Grand Bahamas Shipyard, Project Management and Board Support Director

MSC Cruises•Fort Lauderdale, FL

10d

About The Position

In 2025, MSC Cruises acquired a one-third equity stake in Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBSL) alongside Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation. Following a major investment program and the commissioning of new large-scale dry docks by the end of 2026, GBSL is set to become the leading ship repair facility in North America, playing a strategic role in the cruise industry’s future. To support this transformational phase, MSC Cruises is seeking a senior, high-calibre Project Manager with a strong engineering background to act on behalf of MSC Cruises within the Grand Bahama Shipyard governance structure. This role represents a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, strategy, and corporate governance, operating as a trusted advisor and technical sounding board for MSC Cruises’ Board Members on GBSL-related matters. The position offers exceptional exposure to shareholders, senior executives, and external stakeholders, and is ideal for a professional looking to step into a strategic, Board-facing leadership role within a complex international joint venture. The Project Manager will act as MSC Cruises’ reference point for all technical, operational, and strategic matters presented to the GBSL Board and its Committees. The role is not operational in nature, but rather focused on oversight, assessment, coordination, and informed recommendation, ensuring that MSC Cruises’ interests are fully understood, represented, and supported in Board-level discussions and decisions.

Requirements

Degree in Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent engineering discipline.
Strong technical foundation with proven understanding of ships, systems, construction, and ship repair/refit processes.
Direct experience within ship repair yards, refit projects, or shipbuilding environments.
Solid project management capabilities, combining technical rigor with managerial judgment.
Ability to understand and discuss cost structures, investment topics, and financial implications (financial literacy considered a strong plus).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently at senior executive and Board level.
Fluent English: additional languages are considered a plus.
Based in Miami, with availability to travel to the shipyard as required.
The ability to live and work in the US without restrictions
Must be able to travel without restrictions

Nice To Haves

financial literacy
additional languages

Responsibilities

Support MSC Cruises’ Board Members in reviewing, assessing, and preparing for all matters presented to the GBSL Board and Shipyard Committees.
Analyse complex technical, operational, financial, and strategic documentation, highlighting key risks, opportunities, and decision points.
Translate detailed engineering or project topics into clear, concise briefings and recommendations for Board-level decision-making.
Attend Board and Committee meetings alongside MSC Board Members, ensuring proper follow-up, tracking of actions, and implementation oversight.
Provide independent technical and managerial insight on shipyard development, dry dock projects, ship repair capacity, and long-term operational strategy.
Deep dive into specific topics or projects when required, while maintaining a high-level view of overall yard performance and trajectory.
Periodically visit the shipyard to gain first-hand understanding of progress, challenges, and emerging risks, proactively anticipating potential issues.
Act as a key interface with: GBSL executive management, Project management teams representing other shareholders, as well as the MSC Cruises US Government Affairs team.
Facilitate alignment, clarification, and information flow among stakeholders, always under the guidance of MSC Board Members.
Represent MSC Cruises in meetings, workshops, and industry or institutional events as requested.
Liaise with MSC Cruises’ Chief Advisory & Audit Officer and Corporate M&A teams as required.
Support MSC Cruise Management operational departments in relation to shipyard booking policies and strategic planning.