VP New Builds & Dry Docks (Disney Cruise Line)

Overview

VP New Builds & Dry Docks (Disney Cruise Line) is the senior executive accountable for the strategy, financial performance, and delivery of fleet growth and major refurbishment programs, including new ship builds and dry dock initiatives.

The role requires influencing and aligning business, operations, and shipyard partners to deliver guest- and crew-centric ships on time, on budget, and on strategy.

The role collaborates with Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) to ensure strategic alignment across DCL Operations, WDI, commercial teams, and shipyard partners.

This position is based in London Hammersmith, 4 days a week, with one day working from home (Monday or Friday).

Frequent international travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the end-to-end strategy and financial outcomes for new build and dry dock programs, guiding multiple leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Lead the strategy and execution of projects that support growth and long-term competitiveness of the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
• Represent Disney Cruise Line for all new build and dry dock initiatives, ensuring alignment of business needs with project strategy and financial objectives.
• Ensure operations have input and decision-making authority during all project phases.
• Serve as executive lead and primary contact for WDI project teams and shipyard leadership, establishing governance and milestone accountability across the project lifecycle.
• Direct a cross-functional team (hotel operations, entertainment, marine and technical operations, project integration) to deliver fleet development in partnership with HR, Commercial, Public Relations/Public Affairs, and Technology.
• Approve owner’s furnished budgets and ensure projects remain within financial parameters, communicating deviations as needed.
• Manage projects through their life cycles, defining milestones, critical paths, and dependency plans to manage schedules, resources, risks, and issues.
• Maintain open communication to balance stakeholder needs and priorities while meeting schedule and budget targets.
• Leverage industry trends, environmental regulations, and regulatory inputs to inform ship design and construction, collaborating with Safety, Security, and Environmental Compliance.
• Foster strong relationships with shipyard leadership and partners, negotiating shipyard agreements and influencing supplier selection to optimize quality, schedule, and cost.
• Prepare and secure approval for business cases and project execution plans; identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and process improvements across projects.
• Provide strategic recommendations to Disney Cruise Line leadership on fleet expansion, ship enhancements, and destination development.
• Think strategically to envision future fleet possibilities and drive ownership of business outcomes across teams.
• Set clear strategies, expectations, and priorities for the team; ensure actions align with company success goals.
• Inspire trust and provide coaching to develop individuals and teams; promote a respectful, flexible, and engaging work environment that reflects Disney values.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience directing complex operations with a strong focus on Guest and Crew experience; prior senior management experience.
• Experience in cruise line projects related to new builds and technical programs, with exposure to ship operations and shipyard construction.
• Proven ability to manage multi-site, fast-paced projects requiring collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of technical and regulatory requirements for ship construction, including SOLAS, IMO rules, and marine standards.
• Knowledge of shipbuilding design processes, supplier selection, budgeting, and commissioning.
• Ability to articulate operation needs and influence senior decisions related to Guest and Crew experience.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in operating and capital budgets for large marine and technical initiatives.
• Experience in business development or engineering development activities and strategic execution.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to envision future fleet and destination possibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to drive vision, motivate teams, and foster collaboration.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for extended periods and work on shipyard sites.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Marine Operations, Engineering, Business Management, Hospitality, or related field. Master’s preferred.

Benefits & Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical and dental care
• Discounts on Disney products, resort F&B, and ticketing
• Parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups including WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and TRUST
• About Disney / Equal Opportunity

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We strive to be a diverse workforce representative of our audiences and to provide reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and enjoy other benefits of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.

Job Posting Segment: DCL Shoreside | Primary City: London, United Kingdom | Date Posted: 2026-07-15

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