Technical Director

A Technical Director in a maritime manufacturing company provides strategic and operational leadership for all technical aspects of vessel and product engineering, construction, maintenance, and compliance

. This includes overseeing new construction, repairs, conversions, and ensuring all assets operate safely, efficiently, and in full accordance with international maritime regulations. The role also involves driving innovation and long-term technical strategy.

Job summary

The Technical Director provides technical leadership and oversight for all manufacturing, engineering, and fleet management activities. This role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, innovation, and efficiency across all vessels or manufactured products.

Key responsibilities

Strategic and technical leadership

Operations and project management

Manage capital and manufacturing projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery while optimizing resources and mitigating risks.

Oversee procurement activities for technical supplies, spare parts, and services to ensure timely and cost-efficient availability.

Regulatory compliance and quality assurance

Act as a primary liaison with classification societies, regulatory bodies, and external auditors.

Develop, implement, and refine engineering and quality strategies, policies, and procedures to boost efficiency and product quality.

Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify areas for improvement and enforce high safety and quality standards.

Budget and cost control

Prepare and manage the technical budget, including operating expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX).

Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety, compliance, or quality.

Control technical costs and approve major repair expenditures.

People management and collaboration

Lead, mentor, and manage a technical team, including engineers, and support staff.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the team.

Collaborate with other departments, such as Operations, Commercial, and Finance, to ensure seamless operations and alignment with company goals.

Recruit, train, and develop technical staff to ensure the necessary skills are in place to support objectives.

Required qualifications and skills

Education and experience

A bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering or a related field is typically required.

Extensive experience (10+ years) in technical operations, or a relevant manufacturing/engineering field, including significant experience in a senior leadership position.

Technical competencies

Expertise in managing complex technical projects and navigating regulatory environments.

A deep understanding of safety management systems (e.g., ISM) and quality assurance standards.

Soft skills

Proven leadership and team management abilities.

Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, from technical teams to senior leadership.

Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management.

Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to a fast-paced environment.