Senior Manager Dry Docks - Technical

Senior Manager, Dry Docks – Technical:

About the Role & Team

Disney Cruise Line is seeking a Senior Manager Dry Docks - Technical to lead the planning and execution of out-of-service periods for its fleet. This role focuses on all technical aspects during dry and wet docking, ensuring the vessels are maintained to the highest standards.

You will be part of the Disney Cruise Line management team and will have the chance to collaborate with teams across the globe to bring innovation, precision, and leadership to every dry dock project.

This role is based in our London Hammersmith office, 4 days a week, with 1 day a week working from home. It requires approx. 3 months of global travel per year – incl. full presence during dry dock periods.

What You’ll Do

• Manage and inspire the Dry Dock Technical Team, fostering collaboration and high performance.

• Oversee the technical planning and execution of dry and wet docking for Disney Cruise Line® vessels.

• Lead the development of detailed technical specifications for dry and wet dock projects, ensuring every aspect of the approved scope is thoughtfully planned and aligned with operational goals.

• Develop and manage shipyard specifications in partnership with Project Managers, ensuring all requirements are met and budgets are aligned.

• Provide regular updates to the UK Managing Director, highlighting progress, challenges, and solutions.

• Act as the key liaison with Flag Administration, USCG, Classification Societies, and shipyards.

• Collaborate with Marine and Technical Operations (MTO) to meet departmental needs during out-of-service periods.

• Review and close out Certificates of Compliance (CoCs), Corrective Actions (CAs), and other actionable items.

• Coordinate with external stakeholders including logistics partners, naval architects, and designers to ensure project support and cost tracking.

• Partner with shipboard leadership to ensure timely and effective docking plans.

• Support vendor selection and bidding processes, ensuring documentation and best practices are upheld.

• Conduct onboard surveys throughout the year to prepare for major projects and dry dock works.

• Work closely with the Senior Manager Dry Dock – Interiors to align vendor meetings and project schedules.

• Align dry dock accounting processes with DCL Finance and approve purchase orders within financial limits.

• Lead the standardisation of dry dock procedures and technical specifications across departments.

• Contribute to global strategic dry dock selection in collaboration with itinerary planning and revenue teams.

• Provide guidance on environmental technologies and trends to support sustainability goals.

• Monitor legislative changes to ensure future compliance and readiness.

• Streamline bidding processes with Strategic Sourcing, prioritising time-critical items.

• Uphold general safety management responsibilities and documentation within areas of control.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience in maritime operations, also having held an equivalent position in another organization dry docking cruise vessels.

• Leadership experience guiding technical teams and cross-functional specialists.

• Confidence in managing complex projects, resolving challenges, and communicating across diverse teams.

• Experienced with influencing in a multinational matrix organization.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

• A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and safety.

• Ability to travel and work in shipyards, vendor sites, and onboard vessels as needed.

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave

• Private medical insurance & dental care

• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free

• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing

• Excellent parental and guardian leave

• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

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.