VP, Technical

VP, Technical

Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world's most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 21 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the "Exhilaration of Discovery".

The Vice President of Technical is responsible for leading engineering and technical operations for Lindblad's fleet of vessels, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and compliance with all regulations. This role focuses on cost-effective management while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and best practices across the fleet.

Essential Duties

Ensure all departmental operations are conducted safely and cost-effectively, continuously monitoring compliance with Class, USCG, Flag, and Port State inspection, survey, and certification standards.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement by systematically sharing lessons learned across the fleet to enhance best practices.

Develop and implement operational strategies that align with company objectives, regularly monitoring, controlling, and reporting on operational, technical, and cost performance metrics.

Manage capital assets effectively by allocating resources, establishing metrics and Key Performance Indicators, and ensuring all maintenance programs and technical objectives are achieved or surpassed.

Oversee all aspects of dry-dockings, refits, conversions, major repairs, and capital expenditures, including project prioritization, technical design, risk assessment, project management, budgeting, cost controls, scheduling, procurement, construction, commissioning, and documentation.

Create and execute detailed operational, shipyard, and capital budgets in alignment with company goals, ensuring strict adherence to budgetary constraints.

Maintain an open and effective partnership with stakeholders across Expedition, Hotel, Compliance & Training, Marine, Human Resources, and Finance to achieve shared outcomes, providing the executive team with precise cost, schedule, and performance reports throughout the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.

Collaborate with Compliance and Training to ensure adherence to all marine safety and environmental policies in accordance with international and federal regulations.

Work with General Counsel to manage casualty claims related to Hull & Machinery, assisting in investigations to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive measures.

Lead the department with a collaborative and inclusive approach, cultivating a culture that attracts, rewards, and develops high-quality professionals, while mentoring Ship Superintendents for increased responsibilities.

Partner with Directors to support ship leadership, including Chief Engineers, fostering regular communication and providing necessary assistance to achieve operational goals.

Define requirements and assess the technical capabilities of future newbuilds and ship acquisitions, focusing on total cost of ownership, guest satisfaction, technical harmonization, and sustainability.

Minimum / Required Qualifications

B.S. degree in marine transportation, marine engineering or equivalent experience

7+ years experience demonstrating successful management of shipyard / dry-dock projects

Comprehensive knowledge of applicable Class, Flag and Port State regulations

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage and motivate teams through clear oral and written communication of strategy and project status to stakeholders

Strong working knowledge of asset management and capital project management

Proficient computer skills in the Windows operating system, including word-processing and spread sheet applications

Strong skills in time management, handling multi tasks, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines

The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Occasional travel as required

The ability to work onsite in our Seattle offices Tue / Wed / Thu every week

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in business, engineering or equivalent discipline

10+ years sailing experience as licensed Master Mariner or Chief Engineer or service ashore in a supervisory position overseeing passenger vessel technical operations

Compensation Statement

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor / prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region / town / cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee / candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.