Contract Manager, Cruise

Wärtsilä•Houston, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Wärtsilä is seeking a Contract Manager to oversee the end-to-end delivery of long-term maintenance agreements covering engines and associated auxiliary systems for a strategic cruise customer. The role focuses on customer satisfaction, financial performance, and long-term contract continuity, including renewals. The Contract Manager works closely with Agreement Management and Delivery to foster a proactive, transparent customer partnership, maximize agreement value, and balance customer success, operational performance, and margin protection. The position reports to the GM, Agreement Management. The position is permanent and follows a hybrid working model, with a preferred location in the United States. Approximately 10% travel is required to meet customers around the world, though most meetings are held virtually.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in the marine, cruise, or a similar industry.
Good understanding of operations and maintenance of complex machinery, such as marine engines or similar assets.
Strong financial and commercial awareness, with experience managing contract performance.
Structured and proactive approach, with strong planning and prioritization skills.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to collaborate across teams and cultures.
Customer-focused and solution-oriented mindset.
Ability to identify risks and drive corrective actions in a timely and constructive manner.
Readiness to travel approximately 10% to meet customers around the world.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Experience managing long-term service or maintenance agreements is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute assigned agreements in accordance with contractual commitments, Wärtsilä processes, and sound management practices, ensuring safe and cost-effective delivery.
Serve as the primary customer contact, maintain proactive communication, and ensure timely resolution of operational and commercial topics.
Lead cross-functional collaboration with technical, operational, and financial stakeholders to deliver contract scope effectively.
Drive actions that improve customer satisfaction and contract profitability.
Plan, forecast, and monitor financial KPIs, including sales, margin, and cost development, for assigned agreements.
Set annual targets for each contract and track performance against them.
Identify and assess contract execution risks and proactively implement mitigation plans.
Escalate risks and issues as needed, with clear summaries and recommended actions.
Ensure quality and consistency across contract execution and deliverables.
Support sales and tendering by contributing contract expertise, cost input, and risk identification at key review stages.
Monitor and support customer compliance with contractual requirements, including operational and maintenance practices and fluid quality where applicable.
Identify opportunities for upselling, contract extensions, and lifecycle value enhancement.
Manage contract mobilization and demobilization activities.
Contribute to continuous improvement by implementing new tools, processes, and ways of working.