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