Assistant, Program Manager-Special Projects

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POSITION SUMMARY
The  Special Projects Lead supports the Program Manager in the planning, coordination, and execution of  high‑visibility special projects and critical program workstreams within the New Generation and Special Projects portfolio. Building on the Senior Program Associate role, this position is assigned initiatives that require a higher level of technical understanding, coordination complexity, and interaction with senior and executive‑level stakeholders.
The Special Projects Lead works closely with the Program Manager to advance priority initiatives, manage execution details, and ensure clear communication across technical, operational, and leadership teams. The role is relied upon to drive day‑to‑day progress on complex efforts while maintaining strong alignment with overall program direction and leadership guidance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Special Project & Program Execution
• Support the Program Manager in leading  high‑visibility, complex special projects and priority program workstreams from planning through execution and close‑out.
• Manage day‑to‑day coordination of scope, schedule, risks, action items, and deliverables for assigned initiatives.
• Develop and maintain detailed execution plans, schedules, and tracking tools to support timely delivery of program objectives.
Technical & Cross‑Functional Coordination
• Coordinate closely with engineering, technical operations, shipboard teams, shipyards, and vendors to gather inputs, track progress, and manage interfaces.
• Translate technical documentation, shipyard plans, and engineering inputs into clear program updates and execution tracking.
• Identify execution risks, constraints, and dependencies; support development of mitigation strategies in coordination with the Program Manager.
Stakeholder & Leadership Engagement
• Support preparation and delivery of program updates, briefings, and materials for senior leadership and executive forums.
• Serve as a key point of coordination for stakeholders on assigned initiatives, ensuring alignment, follow‑up, and issue visibility.
• Escalate risks, decisions, and trade‑offs to the Program Manager with clear context and recommended paths forward.
Program Management & Controls
• Support cost, schedule, and risk management activities for assigned projects or workstreams.
• Track budget status, forecasts, and change impacts in coordination with Finance and Supply Chain teams.
• Ensure disciplined use of program management tools, templates, and reporting standards.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Support budget tracking, forecasting, and variance analysis for assigned special projects.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Finance on vendor costs, change documentation, and execution impacts.
• Assist in evaluating cost and schedule implications of technical or scope changes.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related technical or analytical discipline.
• 8–12 years of experience supporting or leading complex, technically driven projects or programs in maritime, engineering, construction, industrial, or asset‑intensive environments.
• Experience working on high‑profile initiatives with exposure to senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex execution details while maintaining alignment with program leadership direction.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• Strong program coordination and execution skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex interfaces.
• Solid technical literacy, including the ability to understand engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, and technical documentation (not a design role).
• Advanced proficiency in MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio; AutoCAD familiarity strongly preferred.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills suitable for senior leadership audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with sound judgment in escalating issues appropriately.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
•  Travel up to 40% , including shipyards, dry docks, vessels, and other offsite locations. Domestic and international travel may be required.

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.