At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage drydock projects for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys fleets.
- Company: Join MSC Cruises, a global leader in the cruise industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while sailing into new adventures.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Naval Architecture with experience in ship repair.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Where passion meets opportunity. The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!
Your Purpose
We are excited to be hiring for a Drydock Projects Director to join our growing Drydock & Maintenance team. In this role, you will oversee the successful delivery of drydock operations across the MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys fleets. You will lead the end-to-end management and delivery of assigned vessel drydock projects. This includes ensuring that each project is executed safely, delivered on schedule, managed within budget, and completed to the required quality standards, while fully complying with contractual, regulatory, and organisational requirements. You will also act as the single point of accountability for drydock execution governance, with responsibility for commercial, financial, and contractual control with shipyards.
Your Impact
- Acts as the recognised project lead for assigned vessel drydock operations across the fleet.
- Defines and implements robust project governance and execution strategies, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders involved in drydock activities.
- Accountable for the definition and approval of the consolidated Scope of Work (SOW) for each drydock campaign.
- Ensures integration of technical, operational, and logistics requirements into a coherent execution plan.
- Acts as senior interface with shipyards, managing all commercial and contractual relationships.
- Leads contract negotiations, variations, claims, and change orders with shipyards.
- Holds financial accountability for drydock budget performance and final cost outcomes.
- Ensures approved scope, including authorised changes, is delivered within agreed cost and schedule constraints.
- Oversees change management processes, ensuring structured control of all scope variations and extra works.
- Chairs key execution coordination forums, ensuring alignment between technical, operational, and shipyard stakeholders.
- Leads resolution of escalated conflicts between technical disciplines, operational requirements, and execution priorities.
- Ensures application of structured project controls over cost, schedule, and scope performance.
- Maintains governance discipline across drydock execution, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and external requirements.
- Ensures effective coordination with the Fleet Asset Authority (DPA) regarding vessel deployment constraints and drydock timing alignment.
- Ensures lessons learned, risks, and performance feedback are captured and embedded into future drydock cycles.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with shipyards and key external stakeholders.
- Undertakes additional responsibilities as required, consistent with the complexity of drydock execution activities.
Your Journey so far
- Proven track record in delivering large-scale, complex capital projects, ideally within ship repair and conversions.
- Strong experience leading multi-disciplinary and internationally distributed teams.
- Solid background in project governance, cost control, and execution management in complex industrial environments.
- Experience working across technical, operational, and commercial functions including procurement, engineering, operations, and finance.
- Strong stakeholder management capability, with proven ability to operate at senior executive and shipyard management level.
- Experience in managing contractual frameworks, claims, and commercial negotiations in industrial or marine contexts.
Your Essentials
- Degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related technical discipline.
- Demonstrable experience in ship repair, drydock operations, shipbuilding, or large-scale marine engineering projects.
- Experience in complex multi-stakeholder industrial execution environments.
Our commitment
We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.
Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!
Drydock Projects Director employer: MSC Cruises
At MSC Cruises, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and teamwork within the maritime industry. Our Drydock Projects Director role offers a unique opportunity to lead complex projects in a dynamic environment, supported by a culture that values diversity and fosters professional growth. With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, employees can expect a rewarding career path while contributing to our mission of delivering unforgettable experiences at sea.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Drydock Projects Director
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Drydock Projects Director role you’re after at MSC Cruises.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at MSC Cruises a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at MSC Cruises.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Drydock Projects Director at MSC Cruises, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Drydock Projects Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Drydock Projects Director, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at MSC Cruises a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to MSC Cruises specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at MSC Cruises
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with MSC Cruises, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like MSC Cruises want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
