Head of Shipbuilding - Site Team, Papenburg

Where passion meets opportunity

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Your Purpose

The Head of Shipbuilding is responsible for the effective organisation and management of the Site Office at the shipyard, acting on behalf of the New Building department to oversee the full ship construction process across all operational and technical aspects. The role ensures that contractual obligations, company quality standards, and operational requirements, as defined within the ship’s technical specifications, are consistently met by the shipyard and its suppliers. In addition, the Head of Shipbuilding provides operational leadership and is accountable for the day-to-day supervision and management of all personnel deployed on site.

Your Impact

•    Oversees and monitors the entire ship construction process, from steel cut to delivery, ensuring adherence to the shipbuilding contract
•    Carries out periodic technical inspections of vessels under construction to verify compliance with:
     - Safety requirements
     - Insulation standards
     - Class, Flag, and applicable international Regulations
•    Monitors and verifies the quality of materials and workmanship, reporting findings to the relevant technical departments
•    Ensures that complete and updated sets of specifications, standards, drawings, and reference documents are available on site for all projects and visiting personnel
•    Proactively monitors construction progress, identifying risks, delays, or deviations that may affect delivery, and reports them to the head office
•    Prepares and issues regular (monthly) progress and risk reports to the Client’s senior management
•    Arranges meetings with the shipyard upon request of the technical office to address any matters related to the construction process
•    Liaises with Clients technical departments and Shipyard management to define and monitor corrective actions related to identified non-conformities
•    In coordination with the New Building Technical dept. proposes and reviews potential design or functional improvements
•    Highlights opportunities for design, construction, or process improvements for future vessels
•    Supports final inspections, harbour trials, sea trials, delivery procedures, and handover documentation 
•    Ensures constructive and professional relationships with the shipyard, subcontractors, suppliers, and classification societies
•    Organises, manages, and maintains the Site Office, ensuring its efficient operation and full compliance with Health & Safety regulations
•    Assumes ultimate responsibility for Health, Safety, and compliance of all Site Office activities and personnel
•    Maintains full responsibility for the Site Office budget and related expenditures

Your Journey so far

• Naval Architecture or other engineering disciplines with a technical focus applicable to shipbuilding
• Extensive leadership experience in large-scale shipyard construction activities and project management
• Proficiency with the use of Microsoft Office (including Excel, MS Word, MS Project or equivalent and PowerPoint) 
• Solid knowledge of Marine Rules, as well as international standards and regulations
• Strong competence in reviewing newbuilding technical specifications and drawings, ensuring accurate interpretation of engineering documentation to support decision-making and execution 
• Good analytical skills, attention to detail and a proactive ‘can do’ attitude 
• Excellent leadership and people management skills
• Availability to work long hours under pressure, including weekends when required. Frequent travel is expected

Your Essentials

•    Fluency in German and English, knowledge of other languages is a plus; 
•    The existing right to live and work in the EU is required

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!