Director of Operations – New Construction Shipbuilding

Trackline; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Trackline seeks an experienced Director of Operations to oversee multiple shipbuilding programs across U.S. shipyards. The role leads Program Managers and cross‑functional teams to ensure vessels are built safely, on schedule, and within budget while meeting contractual and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate has extensive U.S. shipbuilding experience, strong program management, and expertise in shipbuilding contracts, commercial negotiations, and financial oversight.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive shipbuilding experience (commercial or government).
• Experience managing multiple complex vessel construction programs.
• Proven expertise in shipbuilding contracts, negotiations, and dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for multiple vessel construction programs across domestic shipyards.
• Lead Program Managers and cross-functional project teams.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, quality, and contractual compliance.
• Lead commercial negotiations with shipyards including contract modifications, change orders, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Manage contractual and financial risks throughout the vessel construction lifecycle.
• Establish consistent program management procedures, reporting standards, and performance metrics.
• Monitor financial performance including budgets, forecasting, cash flow, cost control, and profitability.
• Develop and maintain relationships with shipyards, customers, government agencies, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Represent the company in executive meetings, contract negotiations, and program reviews.
• Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve project performance.
• Provide regular program updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support business development efforts, contract proposals, and new project opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Financial oversight

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Seeking an experienced Director of Operations to provide leadership and oversight for multiple shipbuilding programs across U.S. shipyards.

This individual will lead Program Managers and project teams to ensure vessel construction projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in U.S. shipbuilding, with a strong background in program management, shipbuilding contracts, commercial negotiations, and financial oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for multiple vessel construction programs across domestic shipyards.
• Lead, mentor, and manage Program Managers and cross-functional project teams.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, quality, contractual compliance, and overall program performance.
• Lead commercial negotiations with shipyards, including contract modifications, change orders, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Manage contractual and financial risks throughout the vessel construction lifecycle.
• Establish consistent program management procedures, reporting standards, and performance metrics across projects.
• Monitor financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, cash flow, cost control, and profitability.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with shipyards, customers, government agencies, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders.
• Represent the company in executive-level meetings, contract negotiations, and program reviews.
• Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve project performance.
• Provide regular program updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support business development efforts, contract proposals, and new project opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in commercial or government shipbuilding.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex vessel construction programs.
• Strong background in shipbuilding contract management, commercial negotiations, and dispute resolution.
• Thorough understanding of shipyard operations, vessel construction processes, and project execution.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, cost controls, and financial performance on large-scale projects.
• Proven leadership experience managing Program Managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with senior-level representatives of shipyards, customers, and government organizations.
• Ability to travel regularly to domestic shipyards and customer locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, and commercial shipbuilding contracts.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government shipbuilding programs, including the U.S. Navy, MARAD, or USCG.
• Familiarity with ABS, USCG, SOLAS, and applicable maritime regulations.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management credentials.

Additional Information

This is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing multiple shipbuilding programs and managing a team of Program Managers.

The Director of Operations will report to executive leadership and serve as a key point of contact for shipyard operations, contract execution, commercial negotiations, and overall program performance.

Regular travel to shipyards and customer locations throughout the United States is required.