of a new Marine Assurance digital reporting system "Attend & Send" launched in Q1 2022. This platform is used by our Surveyors and Nautical Inspectors in the field for real time reporting. I have continued to use my Technical Knowledge and extended services into ROV Consultancy, providing clients with an independent resource to support their operations. I've supported UCO in a number of successful Grant applications, successfully securing funding for a Feasibility study and participation on a number of Global Business Innovation programmes on their behalf. Key Skills: People Management Project Management Digital Adoption Process Automation Process Improvement Business Management ISO Auditing Leadership Change & Resilience ROV Consultancy ROV Operations Technical Management Show less

  • Utility ROV Services Ltd
    • United Kingdom
    • Maritime Transportation
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Commercial Manager
      • Jul 2018 - Mar 2019

      My title changed with the addition of new people into the team and we worked together to develop opportunities in the market and grow prospects & clients across the Renewables and Decommissioning markets. As a small team we wore a number of hats (as is commonly the case) including tasks such as Sales & Business Development, Website development, trademarking, marketing and events planning, and commercial tasks such as contract negotiations, chartering, proposals and pipeline development.I departed in March 2019 and joined what was to become the Ocean marine Group in April after a short bit of garden leave. Show less

    • Business Development Manager
      • Jun 2016 - Jul 2018

      I actually secured the role with Utility ROV through LinkedIn ! (I often see people asking if anyone has secured a job through the platform). I was offered the job before I got back to Aberdeen, and started the Monday after, with a trip to Hamburg.This role was Business Development, for a relatively new entrant into the Renewables market, with a focus on Boulder Clearance. The demand for such services is directly linked to the development and speed of Offshore windfarm projects. Key Skills:Contract negotiationSales and MarketingBrandingNegotiationPipeline developmentVessel Chartering Show less

  • Shipbroker.com
    • Maritime
    • Operations Director
      • Oct 2014 - Apr 2016

      Shipbroker.com was a start up company, backed by investors from Geoships. The idea was to disrupt the market with a transactional platform for the chartering of vessels in Oil and Gas, Renewables and Offshore construction Vessel markets. I was responsible for the development of the Shipbroker.com website and Web application which aimed to offer a full service online ship-broking marketplace, providing all aspects of the ship broking supply chain and contracting process through a convenient but advanced online platform. The Digital disruption offered by the web application incorporated a range of enhanced service offerings for greater convenience including wider vessel choice, increased transparency, faster transaction times and substantially reduced cost compared to traditional shipbrokering. As with many digital ventures, adoption and costing models were difficult and the market conditions overall in the marine industry were problematic, along with push back from the existing Shipbroking community. The concept was arguably ahead of its time and as with others before it, traction couldn't be achieved to satisfy the investors ad the project was closed down. There are a number of similar platforms in operation now - including from leading shipbroking houses. Key Learnings: Digital systems development Process mapping Digital Disruption Web Applications development / Management of Developers Sales & Marketing Trademarking Business Development Show less

  • Western Offshore (UK) Limited
    • General Manager
      • 2013 - Oct 2015

      Western Offshore was a spin out from the remnants of Geoships. The company had a charter on a new build vessel from Singapore, which was on a charter to a Oil & Gas Contractor. Responsible for Operations Management for Europe and West African vessel projects. Management of Ship Operations and Subsea projects from the companies vessels. Chartering and contract negotiations including bid review and approvals. Operational and technical input for ROV system installation and integration. Contract management and scope delivery. Oversee Ship Management activities. Show less

  • SeaHold GEOSHIPS
    • United Kingdom
    • Construction
    • Business Development Manager
      • Feb 2011 - Jun 2013

      I started with Geoships as a contractor, with responsibility for developing Business opportunities. The company was a new start, and had chartered a vessel with the aim of adding services and selling the spread to the market. I was asked to join full time and continued in an Operations capacity. The primary focus is in on the Offshore Renewable Energy market, and providing a complete installation capability from our vessels. Services include WROV, Burial Equipment, Diving, Mass excavation, Survey, Cable lay. We secured a number of projects and successes, including winning a frame agreement with an oil major. A number of projects were completed, but the operating model couldn't support the charter costs. Tasks included negotiation with ROV providers, Frame Agreement / Service agreements, Procedure development and Operations Management. There were a number of ideas developed here for the renewables market, but were too early for adoption and didn't come to fruition. After a strong effort, the company was unfortunately liquidated, but that in itself was a learning opportunity. Key Skills: Operations Management Chartering and Subcontractor management Determination Negotiation Contracts & Charter Parties Disputes Arbitration Company Insolvency Show less

  • ETPM limited
    • United Kingdom
    • Insurance
    • Project Manager
      • Jan 2009 - Feb 2011

      This was my first interaction with ETPM. One of the Nautilus Minerals project team, Jon Thurlow, made an introduction. I joined the team to look at opportunities in the market for Subsea Mining and general ROV projects. Amongst the tasks, I secured a role to support Canyon Offshore on an extensive ROV project in Ghana. The project was the first O&G field development in Ghana. It ended up being a challenging project, with lots of client engagement and dealing with the vessel owner, but we successfully delivered the project. The scope was Offshore field development, including installation of Trees and ROV intervention & tooling operations from a DP2 Vessel. The role continued in Project Management consultancy in the Offshore Oil and Gas Market, during the period I worked for a number of clients and managed Offshore projects. I was placed to support Geoships in developing their business, after which I was asked to go staff. Key Skills: Contract Management Project Management Consultancy Negotiation skills Problem Solving Show less

  • Nautilus Minerals
    • Egypt
    • Mining
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Project Engineer
      • 2009 - 2009

      Nautilus was a chance opportunity. As a family, we had considered moving back to Annan to be closer to our Parents an wider family. I'd been at Canyon for a number of years and was looking for a new Challenge. I had a chat with Ken Adams (Ex Canyon UK MD) and there was a potential contract role on the Build project team on a world first Subsea Mining project. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and joined the team. Thankfully we didn't up sticks and move, as the project was suspended after 6 months due to changes in the commodity price and investments not materialising. This was a really interesting project, learning about the behaviour of rock and minerals under pressure and working with the SMD team to review research and methods of recovery that met with the brief and equipment specification. At one point we travelled across Europe looking at mining machines and manufacturers. My role was the management of Subsea Equipment build associated with Seafloor Minerals recovery equipment - the SMD designed Mining vehicles. My responsibilities were associated to the Capital Build Project Management included FEED study activities and the management of Concept testing / Trials programmes. Key Skills: Subcontractor Management Budget Management R&D Programme monitoring FEED Study Technical Evaluation Show less

  • Canyon Offshore
    • United States
    • Global Asset Manager
      • Apr 2001 - May 2008

      I must have been doing something right, as I was promoted to Asset Manager and then Global Asset Manager to support regional teams in Houston and Singapore as well as managing the ROV and Trenching assets in the UK. Projects here included the upgrade of the T750 Trenching system for a Rock cutting and trenching project in South Africa. Involvement with the ROVdrill system (albeit minimal) and development and management of CAPEX budgets. I worked with the teams to develop Process and procedures for equipment maintenance, including Load Test procedures, Planned Maintenance systems, Audits and work programmes. One of the most memorable times was being in Florida and having to fly to South Africa due to a lost ROV and the replacement not working. I think I was onboard about 30mins and found the issue. The lesson here is a fresh set of eyes can be all that is needed to achieve a different outcome.During this time, I also commenced a BA(Hons) Degree in Management. Key Skills learned here: ROV Technical ManagementR&M BudgetingProject supportFacilities Support & ManagementCapex ManagementAsset Management Show less

    • Technical Manager (Europe / West Africa)
      • 2005 - 2007

      I started in Bridge of Don, essentially a blank canvas and with a small workshop with little to no tools. We had 2 WROV systems to start (XL16 and XL33) and then added ST11 and a Quest system, along with ST200 trenchers installed on a number of vessels. We soon outgrew the facility and moved to Helix House in Dyce, where we added capability and people to manage an increasing number of assets. This was the first stage of Management roles onshore. Key Skills:I learned about Budgets, project planning and processes, managing people, working to schedules and delivering reports and projects. Show less

    • ROV Technician
      • 2001 - 2005

      The first time I had seen or worked on a Trenching system was with Canyon, conducting cable repair in the English Channel – Post Lay Inspection Burial or PLIB with a Perry Slingsby ST200 Series Trencher. This was followed by many ROV and trenching projects, working in West Africa, Norway, UK and the USA. Highlights included:- A Vessel Salvage project in Hawaii, trying to keep a Manta ROV alive before getting my hands on a Schilling Quest vehicle (the first all-electric Work class ROV and the predecessor to the successful UHD range) - Trenching off the costs of Sydney, Australia, - and many years working in the Gulf of Mexico. My Offshore days came to an end when Dave Kelman, the UK Technical Manager asked me to take on the role of Workshop Manager. Little did I know he was setting up to leave, and I’d end up taking on his role shortly afterwards.Key Skills:ROV piloting, Repair & Maintenance, Fibre Optics, Control systems, Hydraulics, Manipulators, Umbilical Termination, Tether Termination and ROV Operations. Show less

  • Subsea Offshore
    • United Kingdom
    • Book and Periodical Publishing
    • ROV Technician
      • Jun 1997 - Apr 2001

      The idea was to work in the TV workshop at Subsea Offshore and is really where I started with the company. After a couple of months of repairing SIT Camera and Video systems, there was a need for someone to go offshore as a ROV pilot. With a survival from “RGIT” , set of rigger boots, coveralls and hard hat I was off West of Shetland on the Construction Support Vessel Northern Explorer as a trainee pilot technician. I quickly learned the ropes and moved up the ranks and vessel types moving onto the Drill Rigs, and then Dive Support Vessels, including the DSV Polaris, Rockwater 1 and 2 in the UK and Asia. I worked as part of a team on Workclass ROVs, Observation ROV and performed inspection, Dive support, ROV intervention and tooling across many assets in the UK, Norway and Asia, not only learning about ROVS but also different ways to use them for tasks required. My Project Manager at the time moved companies, and soon afterwards asked me to go and work for a new upcoming company. Show less

  • Comtec Services
    • United Kingdom
    • Telecommunications
    • TV & Electronics Technician
      • Nov 1995 - Jun 1997

      When I left Annan for the dizzy heights of Aberdeen, I had a college course booked, a thought that I could pick up some work when I got there and very little else. I got a job in the 1st few days of arriving in Aberdeen. Interviewed on the Monday and started work the same day. My journey into Electronic Servicing continued and included Professional AV equipment, Computers, IT and Networks, Telephone systems, both installation, commissioning and servicing, and I did a day at College each week studying Quality Management and Engineering Computer Databases. A work colleagues made an introduction to his brother that worked at Kongsberg, who then did the same for a friend at Subsea Offshore and the next start of my journey was set in motion. Show less

  • Annan Television
    • United States
    • Artists and Writers
    • Apprentice Radio & TV Technician
      • Jul 1992 - Nov 1995

      I first completed work experience at Annan TV. It was a small independent shop in our local town, selling TV and Electricals, providing TV Rental and servicing and Aerial and Satellite installation. It went on to being a Saturday job and then an opportunity for a full time career. Armed with a soldering iron and a will to learn, I was accepted to do an apprenticeship in Radio and TV Servicing. To be honest, I can’t actually remember ever having to repair a radio during that time, but plenty other things. I did fit a lot of Satellite dishes, so my ladder skills are on point. It was the first rung on my career I guess. The role was varied and included Shop work, Electronic servicing, Sales, Stock management, handling money. Customer service was key. Key Skills: I learned People skills, Sales, Manual Labour and working with tools. I learned to drive and how to work as part of a team as well as on my own. Show less

Education

  • Robert Gordon University
    Strategic Digital Marketing, SCQF Level 9
  • Robert Gordon University
    Resilience and Change Management, SCQF Level 11
  • Robert Gordon University
    Strategic Leadership, SCQF Level 11
  • Robert Gordon University
    BA Hons, Management
    2005 - 2008
  • Carlisle College
    City and Guilds 2240, Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Community

You need to have a working account to view this content. Click here to join now