Fleet Director - Yachts, Europe

Purpose The Fleet Technical Director is responsible for the overall technical management, operational readiness, and maintenance of the company fleet of river and ocean-going passenger vessels. This leadership role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective technical operations across the fleet, including planned maintenance, drydocks, refits, class and flag compliance, and technical innovation. Social Initiative Promote environmental initiatives and contribute to maintaining focus and direction in line with the efforts of the team towards environmental conservation and social responsibility. Key Responsibilities : Fleet Maintenance and Reliability : Oversee all aspects of technical operations for the fleet, ensuring vessels are maintained to the highest safety, performance, and environmental standards Implement and supervise preventive and corrective planned maintenance schedules for all vessels in Deepblue PMS Drydock Planning and Execution : Lead the planning, budgeting, and execution of all drydock projects, including scope definition, yard selection, tender processes, and contractor management Ensure drydock projects are completed on time, within budget, and to expected quality Technical Compliance and Safety : Ensure all vessels meet class, flag state, port state, and company safety and technical standards in coordination with technical managers. Liaise with classification societies and flag authorities for surveys, audits, and certifications Budget Management and Cost Control : Manage the technical budget for the fleet, including spares, drydock, and capital expenditure Drive cost efficiency without compromising safety or performance Team Leadership and Development : Lead team of superintendents, engineers, and support staff across regions Promote continuous learning and development within the technical team Vendor and Yard Relations : Build strong relationships with shipyards, suppliers, and technical service providers Negotiate service contracts and evaluate vendor performance regularly Innovation and Sustainability : Lead technical initiatives to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and adopt sustainable technologies Stay current on maritime regulations, new technologies, and industry best practices Requirements and Skills Education / Degree Degree in Engineering Chief Engineer license or equivalent sea-going experience preferred Experience Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in technical or fleet management, including oversight of drydocking Language / Level Fluent in English (spoken and written) Fluent in Spanish (spoken and written) Technical Proficiency Strong knowledge of vessel systems, class rules, and international maritime regulations such as ISM, SOLAS, and MARPOL Proven leadership and project management skills across multiple vessel types and regions Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills Experience with both river and ocean vessels is highly preferred