Sudhir Pillai

Results-driven maritime professional with 33+ years of international experience across Merchant Navy, Offshore Drilling, Marine Recruitment, Ship Chandling, Training Coordination, and Maritime Operations. An Ex-Merchant Navy GMDSS Radio Officer with extensive operational knowledge of merchant vessels, offshore drilling units, marine communication systems, international maritime regulations, and crew management. Currently responsible for business development and customer relationship management within the ship chandling sector, successfully acquiring new clients, managing key customer accounts, and supporting marine supply operations.

A strong communicator with proven expertise in customer engagement, technical presentations, recruitment, maritime training, editorial content development and quality assurance. Seeking to leverage extensive maritime expertise to support business growth, customer engagement and technical solution sales within the maritime technology and simulation industry.

Manager – Ship Chandler - Naik Ship Chandler

(2024-07)

Drive business development initiatives within the merchant shipping and offshore sectors.

• Successfully acquired new shipping customers while managing relationships with approximately five major clients.
• Manage customer accounts generating approximately ₹1 Crore in monthly business.
• Develop long-term relationships with ship owners, procurement managers, Masters, Chief Engineers and vessel operators.
• Prepare commercial quotations, negotiate pricing and coordinate service delivery.
• Identify customer requirements and provide tailored marine supply solutions.
• Coordinate with suppliers, logistics providers and port agents to ensure timely vessel support.
• Focus on customer satisfaction, repeat business and account growth.

Radio Operator / Training Coordinator / Subject Matter Expert - Transocean | Shelf Drilling | Hercules | ADNOC | Greatship

(2009-02 - 2024-07)

Managed marine communications onboard offshore drilling units and coordinated multiple operational functions.

• Coordinated helicopter operations, crew logistics and accommodation for approximately 250 personnel.
• Planned crew scheduling, certification tracking, training compliance and flag-state documentation.
• Served as Subject Matter Expert for IMO, MLC and STCW compliance.
• Developed online maritime training material and supported company-wide branding and training initiatives.
• Coordinated training matrices, competency tracking and regulatory compliance.
• Managed marine licences, documentation and operational reporting.
• Recognized for supporting operational excellence, regulatory compliance and workforce development across multiple international offshore operations.

Assistant Manager – Crewing - Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement

(2006-06 - 2007-12)

• Managed crewing operations for a fleet of 100+ vessels.
• Conducted recruitment, interviews and workforce planning.
• Coordinated with ship owners, managers and unions.
• Managed MIS reporting, performance reviews and departmental operations.

Technical Process Controller - Greencore Group - London, UK

(2003-10 - 2006-05)

• Led production planning and process optimisation.
• Managed quality assurance and manpower planning.
• Coordinated with procurement and sales teams to improve operational efficiency.
• Delivered training and coaching programmes for production staff.

Recruitment Consultant - Osmosis Management Services

(1999-01 - 2003-08)

• Managed end-to-end recruitment for Marine, Oil & Gas, Construction and FMCG sectors.
• Built strong client relationships and provided recruitment solutions.
• Conducted interviews, candidate assessments and salary negotiations.

Merchant Navy Radio Officer - Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. & Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd.

(1992-11 - 1998-12)

• Served onboard tankers and bulk carriers.
• Managed GMDSS communications, navigation support and marine electronics.
• Coordinated port documentation, immigration, customs and crew administration.
• Also performed responsibilities as Purser, Catering Officer and 4th Officer.

Post Graduate Diploma - Shipping Management - London Institute of Shipping & Transport, UK

Diploma - Business Administration (Human Resource) - Central School of Professional Studies, London

Certificate - Marine Radio Officer (COP II) - Ministry of Telecommunications, Government of India