Faststream Recruitment | Partnering with a Global Cruise Leader
This is a senior leadership opportunity combining technical excellence, strategic influence, and global operational impact within one of the most innovative fleets in the industry.
Our client operates a portfolio of premium global cruise brands, known for industry‑leading innovation, guest experience, and commitment to sustainability. With a highly diverse, international workforce and continuous investment in newbuilds, technology and decarbonisation, this organisation offers exceptional long‑term career development.
This role sits within Global Marine Operations, reporting into the SVP, Global Marine Technology, and is based on site in Miami, Florida.
Please note: This position is not eligible for work authorisation sponsorship.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver the long‑term HVAC‑R strategy aligned with corporate objectives for safety, sustainability and guest experience
- Define fleet‑wide HVAC‑R standards, specifications and best practices
- Act as the senior technical authority for HVAC‑R across marine operations
- Oversee performance, maintenance and reliability of HVAC‑R systems across all vessels
- Provide expert support to shipboard engineering teams and shoreside technical managers
- Lead failure investigations, root‑cause analysis and corrective action programmes
- Ensure systems meet public health, air quality, filtration and humidity standards
- Lead HVAC‑R input for newbuild design reviews, specifications and system selection
- Own HVAC‑R scope for dry docks, upgrades and refurbishment projects
- Collaborate with shipyards, designers and OEMs to deliver compliant, resilient systems
- Oversee commissioning, testing and acceptance activities
- Drive energy‑optimisation initiatives in partnership with Newbuild and Decarbonisation teams
- Implement advanced controls, automation and data‑driven performance monitoring
- Support wider environmental and emissions‑reduction programmes
- Ensure compliance with maritime regulations and standards (SOLAS, Class, Flag State, IMO, CDC/VSP where applicable)
- Maintain alignment with company safety and quality management systems
- Support audits, inspections and regulatory reviews
- Manage strategic relationships with OEMs, shipyards and service providers
- Support contract negotiation, service agreements and long‑term support strategies alongside Marine Procurement
- Lead and develop a global team of HVAC‑R engineers, specialists and technical managers
- Partner with HR on recruitment and succession planning for shipboard HVAC‑R talent
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement
- Develop and manage HVAC‑R capital and operating budgets
- Oversee spare‑parts strategy and lifecycle cost management
- Lead major HVAC‑R capital projects, including multi‑million‑dollar CAPEX programmes
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s preferred)
- Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent advantageous
- 10+ years’ progressive HVAC‑R engineering experience, ideally within marine, cruise, offshore or large hospitality environments
- 5–7 years in a senior leadership or director‑level role
- Strong expertise in large‑scale HVAC‑R systems: chillers, AHUs, ducting, automation and controls
- Proven involvement in newbuilds, dry docks or major retrofit projects
- Experience managing large budgets and cross‑functional technical teams
- Marine HVAC‑R design, operation and troubleshooting
- Chilled water systems and energy management
- Automation, controls and performance monitoring
- Indoor air quality and public health standards
- Regulatory compliance and class requirements
- Lifecycle cost analysis and asset management
- Strategic, commercially minded leader
- Decisive with strong problem‑solving capability
- Excellent communicator across technical and non‑technical stakeholders
- Comfortable operating in a global, multi‑cultural environment
- Willing to travel internationally and visit vessels as required
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Office‑based with frequent international travel
- Shipboard visits, dry dock attendance and shipyard oversight required
- Availability to support operations during critical incidents