The Vice President, New Build and Dry Docks will be responsible for driving the overall strategy of key projects related to the growth of the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) Fleet. This executive will lead a team responsible for providing the business and operations perspectives on all decisions involving design and construction of all new ship building, dry dock projects, and new construction initiatives. This leader will serve as the key executive leader and key point of contact to Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Project Teams to ensure the successful execution and strategic alignment between DCL Operations, WDI, commercial, other key internal stakeholders, as well as shipyard leaders in order to deliver projects on strategy, on time and on budget. The Vice President, New Build and Dry Docks will lead a cross functional team of line of business and operations experts including hotel operations, entertainment, and marine and technical operations, and project integration who will be responsible for the successful delivery of these key projects related to fleet development working with key partners in human resources, commercial, Public Relations/Public Affairs, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent Disney Cruise Line for all new build and dry dock projects ensuring the needs of the business are aligned with the overall strategic direction of the project.
• Serve as the executive leader and key point of contact for the WDI Project Management team and shipyard leaders to provide consistency and accountability related to all key milestones of the project.
• Collaborate closely with several stakeholders including Walt Disney Imagineering, Operations, and Global Business Development to develop and execute the business strategy, negotiate shipyard agreements, and ensure the Guest and Crew experience is at the center of all decisions.
• Serve as a key decision maker for the ‘owner’s furnished budget (lump sum) and operational readiness of new ships.
• Manage and responsible for the assigned new build project throughout its life cycle and help to define all milestones and critical paths.
• Maintain and encourage open and trusted lines of communication to ensure efficient, complete, and consistent flow of information to create strong internal and external alignment across teams, as well as skillfully balance the needs of all stakeholders and potential competing priorities with collaborative problem resolution that fits within agreed upon schedule and budget parameters.
• Leverage key data on industry trends, as well as environmental regulations and other data inputs, which inform and influence the design and construction of new ships and fleet enhancements; in partnership with Safety, Security and Environmental Compliance, this role will ensure that all projects comply with relevant regulations from various authorities.
• 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.
• Maintain strong working relations with the shipyard's leadership team and partners.
• Lead team and partners with WDI to develop dependency plans across all projects to ensure schedules, resources, risks, and issues are managed appropriately.
• Identify opportunities for business process improvements within new build projects and dry dock initiatives to improve the quality of products and services delivered.
• Prepare and submit for approval the business cases and project execution plans that meet the requirements of the company.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies across all projects.
• Provide pertinent information to assist decision making for DCL management regarding future expansion of the fleet.
• Drive the ‘needs assessments’ for existing ship and private destination enhancements.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years hands-on senior leadership experience directly leading an operation with strong knowledge of the guest and crew experience
• Prior cruise line experience related to new builds and technical projects
• 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, IMO, classification rules and regulations, and other marine standards.
• Strong understanding of shipbuilding design process and construction.
• Ability to articulate the needs of the operation and represent the guest and crew experience to inform and influence key decisions.
• Proven record of savvy business judgment along with the mental agility and flexibility required in a dynamic company.
• Significant experience in managing business 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.
• Strong 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.
• Demonstrated exceptional financial skills, business acumen, and deep knowledge of financial processes
• Ability to travel internationally for significant periods of time

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Marine Operations, Engineering, Business Management, Hospitality or related