Division Head - Design

The Division Head - Design is responsible for leading and managing the design function to produce professional CAD drawings that support operational, maintenance, production, and engineering activities within a large shipbuilding and marine industrial environment. The role ensures all design activities are delivered in accordance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices while supporting safe and efficient execution of marine and shipyard operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the production of high-quality CAD drawings to support operational and project activities across the shipyard.
• Manage and develop the Design Division workforce, ensuring adequate resources and capabilities are available to meet business requirements.
• Review specifications, engineering requirements, and method statements to determine safe and effective operational strategies and corresponding design solutions.
• Collaborate closely with operational, engineering, production, and project teams to understand requirements and provide appropriate technical drawing support.
• Coordinate planning activities with execution teams to ensure smooth implementation of operational and engineering projects.
• Support production and project departments in optimizing resource utilization through effective planning and design support.
• Assist with recruitment, selection, and development of design personnel.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development and revision of operating procedures related to design and engineering activities.
• Work in partnership with Health, Safety, and Environmental teams to identify and mitigate risks and maintain a safe working environment.
• Liaise with marine operations teams regarding vessel movements, berthing, dry-docking activities, dock operations, flooding and de-flooding procedures, and associated engineering requirements.
• Support lifting and rigging operations by developing and reviewing lifting plans and related engineering drawings as required.
• Coordinate with technical support and yard services teams to produce design solutions and technical drawings for various maintenance and operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, industry standards, classification society requirements, and company procedures.

Qualifications

Education

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Structural Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience for degree holders, or 17 years for diploma holders.
• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role within the shipbuilding, marine, offshore, or heavy industrial sector.
• Demonstrated experience producing engineering drawings that support operations, production, maintenance, or project execution activities.
• Strong practical knowledge of shipyard, marine, fabrication, or industrial operational environments.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and engineering drawing development.
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles and production support requirements.
• Familiarity with Asset Management Systems and IFS software is advantageous.
• Knowledge of relevant ISO standards and quality management systems.
• Understanding of SOLAS, IMO regulations, Classification Society requirements, and Flag State regulations is preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and operational requirements.

Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Effective stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and sound decision-making skills.
• Ability to influence and engage teams through collaboration and technical expertise.
• Physically fit and capable of meeting role-specific medical requirements.

Preferred Industry Background

Candidates with experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore construction, marine engineering, dry-docking operations, heavy lifting and rigging, or large industrial yard environments will be highly regarded.