The VP of Technical leads technical operations for vessel management, ensuring performance, safety, and regulatory compliance while fostering continuous improvement and operational strategies.
WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 21 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Vice President of Technical is responsible for leading engineering and technical operations for Lindblad’s fleet of vessels, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and compliance with all regulations. This role focuses on cost-effective management while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and best practices across the fleet.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Ensure all departmental operations are conducted safely and cost-effectively, continuously monitoring compliance with Class, USCG, Flag, and Port State inspection, survey, and certification standards.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by systematically sharing lessons learned across the fleet to enhance best practices.
- Develop and implement operational strategies that align with company objectives, regularly monitoring, controlling, and reporting on operational, technical, and cost performance metrics.
- Manage capital assets effectively by allocating resources, establishing metrics and Key Performance Indicators, and ensuring all maintenance programs and technical objectives are achieved or surpassed.
- Oversee all aspects of dry-dockings, refits, conversions, major repairs, and capital expenditures, including project prioritization, technical design, risk assessment, project management, budgeting, cost controls, scheduling, procurement, construction, commissioning, and documentation.
- Create and execute detailed operational, shipyard, and capital budgets in alignment with company goals, ensuring strict adherence to budgetary constraints.
- Maintain an open and effective partnership with stakeholders across Expedition, Hotel, Compliance & Training, Marine, Human Resources, and Finance to achieve shared outcomes, providing the executive team with precise cost, schedule, and performance reports throughout the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
- Collaborate with Compliance and Training to ensure adherence to all marine safety and environmental policies in accordance with international and federal regulations.
- Work with General Counsel to manage casualty claims related to Hull & Machinery, assisting in investigations to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive measures.
- Lead the department with a collaborative and inclusive approach, cultivating a culture that attracts, rewards, and develops high-quality professionals, while mentoring Ship Superintendents for increased responsibilities.
- Partner with Directors to support ship leadership, including Chief Engineers, fostering regular communication and providing necessary assistance to achieve operational goals.
- Define requirements and assess the technical capabilities of future newbuilds and ship acquisitions, focusing on total cost of ownership, guest satisfaction, technical harmonization, and sustainability.
MINIMUM / REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. degree in marine transportation, marine engineering or equivalent experience
- 7+ years experience demonstrating successful management of shipyard / dry-dock projects
- Comprehensive knowledge of applicable Class, Flag and Port State regulations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage and motivate teams through clear oral and written communication of strategy and project status to stakeholders
- Strong working knowledge of asset management and capital project management
- Proficient computer skills in the Windows operating system, including word-processing and spread sheet applications
- Strong skills in time management, handling multi tasks, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively n a team environment
- Occasional travel as required
- The ability to work onsite in our Seattle offices Tue/Wed/Thu every week
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree in business, engineering or equivalent discipline
- 10+ years sailing experience as licensed Master Mariner or Chief Engineer or service ashore in a supervisory position overseeing passenger vessel technical operations
OUR BENEFITS
• Travel benefits for employees and their family
• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit
• 7-8 Paid Holidays
• 2-3 Floating Holiday Options (pro-rated per start date)
• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)
• Parental Leave
• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance
• Pet Insurance discount
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.
Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.
Top Skills
Spreadsheet Applications
Windows Operating System
Word-Processing
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