VP, Newbuild and Marine Operations

Aman at Sea•Miami, FL

26d

About The Position

Aman at Sea is seeking an experienced, strategic VP, Newbuild and Marine Operations to join its executive team. Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer, the role leads the technical vision, newbuild delivery, and marine operations of Amangati and future vessels. The VP serves as the company’s principal marine authority and works closely with its vessel management company. The position is responsible for Amangati and will expand to future vessels as the fleet grows, maintaining consistent technical standards, safety culture, and brand positioning across ships in operation and under construction. It provides executive leadership on newbuild, marine, and technical matters; directs site office teams; represents the company with key maritime stakeholders; and balances cost control with Aman’s luxury brand and guest experience standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 15 years of progressive maritime industry experience, including at least 7 years in senior leadership roles in newbuild, technical, or marine operations.
Proven experience leading passenger vessel newbuilds from design through delivery as an Owner’s Representative or Site Director.
Direct experience working with major European shipyards, naval architects, classification societies, and third-party management companies.
Demonstrated success managing multimillion-dollar capital budgets, complex project schedules, contracts, and warranty claims.
Strong knowledge of ISM, ISPS, SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC, STCW, USPH, and flag state requirements.
Broad technical knowledge of shipboard engineering, propulsion, HVAC, electrical and hotel systems, dry-dock planning, and planned maintenance systems such as AMOS.
Familiarity with alternative fuels, energy efficiency measures, EEXI/CII emissions regulations, and digital ship systems.
Proven leadership skills and strong commercial judgment, with the ability to balance cost management with luxury brand and guest experience standards.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to represent the company at an executive level.
Fluency in English.
Willingness to divide time between Miami and Genoa and travel frequently internationally to shipyards, vessels, and ports.

Nice To Haves

Chief Engineer (Unlimited) or Master Mariner certification.
Experience with luxury cruise, expedition, or superyacht builds.

Responsibilities

Serve as the company’s principal point of contact on newbuild, marine, and technical matters and contribute to executive strategy, budgeting, and risk decisions.
Set and carry forward the company’s long-term technical vision for the design, construction, and operation of Amangati and future vessels.
Represent Aman at Sea with regulators, shipyards, insurers, classification societies, and industry bodies.
Lead and supervise site offices and teams.
Direct vessel design, engineering, and construction from concept through delivery, working with shipyards, naval architects, and classification societies.
Own and manage capital budgets and delivery schedules for newbuild projects, tracking milestones and addressing risks to time and budget.
Identify and introduce technologies and initiatives related to fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, digital ship systems, and sustainability.
Act as the company’s owner’s representative and liaison with shipyards, naval architects, equipment suppliers, and contractors throughout construction and outfitting.
Ensure smooth handover of new vessels into operations, including crew familiarization, technical manuals, spare parts provisioning, and warranty management.
Oversee safe, compliant, and efficient vessel operations, including navigation, engineering, technical performance, and environmental compliance.
Partner with the Ship Manager to maintain alignment with international maritime regulations, flag state requirements, and company safety management systems.
Partner with the Ship Manager and Human Resources to oversee marine crew recruitment, standards, training, certifications, and performance.
Monitor fuel efficiency, maintenance schedules, dry-docks, class inspections, and vessel performance to minimize downtime and protect the guest experience.
Lead marine aspects of emergency response, security, and contingency planning.