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The Director, Technical Operations & Underwater Systems will be responsible for leading an international shoreside and shipboard team of technical professionals to ensure a seamless integration between the shipboard, island, and shore-based mechanical technical operations. This role is accountable for all mechanical technical operations, mechanical repairs, and maintenance for Disney Cruise Line’s entire fleet of ships and private island destinations. In addition, this role is responsible for directly managing all marine and technical capital planning budgets and related functions, including all matters related to dry docks. The leader will ensure the execution of all engineering operations is in compliance with all applicable International, Flag State, Port State, classification society requirements, and company policies for all areas in-scope.

This position reports to the Executive Director of Technical Operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for inspiring, leading, coaching and developing talented teams of shipboard and shoreside Engineering Operations leaders and Maintenance Managers at Disney Cruise Line’s private destinations.

• Maintain Disney Cruise Line’s high level Engineering Operations and technical standards and serve as a liaison with the USCG, Lloyd's Register, and United States Public Health (USPH).

• Represent DCL as the designated principal integrator between the company and class society for Engineering & technical related subjects. Integrate with the new build team and other divisions within DCL in the design and execution of our new build program.

• Assure compliance for the technical aspects of applicable Flag State, Port State, International, and Classification Society resolutions & requirements, including Continuous Machinery Survey (CMS) and Continuous Hull Survey (CHS).

• Oversee management of maintenance of ships and private island destinations ensuring proper documentation is up-to-date in company’s approved maintenance system.

• Oversee maintenance for all shipboard technical areas for entertainment / youth activities in all disciplines, including audio, video/projection, show control, automation, lighting, special effects, scenic, props, and puppets. This includes warranty issues, maintenance (preventative and long term), safety, regulatory, pyrotechnics operation, group business support, operational budgets, and equipment/inventory control.

• Provide shore-based assistance for Ship Masters and their Officers to maintain safe ship operations. 

• Responsible for marine and technical aspects of the dry docks program, including dry dock planning, scheduling, selecting the dry dock location, special marine/technical projects, engine overhauls, hotel technical operations budget, logistics regulatory compliance, inspections and capital projects. Work together with the dry dock team, Disney Cruise Line Commercial Strategy, Finance and operational teams.

• Oversee technical drawings and equipment manuals; ensure all are up-to-date and archived in company approved system of record.

• Responsible for corrective measures necessary to redress defects reported by ships and private island destinations and ensure corrections are reported to the appropriate authorities, Continuous Improvement Reports (CIRs) are completed, audits are conducted, and follow-up action is completed.

• Responsible for marine and technical operational safety standards including developing and implementing new processes, operational efficiencies, optimizations, fuel and energy efficiencies as well as introducing new technologies based on environmental strategy and objectives. Updating existing processes for engineering and technical entertainment.

• Partner with ships to comply with Safety Management System for all areas of responsibility.

• Responsible for all Show Quality Standards (SQS) and Continuous Refurbishment Plan (CRP).

• Responsible for the upgrade, implementation, and training of Automated Maintenance and Purchasing System (AMOS) for the Marine & Technical and Entertainment departments.

• Keep abreast of relevant technical expertise and industry trends, identify and formulate new strategic initiatives in response to the new trends. Research technologically advanced equipment such as power plant machinery, bridge equipment, HVAC systems and under keel applications, recommending implementation as appropriate.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in high volume mechanical and technical positions, dry docks, newbuilds, technical operational leadership and/or engineering leadership.

• Deep expertise working within shipboard and shoreside operational environment.

• Demonstrated authentic, inspiring, persuasive and inclusive leader with a track record of coaching, mentoring, training and developing a diverse, highly skilled and collaborative team.

• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale projects, ensuring successful delivery of outcomes that are in line with the company’s guidelines and targets.

• Proven ability to work across teams and navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments throughout the organization, also including third party classification societies, flag administration, Coast Guard authorities, as well as external service providers and contractors.

• Proven ability to build and maintain business relationships with key leaders in technical and cruise industry.

• Highly motivated self-starter with proven track record of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment with limited direction.

• Flexibility and proficiency in ambiguous circumstances and demonstrated success in leading teams through changes in strategic direction and/or priorities.

• Demonstrated critical thinker with the ability to solve complex problems through thoughtful and validated analysis, with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Demonstrated strong verbal, written, presentation and public speaking skills; impactful communicator with an ability to deliver presentations to senior executives with poise and confidence.

• Demonstrated strong negotiation, delegation, and partnering skills.

• Flexible and available 24/7 including weekends and holidays to support the operations as needed

• Proven financial acumen, use of data and analytic driven decisions.

• Willingness and availability to travel, as needed.

• Possesses unquestioned ethics and integrity.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 10 years cruise industry engineering / mechanical technical leadership experience.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Chief Engineer license or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant Engineering discipline or equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Naval Architecture

• Master of Business Administration International Business

• Master of Science in Marine Engineering