Director of Shipyard Operations: New Construction

Tote-Services-LLC-1; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

TOTE Services is seeking a VCM Director of Operations for New Construction Shipbuilding in Philadelphia. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple vessel construction programs, guiding Program Managers and cross‑functional teams to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery while meeting safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of U.S. shipbuilding experience, expert contract and risk management skills, and a proven track record

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business Administration, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive experience within U.S. shipbuilding or contracting.
• Demonstrated success leading complex vessel construction programs.
• Extensive experience negotiating and administering shipbuilding contracts.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, profitability analysis, and risk management.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively to domestic shipyards and customer locations.

Responsibilities

• Promote safety culture and adhere to safety guidelines across programs.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for multiple concurrent shipbuilding programs.
• Direct and mentor Program Managers responsible for vessel construction programs.
• Standardize program management processes, reporting, and governance across shipyards.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations with shipbuilders throughout the contracts lifecycle.
• Oversee financial performance, forecasting, cash flow, and profitability.
• Maintain executive relationships with shipyards, customers, and government agencies.
• Develop talent and succession planning for key roles.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Program management

Negotiation

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business Administration, Construction Management, or related discipline

Job description

TOTE Services is seeking a VCM Director of Operations for New Construction Shipbuilding in Philadelphia. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple vessel construction programs, guiding Program Managers and cross‑functional teams to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery while meeting safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of U.S. shipbuilding experience, expert contract and risk management skills, and a proven track record