The role is based in Basel, Switzerland and involves intensive traveling across Europe to vessels and shipyards.
As Director Technical you will be part of the Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO) function that provides 24/7 technical support to the entire Cruise fleet, in close support with the Deck & Engine team onboard the ships. You will be responsible for the entire division of vessels working closely with the Head of Technical.
Key Responsibilities
Maintenance operations
- Leading the Maintenance and Repair Operations across the assigned river fleet division of 30+ vessels.
- Developing systems and processes for condition-based predictive and preventive maintenance operations.
- Organizing, and flexible execute all maintenance activities during the winter lay-off.
- Managing the maintenance operations within the defined financial budgets (opex and capex).
- Contributing to develop strategic multi-year maintenance plans and investment schedules.
- Leading, or supporting in the implementation of, cross-departmental projects and initiatives to improve the maintenance operation of our fleet.
- Liaising with relevant departments to develop clear maintenance standard procedures and service levels.
- Supporting in the development of training modules for the onboard crew related to maintenance.
- Leading a maintenance team of 20+ technical staff based in our main service hubs and service stations.
- Partnering with purchasing in strengthening and developing the relationship with our vendors.
- Developing strong relationships with the Operations and Newbuild teams to ensure continuous improvement of processes and incorporation of key findings in new projects.
- Reporting and communicating business updates to the corporate team and to the executive leadership focusing on maintenance operations.
Leadership & Functional skills
- Proven ability to lead a large organization across multiple sites.
- Able to support the development of multi-year strategic plans for maintenance & projects.
- Proven track record of implementing new systems & processes, and driving change across organizations.
- Knowledge of maintenance & repair operations in mechanical engineering systems.
- Degree in Engineering or extensive experience in this field with a proven track record.
- Experience in either commercial or governmental naval operations, or Hotel Maintenance.
- Minimum of 10-year experience in the field.
- Degree in Naval Engineering (nice to have).
- Strong focus on guests and exceptional service mindset.
- Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and self-directed.
- Positive and open-minded team player with a collaborative attitude.
- Flexible mindset, with strong social and intercultural competencies.
- Language skills: English and German (oral and written) on business level.
- Professional appearance and demeanor.
- Flexible and able to work extended and/or irregular hours, including weekends.
- Able to travel extensively within the operational areas, including on short notice.
- Proficient in using MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
- Degree in Engineering or extensive experience in this field with a proven track record.
- Experience in either commercial or governmental naval operations, or Hotel Maintenance.
- Minimum of 10-year experience in the field.
- Degree in Naval Engineering is a plus.