MTO Academy Project Manager (FTC for Disney Cruise Line)

The Walt Disney Company; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cruise company is seeking an experienced Project Manager to develop the Training Academy for maritime operations. This role involves managing the development of simulators and training programs while ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have proven project management experience in the maritime industry and strong leadership skills. The position is based in London and requires occasional European travel.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Free Park Entry

Disney Discounts

Excellent parental and guardian leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience in major project management in the maritime industry.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• In-depth understanding of shore-based training methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development of training simulators and environments.
• Lead and coordinate training transition plans.
• Manage shoreside skills-based training portfolio programs.

Skills

Project management

Excellent organizational skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of STCW and SOLAS

Education

Unlimited Master License or Unlimited Chief Engineer License

Job description

Overview

MTO Academy Project Manager (FTC for Disney Cruise Line) – 1 year fixed-term contract. Location: London, United Kingdom. Job ID: 10133036. Business: Disney Cruise Line. Date posted: Oct. 02, 2025.

About the Role & Team

Ready to shape the future of maritime training? We’re looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the development of the Training Academy for Disney Cruise Line’s Marine & Technical Operations (MTO) team. You’ll oversee the creation of simulators and training environments, drive the implementation of STCW/SOLAS-compliant programs, and ensure our shoreside training strategy is world-class. You’ll work with internal stakeholders and external vendors to bring this project to life—supporting the professional growth of Disney Cruise Line marine and technical officers and maintaining shipboard safety and performance.

This role requires onsite work in the office and frequent European travel to our training facility. It is a fixed-term contract until Dec 2026.

What You Will Do

• Maintain the level of competence for onboard Marine and Technical trainers by providing leadership, mentoring, and coaching.
• Oversee construction and development of simulators and training areas, handling all technical and logistical aspects of the project.
• Lead and coordinate the training transition plan for the MTO team at MTO Shoreside Academy, including training plan creation, materials development, workshops and pilots, and implementation of shoreside training sessions at the DCL academy.
• Act as main liaison between vendors, IMAT, and DCL for development, construction, and implementation of the DCL simulators.
• Lead shoreside STCW/SOLAS training programs at the shoreside DCL Academy and ensure compliance with the Flag State certified program.
• Develop training strategies for shoreside professional training in the short and medium term; support the Fleet Training Team for long-term strategies.
• Lead the DCL Learning Management System transition and development at Shoreside DCL MTO Training Academy.
• Manage shoreside skills-based and area-specific training portfolio programs for MTO personnel at the Shoreside DCL MTO Training Academy.
• Lead quality assurance evaluations to assess training effectiveness and identify improvement areas for the Shoreside DCL MTO Training Academy transition.
• Provide leadership in developing new trainers, navigation, and safety officers.
• Develop navigational officers shoreside professional training plan.
• Develop Safety Officers shoreside professional training plan.
• Develop, maintain, and QA the shore side Professional Trainings; ensure company training requirements for all officers and crew are met.
• Maintain budget and Capital projects for the DCL MTO shoreside training academy.
• Verify compliance with SMS for areas of responsibility and provide shore-based support for Marine and Technical Operations to maintain safe ship operations.
• Implement Safety Management System (SMS) policies and procedures related to areas of responsibility.
• Develop safety amendments to SMS policy and procedures for approval before escalation.
• Assist with keeping information up-to-date on SMS matters.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience in major project management, developing and implementing training programs, preferably in the maritime industry
• Previous cruise ship experience required
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Familiarity with MTO operations, STCW, SOLAS, Training operations and classification societies
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• In-depth understanding of shore-based training methodologies and best practices
• Proficiency in budget management and optimization
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance standards, particularly STCW and SOLAS
• Strong understanding of MTO operations and industry best practices
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs
• Industry certifications Unlimited Master License or Unlimited Chief Engineer License preferred

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and TRUST

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

About Disney Cruise Line:

A leader in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line provides a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all the magic that Disney has to offer. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska and Europe, among others. Aboard our growing fleet of ships and Disney’s island destinations in The Bahamas, our exceptional crew and cast members provide legendary Disney service and enchanting entertainment to our guests that only Disney can deliver.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Magical Cruise Co., Ltd , which is part of a business we call Disney Cruise Line.

Magical Cruise Co., Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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