MSC Cruises invites applications for the Newbuild Program Excellence Director role. Overview MSC Cruise Management seeks a strategic Director to lead its Project Management Office within the New Building department, enhancing governance, operational effectiveness, and delivery excellence across its global New Building portfolio. Impact The Director will build a high‑impact PMO, promote end‑to‑end program governance, continuous improvement, and effective cross‑functional collaboration. They will also serve as Head of Business Improvement Initiatives, ensuring on‑budget, on‑schedule vessel delivery under Ship Building Contracts. Responsibilities

Identify and execute business improvement activities, focusing on quality, cost efficiencies, and operational best practices. Prepare and submit business cases and project execution plans aligned with MSC’s schedule, quality, budget, and risk expectations. Standardize and implement project management processes across all Newbuild programs, contributing to enterprise‑wide transformation efforts. Provide strategic oversight across the full lifecycle of newbuild programs, ensuring optimal team composition, resource alignment, milestone definition, and delivery performance. Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing PMO team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and growth. Drive schedule adherence, milestone tracking, and change control processes with stakeholders including Product, Technical teams, shipyards, and external partners. Implement governance standards, ensure consistency throughout vessel development stages, and lead risk management and lessons learned initiatives. Facilitate executive alignment by preparing program alignment briefings and decision support materials for senior leadership. Lead BIM workflow integration, ensuring model compliance and improving design accuracy through advanced 3D and VR technologies. Oversee project management tools and digital systems, training teams on their effective use. Develop a robust Newbuild Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001 standards. Champion continuous process improvement, applying PMI frameworks and performance optimization initiatives. Conduct root‑cause analyses, deploy scalable solutions, track success via KPIs, and benchmark against industry standards. Promote innovation, agility, and continuous learning across processes. Lead program governance forums, health assessments, and structured escalation processes for visibility and control. Maintain strong stakeholder engagement across all levels, building trusted relationships. Balance strategic thinking with tactical execution, making sound decisions on cost, value, and long‑term impact. Represent MSC CM Newbuild’s culture of excellence through strong communication and multicultural sensitivity.

Qualifications

Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in project/program management or PMO leadership within cruise, maritime, shipbuilding, engineering, or complex capital project industries. Demonstrated success in leading large‑scale transformation programs and portfolios with quantifiable outcomes. Deep expertise in lifecycle management, process improvement methodologies, quality systems, and risk frameworks. Strong command of project management platforms and tools; ability to oversee their implementation and effective usage. Experience navigating multicultural, matrixed environments and building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Fluency in English required; proficiency in Italian, French, Finnish considered an asset. Master's or bachelor's degree in Process Engineering, Business, or Project Management. MBA and professional certifications (PMP, Prince2, Six Sigma Black Belt) highly desirable.

Essential

Experience with cruise New Build operations. Business Development and Sales knowledge within the industry.

Our Commitment MSC Cruises builds an inclusive environment where diversity, respect, and empowerment are core. We are committed to delivering positive, measurable actions that benefit guests, employees, and the planet. Ready to turn your passion into extraordinary impact? Join MSC Cruises and shape the future of Newbuilding. Apply today. Employment Seniority level: DirectorEmployment type: Full‑timeJob function: Business Development and SalesIndustry: Travel Arrangements Location London, England, United Kingdom #J-18808-Ljbffr