Director, Vessel Operations

Closing Date:             Until Filled

Shift:                           ALL

Security Clearance:  No Clearance

SUMMARY

The Director of Ship Operations has overall responsibility for the administration and operation of Test & Trials, Guaranty, and Waterfront Services. This position requires practical experience with shipboard operations and extensive experience with hull, mechanical, and electrical (HME) shipboard systems. Effective communications with all internal and external stakeholders are required to resolve complex technical issues and successfully commission, tend, and sustain ships and our waterfront for our customers in accordance with program contract requirements and ensures the safe, predictable execution of commissioning and trials events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Answerable to the organization for the achievement of department's overall results, while working under minimal supervision.
• Accountable for meeting programmatic cost and schedule performance expectations in accordance with contract.
• Responsible for the successful completion of sea trials and guaranty.
• Facilitates constructive conversations with peers that lead to a common understanding; uses different conflict resolution styles dependent upon the urgency of the issue and the importance of relationship building.
• Oversees the development, implementation, approval, and usage of department policies, standard operating procedures, and work instructions with the goal of reducing risk to both people and equipment.
• Works with other stakeholders to develop strategic build strategy for ship design, construction, and commissioning.
• Ensures coordination with Engineering and provides input on technical issues, test procedures, testing schedules, and test reports to meet contract deliverable requirements.
• Reads, understands, and contributes to the development of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) while also mitigating the effects of any late changes.
• Supports Planning and Program Controls to integrate Test and Trials schedules with the networked detail and IMS schedule to comply with EVMS requirements.
• Drives complex and comprehensive schedule integration across the organization and with external stakeholders, including customer, class society, vendors, SCM, Ship's Management, Trades, Engineering, Planning, and PMO.
• Assesses shifting priorities and schedule demands to creatively accommodate changing circumstances and determine when testing can be performed in support of contractual milestones.
• Collaborates with SCM and OEMs (as required) to ensure timely supplier support to achieve base work and guarantee key event milestones based on planned schedules.
• Proactively evaluates opportunities to increase level of readiness and identify required OEM support in advance to minimize program cost impacts.
• Ensures that all ship's equipment is properly stored, operated, maintained, and laid up in accordance with OEM recommendations, technical manuals, and the care and protection requirements of the contract.
• Responsible for the professional development of the department, including managing self and managing teams.
• Collaborates with Talent Development and Technical Training to identify, develop, implement, and manage strategic training programs.
• Directs the guarantee program, with ultimate responsibility for meeting contractual obligations, resourcing an effective team, and ensuring that guarantee budget is not overrun.
• Ensures that vessel movements in support of both Repair and New Construction are conducted safely and with minimal interruption to production.
• Works with NAVSEA to maintain certification of ways, graving dock. and floating dry dock.
• Oversees the development of overhead and capital budgets and provides course correction when needed to ensure budgets are not exceeded.
• Ensures compliance with all safety rules, requirements, policies, and best practices to protect employee health and safety.
• Communicates with all levels of NASSCO’s organization on a variety of technical and managerial topics.
• Builds a strong and diverse professional network across the organization to influence stakeholders and achieve results.
• Uses effective communication skills with customers and their representatives to establish strong relationships with the goal of resolving complex, and often unforeseen, issues in the best interests of the program.
• Manages resolution of internal and external departmental issues, including logistic, personnel, and prioritization conflicts.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in maritime or other technical discipline, or demonstrated equivalence.
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, including no fewer than 3 years of experience managing a team of teams.
• Extensive experience with hull, mechanical, and electrical (HME) shipboard systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of earned value management systems and Manufacturing Technology Tools (MTT).
• Practical experience with shipboard operations, including propulsion plants, centralized control systems, deck equipment, cargo systems, and diesel generators.
• Ability to manage final phases of ship construction, including all testing and commissioning activities.
• In-depth knowledge of shipyard processes and organizational structures that enable integration and management of cross-functional teams in pursuit of common goals.
• Ability to effectively engage with direct reports to resolve escalated issues.
• Knowledge of people management, including workforce manning estimates, performance reviews, and disciplinary action.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The essential functions of this role require work in both an office and industrial setting. The role requires prolonged periods of working in a stationary position, operating a computer, computer programs, and standard office equipment necessary to perform the essential duties. The role requires perceiving information and communicating effectively with others in person, online, and on the phone. The role also requires prolonged periods of working in indoor and outdoor industrial settings. Must have the ability to safely access, navigate, and traverse the shipyard, construction areas, production areas, ships, and warehouses. Must be able to transit uneven surfaces and be agile to move quickly to avoid hazards and respond to unexpected obstacles. Must be able to observe, detect, identify, perceive, recognize, and process information to remain alert and timely comply with all safety requirements. Must be able to move, transport, and use equipment necessary to perform the essential duties. Duties performed on ships require ascending and descending stairs and ladders, transiting on scaffolding and at heights, transiting through manholes and other narrow, confined, or congested spaces. This position requires exposure to industrial areas which contain hazardous materials, loud noise (including sirens, horns, chipping, slamming, and hammering), dust, fumes, and exposure to weather.

This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services. 

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call (619) 544-8511 or email nasscohr@nassco.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer