Director of Technical Operations

Awarded World’s Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three sailing yachts and three all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 342 guests and cruise around the world.

Our Mission: We imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary

Our Vision: Enriching people’s perspective through inspired travel

Our Values: Welcoming, Innovative, Now, Discipline, Serve, Teamwork, Authentic, Responsible

Windstar Cruises is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Technical Operations to lead the technical management of our fleet. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the optimal performance, safety, and regulatory compliance of all vessels, aligning with Windstar’s core values, operational standards, and maritime best practices.

The Director will oversee the aspects of technical operations, including major maintenance projects, dry dock planning and execution, regulatory inspections, and continuous fleet upkeep. This leader will champion a culture of safety, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility, ensuring our ships are maintained to the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability.

Fleet Oversight & Compliance

• Direct all maintenance, repair, dry dock, and upgrade activities across the fleet to ensure safe and efficient vessel operation.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable international maritime regulations including MARPOL, SOLAS, Class, Flag State, and Port State requirements.
• Monitor ship performance, including fuel and lube oil consumption, and coordinate timely remedial actions when performance deviates from expected benchmarks.

Project & Budget Leadership

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of major technical projects.
• Develop annual budgets for repairs, maintenance, dry docks, and wet docks; maintain strict oversight of expenditures and ensure alignment with financial targets.
• Present detailed updates to executive leadership, using project timelines, financial models, and performance dashboards.

Safety, Quality & Risk Management

• Ensure fleet-wide adherence to Windstar’s Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) and standards.
• Participate in incident investigations, support root cause analysis, and lead follow-up on lessons learned.
• Support the company's safety culture by identifying risks and implementing corrective and preventive actions.

Team & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate across internal teams and external contractors to ensure seamless delivery of projects and vessel operations, involving departments such as HR, interior design, hotel, purchasing, logistics, and finance.
• Conduct regular vessel visits to assess condition, performance, and onboard practices, and provide clear reporting and follow-up actions.

Personnel & Performance Management

• Build strong relationships with onboard senior technical staff, providing guidance and leadership in their ongoing development.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of shipboard technical personnel.
• Ensure consistent performance evaluation and development plans are in place for key technical roles onboard.

Reporting & Administration

• Authorize procurement of parts, services, and repairs within approval limits, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Manage all technical aspects of insurance claims and liaise with internal and external stakeholders during the claims process.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in technical operations within the maritime or cruise industry.
• Proven experience managing technical budgets, large-scale vessel projects, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong command of English with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Project, or equivalent project planning tools.
• Sound knowledge of international maritime safety and environmental regulations.

Preferred:

• Experience leading ship handovers (new builds or resale).
• Previous cruise or small-ship fleet management experience.
• Experience working in a global, cross-functional environment.

Personal Attributes:

• Results-driven leader with strong strategic and technical acumen.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Confident communicator with strong presentation abilities.
• Team-oriented and collaborative, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead across multiple departments.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel internationally, including time aboard vessels.
• Active participation in company-wide energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives.

EEO: Windstar is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.