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

• Develop and implement company operating procedures, maintenance procedures, and contingency plans supporting the Safety Management System.
• Oversee efficient ship operations and cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety.
• Coordinate regulatory surveys and inspections of the ships.
• Provide marine and technical expertise to ensure a highly integrated approach for key projects in partnership with Disney Cruise Line’s senior executive team.
• Implement safety operational procedures, environmental protection, and pollution prevention onboard ships and private destinations.
• Develop and manage operating budgets for Marine, Safety, and Technical Operations (vessel/voyage/general, administrative, capital planning, safety training, and maintenance).
• Address defects reported by ships, ensure corrections are reported to authorities, and complete incident reports with follow-up actions.
• Ensure adequate resources and shore-based support for ships and private destinations.
• Oversee rotation planning for Captains, Deck, Engineering Officers, and Crew Members.
• Manage Officer and Crew certification and required STCW and SOLAS-related training.
• Oversee professional training programs for Captains, Deck, Engineering Officers, and Crew.
• Maintain and improve Company safety standards across the fleet and private destinations.
• Retain authority for final approval of policies governing ship navigation and technical operations in partnership with DPA, HR, and Legal.
• Ensure strict adherence to voyage planning protocols.
• Oversee 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 strong knowledge of guest and crew experience.
• Extensive experience in marine and engineering operations, including deep knowledge of technical and regulatory ship requirements (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 in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
• Executive leadership skills to define vision, build high-performing teams, drive accountability, inspire collaboration, and foster a culture of excellence.
• Proven experience developing and executing enterprise-level strategic plans with strong strategic, conceptual, and creative thinking.
• Advanced financial acumen, including experience with operating budgets, capital planning, long-range planning, and investment decision-making.
• Sound executive judgment with mental agility, flexibility, and enterprise perspective to lead in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to articulate operational needs, influence decisions, and gain alignment without damaging relationships.
• Ability to travel internationally for extended periods.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Marine Operations, Engineering, or Business Management.
• Preferred qualification as Master and/or Chief Engineer’s license.

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 provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.