SVP, Marine and Technical Operations

This role leads the marine, safety operations, and technical departments within Disney Cruise Line, with direct responsibility for shipboard Captains and ensuring compliance with all international and port state regulations. It also drives strategy and operational requirements for fleet growth, including new builds and dry docks.

Responsibilities

• Manages the development and implementation of company operating procedures, maintenance procedures, and contingency plans supporting the Safety Management System.
• Oversees efficient ship operations and cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety.
• Coordinates regulatory surveys and inspections of the ships.
• Provides marine and technical expertise to ensure a highly integrated approach for key projects in partnership with Disney Cruise Line’s senior executive team.
• Implements safety operational procedures and environmental protection measures onboard ships and private destinations.
• Develops and implements operating budgets for Marine, Safety, and Technical Operations (vessel/voyage/general, administrative, capital planning, safety training, and maintenance).
• Ensures correction of defects reported by ships, completes incident reports, and follows up with appropriate authorities.
• Provides adequate resources and shore-based support for ships and private destinations.
• Oversees rotation planning for Captains, Deck, Engineering Officers, and crew members.
• Manages Officer and Crew certification and required STCW and SOLAS-related training.
• Oversees professional training programs for Captains, Deck, Engineering Officers, and crew.
• Maintains and improves company safety standards across the fleet and private destinations.
• Retains final approval authority for policies governing ship navigation and technical operations in partnership with DPA, HR, and Legal.
• Ensures strict adherence to voyage planning protocols.
• Oversees itinerary planning and port development in conjunction with Vice President Commercial Strategy.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on executive leadership experience in enterprise-scale marine, technical, and safety operations, with a strong focus on guest and crew experience.
• Extensive experience in marine and engineering operations, including deep knowledge of SOLAS, IMO, classification rules, and other marine standards.
• Relevant cruise line industry experience, including fleet operations, new builds, dry docks, technical projects, regulatory compliance, and complex project management.
• Executive leadership skills to define vision, build high-performing teams, drive accountability, and foster a culture of excellence.
• Proven experience developing and executing enterprise-level strategic plans with strong conceptual and creative thinking.
• Advanced financial acumen, including experience with operating budgets, capital planning, and investment decision-making.
• Sound executive judgment with flexibility and enterprise perspective to lead in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence decisions, settle differences, and align stakeholders.
• Preferred qualification as Master and/or Chief Engineer.
• Ability to travel internationally for extended periods.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Marine Operations, Engineering, or Business Management.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $345,000 to $421,800 per year. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and may vary based on geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be included, along with medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.