Technical Operations Manager The Technical Operations Manager (TOM) serves as the primary shoreside technical leader and single point of accountability for assigned vessels, ensuring safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operations. The role oversees technical support, maintenance planning, budgeting, dry-dock execution, regulatory compliance, and the resolution of complex technical issues. As leader of the vessel support POD, the TOM provides functional direction to a multidisciplinary team, including technical and operational specialists, to ensure the effective execution of maintenance, repair, and operational priorities. Acting as the key liaison between shipboard and shoreside stakeholders, the TOM drives collaboration, resource alignment, and informed decision-making to maximize vessel performance and operational readiness.
Essential Functions:
Serve as the designated technical operations leader and primary shore-side point of accountability for assigned vessels, directing the resolution of complex technical issues and coordinating cross-functional support from marine operations, asset management, shipboard leadership, and external service providers to maintain safe and reliable vessel operations. Lead the development and execution of long-term technical operations strategies for assigned vessels, including annual operating and capital budget planning, lifecycle maintenance planning, dry dock scope development, and major repair initiatives, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and business objectives. Serve as the single point of contact for all technical matters, ensuring the timely communication and implementation of technical updates, regulatory changes, operational priorities, and strategic initiatives. Direct the planning, coordination, and execution of vessel maintenance, repairs, inspections, surveys, certifications, conversions, modifications, and dry dock activities, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, within budget, and in accordance with company and regulatory standards. Manage technical operating and maintenance budgets for assigned vessels, including forecasting, expenditure control, and approval of requisitions for equipment, spare parts, materials, services, and consumables, ensuring effective stewardship of financial resources and achievement of cost objectives. Ensure the effective implementation and continuous improvement of the Planned Maintenance System (PMS) through collaboration with shipboard and shore-side teams, driving maintenance compliance, asset reliability, and operational readiness across assigned vessels. Maintain accountability for vessel compliance with all applicable Flag State, Port State, U.S. Coast Guard, Classification Society, USPH, and other regulatory requirements. Monitor and drive the timely resolution of Conditions of Class (CoC), statutory deficiencies, audit findings, non-conformities, and corrective actions to ensure continuous compliance and minimize operational risk.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Scope: Responsible for the technical operation, maintenance planning, regulatory compliance, and budget management of assigned vessels. Serves as the primary shoreside technical owner for a portfolio of ships, partnering with shipboard leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure vessel reliability, operational readiness, safety, and cost-effective performance. Oversees the planning and execution of maintenance programs, dry docks, capital projects, and major repairs throughout the vessel lifecycle.
Problem solving: Resolves complex technical, operational, and regulatory issues that may impact vessel safety, reliability, compliance, schedules, or operating costs. Evaluates situations involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and operational risks, exercising independent judgment to develop practical solutions and drive timely resolution. Balances technical requirements, regulatory obligations, business objectives, and budget considerations in decision-making.
Impact: Decisions directly affect vessel availability, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, maintenance costs, guest experience, and overall fleet performance. The role plays a critical part in mitigating operational and compliance risks, optimizing asset reliability, and ensuring the successful execution of maintenance, repair, and dry-dock activities. Effective performance contributes to the safe and uninterrupted operation of assigned vessels and supports broader fleet objectives.
Leadership: Leads a multidisciplinary vessel support POD and provides functional direction to technical and operational specialists supporting assigned vessels. Establishes priorities, aligns resources, and drives collaboration across shipboard and shoreside teams to achieve operational, financial, and compliance goals. Influences decision-making across multiple stakeholder groups, provides input into team member performance evaluations, and promotes a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Essential/Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Transportation, or a related technical discipline.
Strong knowledge of marine engineering systems, vessel maintenance practices, and shipboard operations.
Thorough understanding of international maritime regulations and standards, including Flag State, Port State Control, Classification Society, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code, and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
Demonstrated experience in technical budgeting, cost control, and lifecycle asset management.
Strong project management skills with experience coordinating dry docks, major repairs, conversions, or capital projects.
Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), preferred experience with Infoship or similar vessel maintenance platforms.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
Essential experience required 7+ years of progressive experience in marine engineering, technical operations, vessel management, shipboard engineering, or a related maritime field.
Experience managing vessel maintenance programs, dry-dock planning and execution, repairs, and technical projects.
Experience developing and managing operational and capital budgets.
Experience working with maritime regulatory bodies, classification societies, flag administrations, and external service providers.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders across shipboard and shoreside organizations.
Experience evaluating technical risks, solving complex operational challenges, and driving operational improvements.
Prior shoreside technical management experience within the cruise, maritime, or shipping industry preferred.
Travel: 25-50% with shipboard travel likely
Work Conditions: Work may require employee to work inside and/or outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery. Physical Demands. May need to stand for long periods of time. This position is classified as "in-office." As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Monday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Fridays. Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience. At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival's discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:
Health Benefits:- Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
- Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
- Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage
Financial Benefits:- 401(k) plan that includes a company match
- Employee Stock Purchase plan
- Paid Time OffHolidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee's discretion.
Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year. All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.
Other Benefits
Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement
On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus
