Executive Director, Marine & Safety Operations

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Marine & Technical Operations, this role leads marine, nautical, safety, and fleet training operations across the fleet and private island destinations. The Executive Director drives safe, compliant, and efficient vessel operations; oversees budgets, fuel and port cost performance, maintenance and dry-dock planning; and provides strategic guidance on itineraries, new port development, and operational growth. Leverages exceptional marine and cruise industry knowledge with a strong relational network to deliver world class experiences.

Core Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Lead shoreside and vessel marine operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient execution across the fleet.

• Safety & Compliance: Maintain compliance with IMO, USCG, Flag State, classification, SMS, and environmental regulations.

• Financial & Strategic Oversight: Manage operating and capital budgets, procurement, port costs, fuel performance, and long-range planning.

• Maintenance & Dry Dock: Oversee vessel maintenance, repairs, safety upgrades, and dry-dock planning in partnership with technical teams.

• People & Training: Lead fleet training and support recruitment, development, certification, and performance of officers and crew, while fostering a safety-first culture.

• Stakeholder & Port Relations: Partner with regulators, port authorities, vendors and internal teams on itineraries, port development, and operational readiness.

Responsibilities

• Direct marine, nautical, safety, and fleet training operations for vessels and private island destinations.

• Oversee departmental budgets, capital planning, procurement, and cost optimization, including fuel and port expenses.

• Responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining Safety Management System (SMS) policies and procedures related to marine nautical, safety operations and Deck officers training in SMS.

• Oversee itinerary planning for the fleet, port assessments, and operational readiness for new deployments, dry docks, and new build projects.

• Direct leadership responsibility for Staff Captains on all Disney Cruise Line® vessels for operational related issues.

• Actively involved in managing all aspects related to new builds and marine nautical items, including oversight of critical equipment such as bridge equipment, lifesaving appliances, firefighting appliances, and mustering and evacuation arrangements, as well as the training of deck officers. Partner closely with all stakeholders during new ship construction and operational handover processes to ensure marine operational standards are met at the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

• Maintain marine, safety, environmental, and training standards in line with company policy and regulatory requirements.

• Manage relationships with Flag States, Port States, classification societies, USCG, public health authorities, and industry associations.

• Provide executive-level guidance on operational risks, business challenges, and growth opportunities.

• Support hiring, development, training, and certification programs for deck officers and crew.

NOTE: This role serves on several industry group committees and boards that change based upon industry rotations.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years progressive leadership experience in maritime operations, such as Captain, Staff Captain, Port Captain, or senior marine management.

• Expert knowledge of vessel systems, navigation, and modern maritime operations.

• Knowledge of maritime law, SOLAS, MARPOL, LSA, Flag State, Public Health, Port State Control, Classification Societies and United States Coast Guard requirements.

• Strong crisis management, regulatory, financial, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.

• Strong communication and presentation skills for technical and executive audiences.

• Solid business acumen with proven cost-control and negotiation skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Ability to travel as needed and work extended hours or weekends when needed.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in the Marine discipline or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.

The hiring range for this position in Celebration, FL is $214,600 to $287,700 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.