Senior Vessel Construction Manager

Hill International is seeking a Sr Vessel Construction Manager in the United States

Senior Vessel Construction Manager will lead a team that will oversee all aspects of the shipyard's construction of a new 160-auto capacity hybrid-electric ferry, from initial steel cutting through to final delivery and commissioning. This critical role is responsible for ensuring the shipyard completes the project safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, meeting all regulatory requirements and owner specifications. The Vessel Construction Manager will collaborate with the shipyard team, coordinate with engineering, procurement, and quality assurance, and serve as the primary point of contact for the owner's representatives and relevant regulatory bodies. A deep understanding of modern shipbuilding techniques, hybrid-electric propulsion systems, and project management best practices are essential. Attempting to clarify that this person will work with the shipyard and represent WSF. Shipyard is ultimately responsible for the project and production.

Project Leadership and Management:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the construction project, ensuring alignment with project goals, budget, and schedule.
• Ensure that the shipyard develops and implements comprehensive project execution plans, including detailed work breakdown structures, schedules, and resource allocation plans.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with all project stakeholders, including the owner's team, the shipyard, authorities having jurisdiction (e.g., USCG), vendors, and subcontractors.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

2. Schedule and Progress Management:

• Oversee the development, monitoring, and updating of the master project schedule, identifying critical paths, dependencies, and potential risks.
• Oversee the implementation of robust progress tracking and reporting mechanisms, providing regular, accurate updates to senior management and the owner.
• Proactively identify schedule slippages and ensure the shipyard develops effective mitigation strategies to keep the project on track.

3. Budget and Cost Control:

• Manage the project budget, tracking expenditures, commitments, and forecasting future costs. Work with the shipyard to implement cost control measures and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or schedule.
• Review and approve contractor invoices, ensuring alignment with agreed-upon terms and completed work.
• Lead the evaluation, negotiation, and approval of change orders, ensuring proper documentation and impact analysis.

4. Quality Assurance and Control:

• Support the development of and ensure the shipyard enforces quality standards throughout all phases of construction, adhering to design specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the shipyard Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) team to develop and implement comprehensive inspection and test plans (ITPs).
• Oversee the resolution of non-conformance reports (NCRs) and ensure effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
• Ensure all necessary certifications, surveys, and approvals from classification societies and regulatory bodies are obtained in a timely manner.

5. Technical Oversight with a Hybrid-Electric Focus:

• Oversee the integration of complex electrical and control systems, ensuring seamless operation and compliance with technical specifications.
• Coordinate with specialized vendors and subcontractors for the installation, testing, and commissioning of hybrid-electric components.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to the unique aspects of hybrid-electric vessel construction.
• Oversee, with technical support, the preparation of Contractor/Shipyard design plans, permits, specifications, and schedules, including work performed by in-house personnel and private naval architectural or marine engineering consultants for conformance to program requirements.
• Reviews related vessel construction project matters pertaining to alternatives, environmental impact, system surveys, material testing and inspection and acquisition of materials.
• Coordinates inspections for vessel projects in progress and provides expert assistance and construction expertise as required to project inspectors and project engineer; reviews and approves pay estimates, and requests for change orders.
• May need to perform vessel inspections to ensure that the work is in accordance with the plans and specifications; checks approved materials workmanship, progress, safety and observes the required testing.

6. Risk Management:

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks (technical, schedule, cost, safety, environmental) proactively.
• Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and ensure business continuity.

9. Regulatory Compliance and Commissioning:

• Ensure the shipyard is compliant with all national and local maritime regulations applicable to the construction and operation of a passenger and vessel ferry.
• Oversee the planning and execution of all pre-commissioning, commissioning, sea trials, and acceptance trials.
• Facilitate the smooth handover of the vessel to the owner, including comprehensive documentation, training, and warranty support.
• Shipyard's responsibilities. VCM is to make sure that the shipyard is performing according to the contract.

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in shipbuilding, with at least 7-10 years in a senior management role overseeing complex new vessel construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience with the construction and integration of hybrid-electric or fully electric propulsion systems in large vessels is highly desirable.
• Possess a strong understanding of hybrid-electric propulsion systems, including battery management systems, power electronics, electric motors, generators, and charging infrastructure.
• Requires practical knowledge of naval architecture and marine engineering disciplines such as flotation and trim, stability, structural design and analysis, launching and docking, propulsion systems, seakeeping, maneuverability, auxiliary systems and ships' service systems, consisting of distillation, hydraulics, electrical, steam, water, air, fuel, oil, refrigeration and ventilation.
• Strong understanding of ferry operations and associated regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale marine projects on time and within budget.
• Extensive knowledge of shipbuilding processes, materials, welding, outfitting, and systems integration.
• Proficient in project management software (e.g., Unifier and Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Exceptional leadership, communication (written and verbal), negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and regulatory documents.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Certification in Project Management (PMP) or equivalent is a plus.
• Ability to travel as required.

Depending upon your employment status, Hill's comprehensive benefits may include, Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurances, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefits, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Auto & Home Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Voluntary Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Referral Program, Professional Certification Incentive Program, Hill University Learning and Development, Tuition Reimbursement, EAP, Years of Service Awards Program.

Hill International, with more than 4,100+ professionals in over 100 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management, project management oversight, advisory, facilities management, and other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as one of the largest program management firms in the world. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com.

Hill is exclusively a program, project, and construction management provider, meaning we have one focus as a company: protecting client interests. Free of any potential conflicts, our entire business is geared towards helping clients achieve their desired outcomes. We are dedicated to exceeding expectations throughout the entire construction project lifecycle and adapt to the needs of each assignment to develop tailored approaches and solutions to meet those needs.

Hill is a GISI Consulting Group company, part of the Global Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (GISI) family of companies. Learn more about GISI Consulting Group at www.gisi.com.

Hill International is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled

Note: This job description is intended to provide an indication of the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions to be carried out as part of fulfilling the role mentioned in the job title. Various other duties as required.

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