Director, Newbuild Marine & Technical Projects

Job ID 10111397 Location London, United Kingdom Business Disney Cruise Line Date posted Jan. 31, 2025

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Job Summary:

Job Overview

The Director, Marine & Technical Projects will be responsible for Disney Cruise Line (DCL) ship scope development relating to marine, deck and technical ship design, engineering systems and specifications with a strong focus on future technologies, alternative fuels, energy and emissions optimization and operating responsibly to meet existing and future business and regulatory requirements.

The role will focus on long term planning and newbuild 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 overseesing the ship building 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.

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

This 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

Minimum of 10 years 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, preferably 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 Degree or equivalent qualification and experience in Marine Technical Engineering with onboard engineering officer experience.
Additional experience assisting on site commissioning or as a superintendent for newbuilding or dry docks projects is preferred.

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About Disney Cruise Line:

A leader in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line provides a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all the magic that Disney has to offer. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska and Europe, among others. Aboard our growing fleet of ships and Disney’s island destinations in The Bahamas, our exceptional crew and cast members provide legendary Disney service and enchanting entertainment to our guests that only Disney can deliver.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Magical Cruise Co., Ltd, which is part of a business we call Disney Cruise Line.

Magical Cruise Co., Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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