We are seeking an experienced and strategic VP, Newbuild and Marine Operations to join Aman at Sea's executive team. Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer, this individual will lead the technical vision, newbuild delivery, and marine operations of Amangati and future vessels, serving as Aman at Sea's principal marine authority and working in close partnership with the Company's vessel management company.
This role has responsibility for Amangati and will expand to encompass future vessels as Aman at Sea's fleet grows, maintaining consistent technical standards, safety culture, and brand positioning across all ships in operation and under construction.
Responsibilities- Serves as the Company's principal point of contact on all newbuild, marine and technical matters.
- Key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to company-wide strategy, budgeting, and risk decisions.
- Sets and carries forward the Company's long-term technical vision, shaping how Amangati and subsequent vessels are designed, built, and operated as the fleet grows.
- Acts as Aman at Sea's principal representative with regulators, shipyards, insurers, classification societies, and industry bodies, building and maintaining the relationships needed to protect the Company's interests and reputation.
- Balances disciplined cost control with the Company's brand standards, guest experience, and luxury positioning, ensuring that every technical and operational decision reflects Aman's standards without compromising commercial discipline.
- Responsible for the direct leadership and supervision of the site office(s)/team(s).
- Project Leadership: Directs the design, engineering, and construction of Amangati and future vessels, working closely with shipyards, naval architects, and classification societies from concept through delivery to ensure each vessel meets Aman at Sea's technical and Aman's brand requirements.
- Budget & Timelines: Owns and manages multimillion-dollar capital budgets and delivery schedules across all new build projects, tracking milestones closely and intervening early to keep projects on time and on budget.
- Innovation & Sustainability: Identifies and introduces new technologies into new build projects including fuel efficiency measures, alternative fuels, digital ship systems, and broader sustainability initiatives to keep the fleet at the forefront of responsible, efficient operation.
- Owner's Representative: Acts as the Company's key liaison with shipyards, naval architects, equipment suppliers, and contractors throughout construction and outfitting, protecting Aman at Sea's interests at every stage of the build.
- Integration: Ensures a smooth handover of each new vessel into operations, including crew familiarization, technical manuals, spare parts provisioning, and warranty management, so that vessels enter service fully ready to deliver on the guest experience.
- Fleet Oversight: Ensures the safe, compliant, and efficient day-to-day operation of Amangati and future vessels across navigation, engineering, technical performance, and environmental compliance.
- Safety & Compliance: Partners with the Ship Manager to maintain alignment with international maritime regulations including ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL, and flag state requirements and with the Company's own safety management systems.
- Crew Management: Partners with the Ship Manager, in collaboration with Human Resources, to oversee marine crew recruitment, standards, training, certifications, and performance across the fleet.
- Operational Excellence: Monitors fuel efficiency, maintenance schedules, dry-docks, class inspections, and overall vessel performance, working proactively to minimize downtime and protect the guest experience.
- Crisis Management: Leads the marine aspects of emergency response, security, and contingency planning, ensuring the Company is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any incident affecting Amangati or future vessels.
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Chief Engineer (Unlimited) or Master Mariner certification is strongly preferred. Equivalent senior seagoing or technical superintendent experience will also be considered.
- 15+ years of progressive experience in the maritime industry, including at least 7 years in senior leadership roles in newbuild, technical, or marine operations.
- A proven track record of leading passenger vessel newbuilds from design through delivery as Owner's Representative or Site Director. Experience with luxury cruise, expedition, or superyacht builds is highly desirable.
- Direct experience working with major European shipyards, naval architects, classification societies (e.g., Lloyd's Register, DNV, RINA, Bureau Veritas), and third-party management companies.
- Demonstrated success owning multimillion-dollar capital budgets and complex project schedules, contracts, and warranty claims.
- Strong knowledge of international maritime regulations and frameworks, including ISM, ISPS, SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC, STCW, USPH, and flag state requirements.
- Broad technical knowledge of shipboard engineering, propulsion, HVAC, electrical, and hotel systems, as well as dry-dock planning and planned maintenance systems (e.g., AMOS).
- Familiarity with emerging marine technologies, including alternative fuels, energy efficiency measures, emissions regulations (EEXI/CII), and digital ship systems.
- Proven leadership skills, strong commercial judgement, and 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 is required.
- Willingness to divide time between Miami and Genoa, with frequent international travel to shipyards, vessels, and ports.
BenefitsJoining Aman at Sea means becoming part of one of the world's most exclusive ultra-luxury brands. We offer competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, along with the chance to play a key role in shaping a new standard in ultra-luxury at sea.
