Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard)
Senior Director, Electrical, Automation, Safety & Nautical
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Senior Director, Electrical, Automation, Safety & Nautical
Senior Director – Electrical, Automation, Safety & Nautical (EASN)
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Director – Electrical, Automation, Safety & Nautical (EASN) to provide senior technical leadership and act as Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding’s recognised technical authority across electrical, automation, safety, and nautical disciplines, supporting both newbuild programs and the in-service fleet.
About the Role
Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding (CCS) is Carnival Corporation’s internal department overseeing new ship acquisitions and in-service support for all eight brands operating over 90 vessels globally. Our approach is project-based and agile, empowering project teams through collaboration within specialist Chapters—groups of colleagues with similar expertise who focus on:
- Talent development
- Knowledge sharing
- Problem-solving
We foster a culture of diversity, innovation, and fresh perspectives. If you’re passionate about shipbuilding and delivering cutting-edge solutions, we’d love to hear from you.
Role Overview
This high-impact, end-to-end accountable role demands strategic direction, governance, risk management, and technical excellence across:
- Electrical power generation & distribution
- Automation & control systems
- Integrated safety & nautical systems
You will shape vessel designs from concept to commissioning, with potential involvement in supporting our global fleet in-service. Operating within a complex matrix environment, you’ll collaborate with:
- Brands
- Shipyards
- Suppliers
- Consultants
- Regulatory bodies
Responsibilities include:
- Final escalation & decision authority on complex, high-risk technical issues to ensure safe, compliant, optimised outcomes.
- Mentoring and developing technical leaders, while upholding accountability for outcomes and technical integrity.
- Acting as a technical ambassador to strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities
- Provide senior technical leadership and escalation authority for EASN disciplines.
- Oversee technical governance and integrity across supplier selection, system concepts, and design development (both high- and low-level).
- Ensure end-to-end technical oversight from early concept through construction, commissioning, and delivery.
- Represent CCS as the senior technical authority with shipyards, suppliers, consultants, class societies, and regulators.
- Identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks, while driving innovation, standardisation, and continuous improvement.
- Empower technical leaders through mentoring, delegation, and accountability.
- Foster strong relationships across brands and the broader technical community, and position EASN as a thought-leading player.
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Position Requirements
We are looking for a strategic leader with:
- Significant senior technical experience in shipbuilding, marine, offshore, or similarly regulated industries, demonstrating accountability for multi-project outcomes.
- Proven authority as a technical escalation point in resolving complex, high-risk issues and influencing design, specification, and delivery decisions.
- Leadership in technical strategy, roadmaps, and innovation, including contributions to wider organisational technology planning.
- Experience working in matrixed organisations, collaborating across disciplines, brands, suppliers, shipyards, and stakeholders.
- A track record in mentoring for technical capability development, succession planning, and knowledge transfer.
Required Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., naval architecture, mechanical engineering).
- Chartered Engineer status.
- MSc, MEng, or MBA.
- Certified project management accreditation (e.g., Agile, PRINCE2, PMP).
About You
You thrive in a collaborative, high-accountability environment, bringing a blend of qualifications and passion while embracing continuous learning. We seek individuals who are eager to make an impact on shipbuilding innovation.
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Why Join Us?
Position Classification: This role operates at CCS04 level (CTO-level seniority) and is full-time, permanent. Based at Carnival House, Southampton, it requires office attendance three days per week.
Our workplace culture is dynamic, inclusive, and purpose-driven:
- Your work will make a real impact on cruise innovation and asset excellence.
- We’re committed to diversity and belonging, fostering a culture where difference is respected and valued.
Recruitment Journey
For insights, visit our Candidate Journey Map.
Note: Due to role popularity, applications may close earlier than advertised. Prompt submissions are encouraged.
About The Team
Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding (CCS) is driving to become the world-leading centre of excellence in cruise ship new builds, assets, and innovation. Our vision is to be the employer of choice in Shipbuilding by:
- Attracting and retaining top talent.
- Cultivating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and reach their potential.
Our Cultural Essentials guide our global commitments, including:
- Speak Up, Respect and Protect
- Improve, Communicate, Listen & Learn
- Empower
Carnival Corporation & PLC
One of the world’s leading holiday companies, operating global cruise brands including:
- Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn (North America)
- P&O Cruises, Cunard Line (UK & Australia)
- AIDA Cruises (Germany), Costa Cruises (Southern Europe)
In Shipbuilding, we build premium vessels—ensuring unmatched service standards to our guests. We seek passionate, mission-driven professionals who share our obsession with excellence in cruise travel.
Join us and help us deliver unforgettable experiences while advancing our future of maritime innovation. Your success is a shared journey.
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