Technical Planning Manager (for Disney Cruise Line Engineering Department)

The Technical Planning Manager is an engineering position within Disney Cruise Line’s Marine & Technical Operations Department and plays a key role supporting the engineering, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the cruise fleet. Reporting to the Director of Technical Operations, the Technical Planning Manager plays a key role in delivering agreed in-service and dry dock improvement projects aligned to the department’s strategy and objectives. Projects may consist of Marine Engineering, safety, security and environmental performance related work while maintaining technical standards and compliance with technical aspects of applicable Flag State, Port State, international, and classification society requirements.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a technically strong professional with an engineering background (such as marine engineering) to support the delivery of unforgettable guest experiences by helping ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. The position is based in the Disney Cruise Line offices in Hammersmith (London) with a requirement to work on site four days per week and travel to our ship’s location as well as during dry dock phases.

You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day.

What you will do:

• Manage assigned technical projects, including Marine Engineering, safety, security, and environmental performance–related work.
• Maintain Disney Cruise Line technical standards and operational standards for Safety and Engineering.
• Communicate and coordinate regularly with Shipboard Leadership.
• Take responsibility for project management activities, including:
• Developing technical solutions in line with departmental strategy and priorities.
• Coordinating handover to operational colleagues, ship teams, or private island resort teams, including documentation, training, critical spares, and test and trial records.
• Managing assigned technical and engineering scopes in accordance with specifications, industry practice, and regulatory requirements.
• Applying Company sourcing policies for ordering, invoicing, and bidding.
• Oversee regulatory compliance for technical operations across the fleet, with a focus on Marine Engineering.
• Act as a liaison with regulatory bodies, including the US Coast Guard (USCG) and Lloyd’s Register, for areas of responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with technical aspects of Flag State, Port State, international, and classification society requirements.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented for issues within areas of responsibility.
• Manage departmental budgets within areas of responsibility.
• Support the standardisation of shipboard operating procedures for assigned areas.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of long‑term maintenance activities, including dry docking and wet docking.
• Maintain oversight of technical drawings and equipment manuals in the UK office and manage the technical library for third‑party documentation.
• Monitor safety and pollution prevention initiatives related to the technical operation of each ship.
• Follow and implement the Company Safety Management System (SMS) and use and comply with Company Maintenance Systems and procedures, including AMOS.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational support as required.
• Support internal Safety and Environmental meetings and Emergency Operations, as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Significant sea‑going and/or ship management marine engineering experience.
• Relevant tertiary engineering or related degree, higher national diploma, certificate of competence, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cruise Sector experience is beneficial.
• Professional qualifications in relevant marine technology.
• Professional training in marine regulations.

The Perks:

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.