Vice President, Portfolio Executive, Cruise New Build – Walt Disney Imagineering (M/F/D) (Cruise New Build)

Location: Papenburg, Germany

Company

Walt Disney Imagineering develops large-scale destinations, attractions, resorts, and cruise ships by combining storytelling, design, science, and engineering.

What you will do

• Set the portfolio strategy and lead complex Disney Cruise Line projects, including new ship builds.
• Direct projects from ideation and design through construction, commissioning, operational readiness, and close-out.
• Lead shipbuilding contracts, specifications, changes, claims, procurement, logistics, and commercial delivery strategies.
• Oversee vessel systems, marine engineering, technical integration, safety, quality, cost, schedule, and risk management.
• Build partnerships with shipyards, vendors, contractors, governments, agencies, design studios, and operations teams.
• Serve as Managing Director of WDI Germany, overseeing management reporting, financial statements, tax returns, contracts, statutory responsibilities, and site governance.

Requirements

• Senior leadership experience, typically gained over 20 years, in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related technical field.
• Deep expertise in marine environments, including hull design, propulsion, vessel systems, procurement, and technical documentation.
• Strong knowledge of maritime regulation, safety standards, and classification requirements, including IMO, ABS, or DNV standards.
• Experience with shipyard operations, drydocking, and complex mechanical, electrical, and structural challenges.
• Track record delivering high-value programmes in cruise, marine, themed entertainment, or a comparable environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a relevant technical discipline, or equivalent education and at least 15 years of relevant experience.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in an applicable field.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Values include integrity, inclusion, creativity, collaboration, and community.
• Collaborate across European delivery teams, including the WDI London office.