Director, Newbuild Hotel Projects, Disney Cruise Line

Job Overview

The Director, Hotel Projects is responsible for overseeing Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) ship development scope and operational readiness for new builds & dry docks relating to hotel operations. This includes food & beverage, onboard revenue, guest services and guest and crew experience such as front and back of house functionality & logistics.

This person will maintain a strong focus on quality of experience, efficiency, optimization, and responsible operations to meet existing and future business deadlines and regulatory requirements.

The role will partner with DCL Hotel & HR Operations on newbuild development to determine, manage and coordinate the hotel and crew operating requirements, ship building quality assurance, and regulatory and safety compliance needs. It oversees the hotel-related shipbuilding process from start to finish, ensuring the project meets quality standards, stays on schedule and budget, and transitions smoothly to daily operations.

This leadership position is highly collaborative and influential, partnering with DCL Leadership and cruise industry specialist shipyards, consultants, vendors and suppliers.

It serves as the key contact to Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Project Teams, ensuring alignment between WDI Newbuild teams and DCL Hotel & HR Operations.

This position reports to the VP Newbuild & Dry Docks and will be based in the Disney Cruise Line offices in Hammersmith, London, with 4 days per week in the office and 1 day working from home.

What You Will Do

• Lead project scope and specification development, coordinating and communicating DCL requirements regarding all hotel and crew operating principles, criteria and targets for new vessels throughout the project lifecycle, representing DCL Hotel & HR Operations team until operational handover.

• Act as the primary liaison for hotel and crew operations during newbuild and dry dock projects, representing DCL Operations to both internal teams and external partners. 

• Validate and approve hotel and crew ROM’s and AOM’s and serve as coordinator for the hotel owner’s furnished equipment budget & lump sums.  Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies across all projects.

• Closely collaborate with WDI project team during the build. Regularly visit and inspect the ship during construction, mockups and test and trials. Maintain strong working relations with the shipyard's leadership team and partners.

• In partnership with WDI, ensure project objectives are met and that the approved scope of work, including scope changes, is delivered. Make sure that all projects remain within the established project parameters and changes are appropriately communicated and approved.

• Leverage key data on industry trends, as well as environmental regulations and other data inputs. In partnership with Safety, Security and Environmental Compliance, this role will ensure that all projects comply with relevant regulations from various authorities. 

• Collaborate with DCL stakeholders, partners and consultants to develop content for shipbuilding contracts, appendices and supplier selection. Influence negotiations during the supplier selection.

• Provide regular project updates to DCL Leadership. Oversee the preparation of monthly hotel operations presentations providing updates on project progress inclusive of build deficiencies and scheduling.

• Consistently engage in shipbuilding and guest experience industry research and development to keep abreast of future trends. Attend conferences and supplier trade events.  

• Identify opportunities for business process improvements within new build projects and dry dock initiatives to improve the quality of products and services delivered.

• In addition to newbuilding development, this role will partner with dry dock team for the strategic planning and development of the long-term fleet drydock program, supporting the dry docks team in developing large scale refurbishment and sustainability project proposals.

Experience & Role Requirements

• We are looking for someone with strong experience in hotel operations, having worked for a high performing 5-Star luxury operator.

• Strong preference for someone with experience working in hotels on board a cruise line.

• Cruise ship operations and shipyard construction experience related to new build projects desired.

• Knowledge of hotel maintenance upkeep and the specification of hotel equipment. Deep knowledge of catering design and functionality a strong bonus.

• Ability to travel internationally for significant periods of time.

• Ability to work in shipyard construction site conditions.

Competencies

• Expert in business and operational processes with strong organisational and project management skills and an eye for detail.

• Demonstrated strong leadership skills with the ability to define and execute a clear vision and motivate others to achieve goals.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate ideas persuasively; settle differences and win concessions without damaging relationships.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.