Lead, Program Management

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Position Summary:

The Lead, Program Management has the primary responsibility of successfully executing upon Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD ship project plans for designated areas, e.g. Suites, Staterooms and Public Spaces. He/ She works in close cooperation with the Project Manager who oversees all areas included in the project for new builds or existing vessel undergoing modernization, revitalization or refurbishment. Projects assigned within New Builds and Fleet Modernization Portfolio may vary in size and complexity.

The Lead, Program Management is responsible for ship project planning, contracting and execution of work in assigned areas within prescribed time frame, budget and scope while meeting all safety standards and brand guidelines and expectations. He/ She works in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders within the project group to ensure successful project delivery in a dynamic, fast paced environment.

The Lead, Program Management is responsible for participating in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance established processes, templates, and methodology in order to drive the delivery of "repeatable" consistent results and flawless project execution.

To support the expansion of our Fleet Modernization Program, the Lead, Program Management plays a vital role in the training and development of talent in the department by actively transferring knowledge and expertise and onboarding new employees. Act as a role model and a Coach and foster ongoing conversations, actively provide feedback, coaching and the support team members need to be successful.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Initial point of contact for contractors appointed to carry out outfit work in designate area. Responsible for building a trusting relationship and maintaining communication and planning, scheduling and tracking execution of work plans in designated project area.
• Work collaboratively with the sourcing team to ensure contractors and suppliers requirements are met and documentation is approved and that all interior outfitting and equipment for designated project area are contracted through Supply Chain. This includes creating PRFs (Purchase Request Forms) for owner supplied materials and securing construction equipment, including but not limited to terminators, tools, gases, fire extinguisher container and straps. Ensure that outfit material and equipment ordered for installation is appropriate, cost effective and meets applicable industry and company standards.
• Work collaboratively with vendor to complete contractor's work plans, work breakdown structures and scope of work, project milestones and schedule - staggered start and stop dates for contractors¿ execution in designated areas. Agree on tracking routines and reporting key performance indicators for project area.
• Work collaboratively with the logistics team to review contractors¿ work plans, track changes, and ensure material and equipment for project areas are delivered ahead of schedule.
• Oversee contractor's work onboard the vessel for designated area during drydock; assess progress, track and monitor contractors¿ work plans and project milestones completion to ensure all planned activities are executed as on time, on budget and per scope for designated area.
• Utilize project management tools and techniques to maintain project scope and manage stakeholders¿ expectations. Communicate project plan status for designated area on a regular basis, including any changes to scope and schedule variances, to project team and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with Project Manager to identify, analyze and respond to project risks for designated project area on a timely manner. Flag potential risk manifestations and ensure they are reflected on project budget, schedule and quality performance indicators for designated areas. Support Project Manager in the preparation of Change Orders for approval.
• Ensure technical and final inspections are scheduled and punch list items and unfinished work list for designated project area are reviewed.
• Close punch list, finalize guarantee claim list and sign-off on work for designated project area.
• Reflect and shares with Project Manager on the practices and processes that went well and where improvement is needed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required. B.S. in Marine Engineering or Naval Architect highly desired and/or architectural degree to ensure competence in multiple types of shipboard project work, including all technical installations and interior outfitting.
• At least five (5) years of experience in managing and delivering technical projects required. Experience in shipbuilding or ship revitalization is highly desired.
• Must have experience in managing end-to-end project delivery, from contracting, planning and overseeing the execution of planned activities per defined scope, budget, timeline and quality standards.
• Must have experience in project risk management: able to identify, analyze and respond to project risks on a timely manner.
• Must be familiar with design and construction execution processes. Able to understand and interpret architectural drawings, floor plans, sections, elevations, and details.
• Must be familiar with sourcing, procurement and logistics procedures of a large and/or global organization.
• Must have working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Suite, MS Project or related project management software and AutoCAD. Internet and e-mail literate with ability to send, receive and attach files as required.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Organized - establishes priorities and work plans that address the details and timelines for scheduled project milestones. Track progress and ensure projects are completed according to plan and reevaluate if necessary.
• Collaborative - create and build trusted relationships with multi-cultural and cross-functional project team members: architects, procurement, logistics, shipyard, operations and third-party vendors. Share information, knowledge and expertise to achieve the department/projects goals.
• Communicate effectively - solid written and verbal communication skills, must communicate with team members from a broad spectrum of disciplines, cultures, and education and organizational levels. Actively listen to team members and value input. Maintain communication with relevant stakeholders across department and levels. Follow-up with appropriate parties on pending commitments until resolved and keep others appropriately informed.
• Develop effective teams - support employee development sharing knowledge and expertise. Foster ongoing conversations, actively provide feedback, coaching and support team members need to be successful. Facilitate communication and collaboration across teams. Able to train others.
• Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset - continuously pursues better ways of doing things. Generate and support new ideas and fresh perspectives. Learn from form past experiences ¿ both successes and failures and improve best practices and standardized methodologies to be used by team.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.


Up to 35% travel required to support project development, vendor visits to vessels and site teams at locations shortly before and during all projects. Travel may be required for up to 60 consecutive days.


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position is located at the Port of Miami.

Key Relationships

Project Manager, architects, procurement, logistics, shipyard, operations and third-party vendors.

We know there's a lot to consider. As you go through the application process, our recruiters will be glad to provide guidance, and more relevant details to answer any additional questions. Thank you again for your interest in Royal Caribbean Group. We'll hope to see you onboard soon!

It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment and promotion opportunity to qualified candidates without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Royal Caribbean Group and each of its subsidiaries prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.