Vice President 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

The Vice President, Technical Operations will lead the strategic and day-to-day technical operations of the fleet, ensuring all vessels are operated safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with international maritime regulations and environmental standards. This role oversees the technical health and long-term asset management of the fleet, including dry docks, planned maintenance, technical upgrades, and emergency response readiness.

• Ensuring that ship operations are carried out in accordance with environmental policy and Safety Management System requirements.
• Keeping the Chief Operating Officer informed of all relevant safety and/or environmental issues which may arise.
• Responsible for developing and continuously enhancing a long-term strategic framework for the state of good repair and asset management for the Fleet and establishing annual technical operations budgets within that framework.
• Budgetary management of the Technical Operations department shipboard and shore side including monthly forecasting.
• Ensure that adequate resources are available for operations in full compliance with all safety and environmental protection requirements.
• Ensure safe, compliant and cost-effective operation and maintenance of all technical equipment onboard.
• Maintain fleet compliance with actual requirements and standards of Classification Societies, International Regulations and Government Bodies.
• Ensure that all vessels are safely and economically operated and that passenger’s satisfaction is fulfilled with respect to technical services.
• Plan and execute the planned maintenance system in cooperation with ship’s Management and Shoreside Fleet Superintendents.
• Upgrade the vessels’ technical machinery in accordance with company policies. Negotiate with shipyards regarding cost and space for dry dock. Schedule and execute dry dockings in cooperation with Fleet Superintendents. Prepare dry dock specifications and budgets.
• Employ shore side Superintendents and maintain adequately manned Technical Department shore side. Complete annual appraisals of all directly supervised Technical shore side personnel.
• Ensure together with the Crew Manager and the Senior Director, Technical operations that all ships are adequately manned according to company policies.
• Perform the technical management of major shipboard emergencies.
• Liaise with the Hull & Machinery Underwriters for casualty incidents.

• 10 years of leadership experience in maritime technical operations, ideally within the cruise or passenger shipping industry.
• Class 1 Chief Engineer license or equivalent technical maritime qualification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, etc.), Classification Societies, and Flag State requirements.
• Proven experience managing dry dockings, refits, and technical upgrades.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing large, complex operational budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing, cross-functional teams across multiple geographies.
• Crisis management and emergency response experience a plus.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to be available for travel for extended periods of time.

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.