Director, Newbuild Marine & Technical Projects

Job Overview

The Director, Marine & Technical Projects will be responsible for Disney Cruise Line (DCL) ship build scope and holistic oversight of naval architecture and systems engineering design and specifications, strongly focused on developing high performance ships that optimize all operating needs. The role includes participating in the strategic development and implementation of future technologies, alternative fuels, energy and emissions optimization, service flow optimization and operating safely and responsibly to meet existing and future business and regulatory requirements.

The role will focus on through-life ship wide technical development to determine, manage and coordinate the technical operating requirements, ship building quality assurance, and regulatory and safety compliance needs. It is responsible for overseeing the new shipbuilding process on behalf of DCL, throughout the project lifecycle, to ensure the agreed scope is executed to a high standard of excellence, on time and on budget and is responsible for handover into day-to day operation.

It serves as the key contact and decision maker to Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Project Teams for technical marine and engineering, ensuring alignment between WDI Newbuild teams and DCL Marine Technical Operations (MTO), Hotel Operations and Entertainment Operations.

This leadership role is highly collaborative and influential, partnering with WDI & DCL leadership, and cruise industry specialist shipyards, consultants, vendors and suppliers.

This full time, permanent position reports to the VP Newbuild & Dry Docks and will be based in the Disney Cruise Line offices in London, with 4 days per week onsite required.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading the long-term M&T project development, coordinating and communicating DCL requirements regarding marine and technical engineering design principles, criteria and targets for new vessels throughout the project lifecycle, representing DCL Marine & Technical Operations team until operational handover.
• Represents DCL and acts as the key point of contact and decision maker for DCL Marine & Technical (M&T) newbuild programs both internally and externally.
• Responsible for validating and approving M&T ROM’s and AOM’s and serves as a key decision maker for the M&T owner’s furnished equipment (OFE) budget (lump sum). Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies across all projects.
• Closely collaborate with WDI Marine & Technical project team including project managers, consultants, site superintendents, regulatory bodies and shipyard teams during the build.
• In partnership with WDI, ensure project objectives are met and that the approved scope of work, including scope changes, is delivered and is responsible for ensuring that all projects remain within the established financial parameters and deviations are appropriately communicated and approved.
• Responsible for inputting to and overseeing the ship technical design specification and scope including but not limited to Power and Propulsion, Navigation, LSA & safety systems, HVAC, Electrical, Waste Management, Automation.
• Responsible for coordinating and providing timely DCL owner review remarks to WDI Project team for technical drawing approvals, inspections, tests and trials during the engineering, construction and commissioning phases.
• Oversee the generation of the ship specific AMOS Maintenance & Procurement database and uploading of components and part specific data.
• With the newbuild project integration team, collaborate closely with WDI PM’s & DCL VCT & MTO teams to prepare for operational readiness and hand over to the ship’s steering committee for crew and guest service operations.
• Support of the warranty process and completion of delivery protocol items as well as being responsible for leading the development and specification of potential DCL post-delivery owner’s projects, working closely with MTO team regarding implementation.

Required Experience & Skills

• Extensive hands-on marine technical engineering experience, directly leading operational excellence onboard.
• Prior ship operations and shipyard construction experience related to new builds and technical projects, preferred cruise line operator experience.
• Significant experience in the management of complex projects in a fast-paced, multi-site environment, reliant upon successful collaboration and integration of key stakeholders.
• Detailed understanding of the technical and regulatory requirements for ship construction projects, including deep knowledge of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, IMO classification rules and regulations, and other marine safety and quality standards.
• Expert in shipbuilding process of design, specification, supplier selection, budget control and yard construction and commissioning.
• Ability to articulate the needs of the operation to inform and influence key decisions.
• Significant experience in managing engineering development activities, including identifying business opportunities, developing strategic plans, and executing successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills with the ability to define clear vision and motivate others to achieve goals, ability to inspire, drive enthusiasm and teamwork with a commitment to excellence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate ideas persuasively; settle differences and win concession without damaging relationships.
• Demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking, as well as ability to think conceptually and creatively.
• Ability to travel internationally for significant periods of time.
• Ability to work in shipyard construction site conditions.

Required Qualifications

• BSc/BEng Degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
• Experience developing new cruise ship platform design including on site commissioning or as a superintendent for newbuilding or dry docks projects is preferred.

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