Job Description
Viking is a destination-focused cruise line founded in 1997, offering voyages on oceans, rivers, and lakes worldwide.
As the Chairman, Torstein Hagen, often says, Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person, catering to travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine.
Viking has received over 250 awards, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans, and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure.
Role: Director Technical
The successful candidate will be part of the Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO) function, providing 24/7 technical support to the entire Viking River Cruises fleet, in close collaboration with the Deck & Engine team onboard the ships.
This role involves overseeing a staff of 20+ employees, coordinating with various departments such as the Nautical, Onboard Operations, and IT departments, and reporting to the Head of Technical & Newbuild.
Key Responsibilities:
* Maintenance operations:
o Leading the Maintenance and Repair Operations across the assigned river fleet division of 30+ vessels.
o Developing systems and processes for condition-based predictive and preventive maintenance operations.
o Organizing and executing all maintenance activities during the winter lay-off.
o Managing the maintenance operations within the defined financial budgets (opex and capex).
o Contributing to develop strategic multi-year maintenance plans and investment schedules.
* Leadership & stakeholder management:
o Leading a maintenance team of 20+ technical staff based in our main service hubs and service stations.
o Partnering with purchasing in strengthening and developing the relationship with our vendors.
o Developing strong relationships with the Operations and Newbuild teams to ensure continuous improvement of processes and incorporation of key findings in new projects.
o Reporting and communicating business updates to the corporate team and to the executive leadership focusing on maintenance operations.
Key Qualifications:
* Leadership & Functional skills:
o Proven ability to lead a large organization across multiple sites.
o Able to support the development of multi-year strategic plans for maintenance & projects.
o Proven track record of implementing new systems & processes, and driving change across organizations.
o Degree in Engineering or extensive experience in this field with a proven track record.
o Experience in either commercial or governmental naval operations, or Hotel Maintenance.
o Minimum of 10-year experience in the field.
o Degree in Naval Engineering (nice to have).
* Soft Skills:
o Strong focus on guests and exceptional service mindset.
o Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and self-directed.
o Positive and open-minded team player with a collaborative attitude.
o Flexible mindset, with strong social and intercultural competencies.
Culture & Benefits:
* Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours.