Director, Marine Operations

Lindblad Expeditions•Seattle, WA

5d•$165,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Marine Operations leads the safe, compliant, dependable, and efficient operation of Lindblad Expeditions’ fleet through direct oversight of Vessel Captains and leadership of deck department standards and performance. The role translates marine operational strategy into consistent shipboard practices that support exceptional guest experiences, safety and compliance, and responsible exploration. Reporting to the Vice President, Marine Operations, the Director is accountable for marine operational readiness, navigational standards, Captain and Officer performance and development, and assigned budgets. The Director works with the Nautical Superintendent, Technical Operations, Compliance, Expedition Operations, Port Operations, Human Resources, and Training to improve operations, resolve risks, and ensure accountability. The role maintains ownership of marine operational execution, coordinates priorities and deliverables, and escalates significant operational or resource concerns to the Vice President. The position involves extensive domestic and international travel, including vessel visits, inspections, drydocks, and shipyard projects. For positions based in the New York and Seattle offices, the work schedule is hybrid: employees work in the office Tuesday through Thursday and may work remotely Monday and Friday. Candidates must live within reasonable commuting distance of their designated office.

Requirements

Unlimited Master Mariner license or equivalent senior maritime operational experience demonstrating competence to oversee the assigned fleet.
At least 10 years of progressive maritime leadership experience, including service as Master and/or Chief Officer aboard passenger vessels.
At least five years of shoreside marine operations management experience or equivalent senior command experience, with demonstrated leadership of multi-vessel operations.
Working knowledge of applicable U.S. and international passenger-vessel requirements, including SOLAS, MARPOL, the ISM and ISPS Codes, STCW, and the Maritime Labour Convention, as applicable to the fleet.
Demonstrated experience applying safety management systems, navigational standards, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action processes.
Ability to coach vessel leaders, address performance concerns, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment during emergencies and operational disruptions.
Strong written and verbal communication, cross-functional collaboration, budget management, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maritime management systems.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos in English, and communicate effectively in writing and orally with a professional demeanor.
Ability to travel extensively domestically and internationally, including for vessel visits, inspections, drydocks, and shipyard projects.
For New York- or Seattle-based positions, residence within reasonable commuting distance of the designated office.

Nice To Haves

Expedition cruise, polar, and remote-area operating experience, including small boat and Zodiac operations.
Experience with multiple flag administrations and regulatory authorities, including U.S. Coast Guard passenger-vessel oversight.
Experience in vessel acquisitions, newbuilds, drydocks, major modifications, sea trials, or vessel acceptance.
Advanced education or professional development in maritime leadership, safety management, business administration, or emergency management.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise Captains, provide operational guidance, conduct vessel visits, and follow up on performance or readiness concerns.
Establish and maintain consistent bridge and deck practices, including passage planning, navigational watchkeeping, Bridge Resource Management, and operational risk assessment.
Review voyage plans and higher-risk operations, assessing itinerary feasibility, vessel limitations, port requirements, weather, and remote-area support.
Coordinate responses to operational disruptions and readiness deficiencies, and escalate unresolved risks to the Vice President.
Maintain small boat and Zodiac operating standards with Expedition Operations and Training, covering operator competence, passenger transfers, equipment readiness, and operating limits.
Lead Captain and Deck Officer recruitment, selection, retention, development, and succession planning with Human Resources and Training.
Review and approve officer rotations and staffing plans within delegated authority, and coordinate verification of qualifications, credentials, and readiness before assignment.
Conduct Captain appraisals, oversee officer performance reviews, and recommend promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and development plans under Company procedures.
Implement marine operational requirements of the Safety Management System and verify their application through vessel visits, operational reviews, and follow-up.
Work with Compliance to maintain adherence to applicable flag state, coastal state, port state, classification, and Company requirements, including certifications and operational approvals.
Lead or support assigned marine incident and near-miss investigations, implement operational corrective actions, share lessons learned, and verify effectiveness with Compliance.
Identify recurring hazards and performance trends, and maintain assigned operational risk assessments, contingency plans, and emergency procedures.
Serve on the Company’s Emergency Response Team, participate in exercises, and provide operational support during emergencies and disruptions.
Promote timely hazard and near-miss reporting, constructive challenge, and accountability; support the Master’s overriding authority for vessel safety and environmental protection and promptly escalate material concerns.
Own assigned marine operational policies, procedures, and manuals, coordinating revisions, implementation, training, and verification of shipboard adoption.
Identify competency gaps and coordinate practical training, coaching, and leadership development for Captains and Deck Officers with Training and the Nautical Superintendent.
Provide marine operational requirements for drydocks, modifications, acquisitions, newbuilds, sea trials, and vessel acceptance, and work with Technical Operations on readiness and return-to-service planning.
Evaluate technology and process improvements that strengthen navigation, operational reliability, environmental performance, and the guest experience.
Prepare and manage assigned operating budgets, monitor variances, forecast needs, and recommend cost improvements consistent with safety and reliability.
Contribute to capital planning and business cases by defining operational needs, benefits, risks, and resource requirements.
Consult with maritime authorities, classification societies, and industry organizations as delegated, and coordinate with Compliance on regulatory developments, inspections, and inquiries.

Benefits

Travel benefits for employees and their family.
Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests.
Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401(k) plan with employer match.
Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses.
Pre-tax commuter benefit.
7–8 paid holidays.
One floating holiday option.
Up to 15 days of vacation, prorated per anniversary year.
Parental leave.
Sick/personal days per city and state ordinance.
Pet insurance discount.
Hybrid work schedule for New York and Seattle office positions.