Head of Ferry Design
Key Skills
Job Description
Foreship ( part of RINA) is currently recruiting for a Head of Ferry Design to join its office in Helsinki within the Marine Design & Engineering Division.
Mission
The role focuses on overseeing the design and delivery of ferry projects, participating in sales initiatives, and contributing to strategic growth. This is a senior role requiring a combination of technical expertise, project management and commercial skills. #FORESHIP
Key Accountabilities
Design Leadership:
- Develop, and then lead the ferry design team, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables and compliance with classification societies and client specifications.
- Oversee complex ferry design projects, from concept to delivery, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
- Support innovation and integration of new technologies in ferry and other ship projects.
Project Management:
- Act as Project Manager for key ferry projects, ensuring effective coordination between internal teams/clients, and be in charge of the general arrangement development.
- Provide mentorship and leadership to project managers, designers, and engineers within the ferries division.
- Monitor project performance, risk, and resource allocation.
Sales & Business Development:
- Lead ferry-related sales activities, building strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities.
- Collaborate with the sales team to prepare proposals, technical offers, and commercial bids.
- Contribute to strategic planning and market positioning for the ferries division.
Cross-Functional Contribution:
- Support other shipbuilding projects (e.g., cruise ships, new technology vessels) as a senior technical advisor.
- Provide guidance and expertise on design innovation, regulatory compliance, and project execution across teams.
Qualifications
- Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related discipline.
- +10 years of experience in ferry design, naval architecture, and related shipbuilding projects.
- Proven experience in as Project Manager, team lead or department head is a must.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and classification society requirements for ferries.
- Strong technical skills with proficiency in AutoCAD and other naval architecture software.
- Excellent client-facing and communication skills, capable of leading project sales activities.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken is required. Additional languages such as Finnish, would represent a plus.
- Solid organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage priorities under tight schedules.
- Availability to travel as needed.
Competencies
- DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN - Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.
- INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE - Skills and strategies we use to interact effectively with others.
- WORKPLACE DYNAMICS - Resourcefulness in shaping progress and working efficiently.
- FORESIGHT & INSIGHT - Context awareness adopting a systemic perspective and informed decision making.
- PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT - Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.
RINA is a multinational company providing a wide range of services in the energy, marine, certification, infrastructure & mobility, industry, research & development sectors. Our business model covers the full process of project development, from concept to completion.
At RINA, we endeavor to create a work environment where every single person is valued and encouraged to develop new ideas. We provide equal employment opportunities and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and safe from discrimination or harassment of any kind. We are also compliant to the Italian Law n. 68/99.
Core Responsibilities
Oversee the design and delivery of ferry projects while leading the ferry design team and ensuring technical compliance. Drive strategic growth through sales initiatives, client relationship management, and technical proposal development.
Requirements
Requires a degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering with over 10 years of experience in ferry design and proven leadership as a Project Manager or Department Head. Proficiency in AutoCAD and fluency in English are essential.