Division Head - Design

Role overview

Key responsibilities

• Lead production of high-quality CAD drawings for shipyard operations and projects.
• Manage and develop the Design Division workforce and ensure adequate resources and capabilities.
• Review specifications, engineering requirements, and method statements to determine safe operational strategies and design solutions.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, production, and project teams to provide technical drawing support.
• Coordinate planning with execution teams and help optimize resources through planning and design support.
• Assist with recruitment, selection, and development of design personnel.
• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to design and engineering operating procedures.
• Work with Health, Safety, and Environmental teams to identify and mitigate risks.
• Coordinate vessel movements, berthing, dry-docking, dock operations, flooding and de-flooding, and associated engineering requirements.
• Develop and review lifting plans and related engineering drawings for lifting and rigging operations.
• Coordinate with technical support and yard services teams on drawings and design solutions for maintenance and operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, industry standards, classification society requirements, and company procedures.

Education and experience

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Structural Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience for degree holders, or 17 years for diploma holders.
• Leadership or supervisory experience in shipbuilding, marine, offshore, or heavy industry.
• Experience producing engineering drawings supporting operations, production, maintenance, or project execution.
• Practical knowledge of shipyard, marine, fabrication, or industrial operational environments.

Technical skills

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and engineering drawing development.
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles and production support requirements.
• Knowledge of relevant ISO standards and quality management systems.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and operational requirements.
• Familiarity with Asset Management Systems and IFS software is advantageous.
• Understanding of SOLAS, IMO regulations, Classification Society requirements, and Flag State regulations is preferred.

Competencies and industry background

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities, communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; able to manage pressure, multiple priorities, and sound decisions.
• Resilience, adaptability, and ability to engage teams through collaboration and technical expertise.
• Physically fit and able to meet role-specific medical requirements.
• Shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore construction, marine engineering, dry-docking, heavy lifting and rigging, or large industrial yard experience is highly regarded.