BASEL OFFICE - Director Technical
Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®.
Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.
Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
• As Director Technical you will be part of the Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO) function that provides 24/7 technical support to the entire Viking River Cruises fleet, in close support with the Deck & Engine team onboard the ships. You will be responsible for the entire division of approximately 30 river vessels within Europe, and Egypt and to ensure that all vessels within the division will receive the necessary technical support to ensure a smooth operation allowing the teams onboard to deliver the best possible experience to guests while ensuring that financial budgets are met.
As Director Technical you will oversee a staff of 20+ employees, coordinates with various departments such as the Nautical, Onboard Operations and IT departments, and reports to the Head of Technical & Newbuild. The role is based in Basel, Switzerland and involves intensive travelling to our service-hubs, shipyards, and docking locations across Europe and Egypt.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintenance operations
• Leading the Maintenance and Repair Operations across the assigned river fleet division of 30+ vessels.
• Developing systems and processes for condition-based predictive and preventive maintenance operations.
• Organizing, and flexible execute all maintenance activities during the winter lay-off.
• Managing the maintenance operations within the defined financial budgets (opex and capex).
• Contributing to develop strategic multi-year maintenance plans and investment schedules.
• Leading, or supporting in the implementation of, cross-departmental projects and initiatives to improve the maintenance operation of our fleet.
• Liaising with relevant departments to develop clear maintenance standard procedures and service levels.
• Supporting in the development of training modules for the onboard crew related to maintenance.
Leadership & stakeholder management
• Leading a maintenance team of 20+ technical staff based in our main service hubs and service stations.
• Partnering with purchasing in strengthening and developing the relationship with our vendors.
• Developing strong relationships with the Operations and Newbuild teams to ensure continuous improvement of processes and incorporation of key findings in new projects.
• Reporting and communicating business updates to the corporate team and to the executive leadership focusing on maintenance operations.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Leadership & Functional skills
• Proven ability to lead a large organization across multiple sites.
• Able to support the development of multi-year strategic plans for maintenance & projects.
• Proven track record of implementing new systems & processes, and driving change across organizations.
• Knowledge of maintenance & repair operations in mechanical engineering systems.
Education and professional experience
• Degree in Engineering or extensive experience in this field with a proven track record.
• Experience in either commercial or governmental naval operations, or Hotel Maintenance.
• Minimum of 10-year experience in the field.
• Degree in Naval Engineering (nice to have).
Soft Skills
• Strong focus on guests and exceptional service mindset.
• Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and self-directed.
• Positive and open-minded team player with a collaborative attitude.
• Flexible mindset, with strong social and intercultural competencies.
Other skills & requirements
• Language skills: English and German (oral and written) on business level.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Flexible and able to work extended and/or irregular hours, including weekends.
• Able to travel extensively within the operational areas, including on short notice.
• Proficient in using MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
EDUCATION
• Degree in Engineering or extensive experience in this field with a proven track record.
• Experience in either commercial or governmental naval operations, or Hotel Maintenance.
• Minimum of 10-year experience in the field.
• Degree in Naval Engineering is a plus.
CULTURE & BENEFITS
• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.
For more details about this position, contact Marta Pikusa under +41 61 638 60 11
