Director Project Management, Walt Disney Imagineering – Walt Disney Imagineering

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers continually push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals and solutions. The work inspires others, and the diversity of expertise at Imagineering helps us influence positive change in our communities and around the world. Disney Cruise Line projects for UK delivery are a particular focus for this role. This position is based in London, onsite 4 days a week with 1 day hybrid work.

The role reports directly to the Project Management Studio Executive and is responsible for leading ship new build projects for the Disney Cruise Line portfolio, with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, integration, documentation, safety, and quality. The Project Management Executive will oversee a team of specialists, driving the execution of best-in-class projects within the cruise industry.

Job Summary

This Director-level role leads ship new build projects for Disney Cruise Line, ensuring delivery against defined scope, schedule, budget, and quality criteria, while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

What You Will Do

• Develop the project delivery strategy, ensure team understanding, and lead delivery in accordance with defined strategies; dynamically reassess strategies for effectiveness and change course when needed.
• Establish a project culture of initiative-taking change and risk management and lead the implementation to maintain project health.
• Identify estimate gaps, understand trade-offs affecting estimates, and align the team to baseline parameters.
• Effectively manage project contingency, authorize its use, and identify opportunities to reduce cost across the project lifecycle.
• Determine project delivery and commercial risks, implement mitigation plans, and establish contingencies to ensure reliable cost and schedule projections.
• Resolve project issues through problem solving, negotiate trade-offs, and maintain alignment with the Disney brand.
• Lead negotiations for shipyard contracts, project changes, and potential claims.
• Leverage lessons learned from previous ship builds to increase efficiency and reduce risk; share best practices with the team.
• Collaborate with internal and external organizations, including design studios, operations, municipalities, vendors, and contractors; build trust with Disney Cruise Line operations leadership to ensure satisfaction with delivery.
• Ensure accountability for theming and show elements in collaboration with creative stakeholders to meet the creative vision.
• Create high-performing teams through leadership, clear goals, effective communication, and feedback on performance.
• Supervise other project managers, determine staffing requirements, set priorities, direct work, and conduct performance evaluations.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Senior director-level project management experience; proven ability to lead multiple, complex projects and large teams.
• Prior cruise ship new build experience is desirable.
• Ability to lead staff, consultants, and vendors with clear goals, delegated responsibilities, and effective scope, time, and performance management.
• Understand business drivers and market conditions to inform plans, negotiations, and solutions.
• Strong negotiation skills for contracts, project changes, and potential claims.
• Significant contract administration and claims management experience.
• Strong meeting leadership, facilitation, conflict resolution, and alignment skills.
• Effective communication, collaboration, technical writing, presentation, and people skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or equivalent experience; postgraduate study (MBA or similar) desirable.
• Experience with major shipyards and cruise line operators desirable.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in maritime and hospitality industries.
• Demonstrable project management delivery experience of large and complex projects.

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance and dental care
• Free park entry for you and your family
• Disney discounts on designated products, resort F&B, and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED (disability & neurodiversity), and TRUST (Mental Health & Wellbeing)

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Disney is committed to forming a diverse workforce that represents our audiences and where all can thrive and belong.