Dry Dock Manager of Technical

About the Role & Team 

In this newly created role, you’ll manage the approved dry dock scope of work for Disney Cruise Line’s fleet’s technical work being undertaken during the dry-docking period. You’ll spend a significant amount of time (ca. 30%) on planning and executing technical Dry Dock work.

You are responsible for writing the full, detailed scope of work on designated approved scope of work for Technical during the dry dock as well as collating all yard requirements from each department. Additionally, you’ll provide specifications to sub-contracting companies for contract bidding quotations.  

In this role, you will manage and guide a small inhouse team as well as leading dry dock consultants and 3rd party vendors (20%) – managing their scope of work, priorities and the quality assurance of their work. You’ll manage labour and material finances to ensure Technical dry dock work meet budget requirements (10%). 

You will be required to interact in a complex, global organisation and will liaise with Shipboard Senior Management for technical support including additional labour, approved scope coordination, and warranty support as required (10%). 

This role is based in Disney Cruise Line’s London Hammersmith office and requires approx. 3 months of global travel per year – incl. fully presence during dry dock periods.  

What You Will Do 

• Plan and execute Technical Dry Dock work 

• Responsible for writing the full yard specification of all services and work to be undertaken during the dry-docking period, collating all yard requirements from other project managers, related to their individual dry dock projects 

• Under the oversight of the Senior Manager, Dry Docks, manages the approved dry dock scope of work for fleet’s technical work being undertaken during the dry-docking period 

• Responsible for writing the full, detailed scope of work on designated approved scope of work for technical during the dry dock. Provide specifications to sub-contracting companies for contract bidding quotations. 

• Provide appropriate documentation, including technical specification for approved scope delivery  (potentially a duplication from above) 

• Produce technical product specifications as required, consult with external bodies for compliance and best practice 

• Provide full breakdown and evaluation of vendor bids quotations to senior leadership 

• Conduct research into new ideas, products and upcoming regulatory changes to see that all technical is future proof 

• Liaise with Operational team, specifically Manager, Technical Operations, for Dry Dock technical work planning 

• Partner with Shipyard, Walt Disney Imagineering teams, contracted vendors, and external regulatory bodies as required for approved scope delivery 

• Responsible for effective communication to shipboard leadership on designated Dry Dock technical projects to be undertaken during the vessels dry-docking period 

• Liaise with ship's leadership for feedback on project delivery and ongoing support requirements  

• Liaise with shipboard senior management for technical support including additional labour, approved scope coordination, and warranty support as required -Duplication 

• Provide Purchasing and Logistics with all necessary information on owner supply equipment and materials  

• Negotiate most advantageous choice of vendor for contract selection with quality and cost prime considerations 

• Manage labour and material finances to see that technical dry dock work meet budget requirements, ensuring individual designated approved scope of work is completed on time and within budget 

• Lead dry dock consultants on scope of work under area of responsibility 

• Verify Vendor Safety/Technical standard is compatible with Disney quality assurance, oversee Vendors work through the whole of the process 

• Oversee and verify all technical safety implications are considered 

• Provide monthly and, ad hoc as requested, reports on designated dry dock and project work Provide Quality Assurance with designated approved scope of work through the design, installation and completion process 

• Accompany sub-contractors onboard whilst undertaking work 

• Ensure that sub-contractors provide all material safety certification, as fitted drawings and manufacturers manuals where appropriate 

• SMS responsibility to uphold the general safety management responsibilities in areas under their control. 

Required Qualifications & Skills  

• Experience in a leadership role within Technical Dry Dock – in this role, you’ll be responsible for Dry Dock Interiors Technical Managers and their day-to-day supervision, providing mentorship and technical guidance, as well as managing workload and assigning projects. 

• Confident in managing Third-party Contractors/Vendors, incl. reviewing their work 

• Relevant tertiary marine engineering or related degree or higher national diploma 

• Significant sea-going Engineering experience, with previous Dry Dock experience is essential 

• Highly experienced in leading all aspects of technical specifications undertaken during a vessels dry dock period 

• You’ll bring extensive project management experience, Office Technical Operations and Ship Management experience 

• Previous financial responsibility for +$5m dry dockings/projects 

• You’ll possess professional training in marine regulations and cruise sector technical operations experience 

• Engineering Officer Certificate of Competence or equivalent 

• Ability to build effective professional relationships and able to quickly establish an internal & external network of marine professionals in a global environment 

• Flexibility to work with ships in different locations and time zones, flexibility to work with shore side teams residing in US and UK offices; incl. extensive travelling (on average 3 months per year) 

• Confident in working with all seniority levels in the business, from a technical to a commercial scope 

• Business fluent in English paired with a confident communication style across different cultures and time zones 

The Perks  

• 25 days annual leave 

• Private medical insurance & dental care 

• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free 

• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing 

• Excellent parental and guardian leave 

• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST. 

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.  

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.