Job Description

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey. 

The Senior Manager, Hotel and HVAC Asset Management at Holland America Line and Seabourn is responsible for overseeing the strategic management and lifecycle planning of technical hotel equipment across the fleet. This includes HVAC systems (such as chillers, air handling units, and fire/CO₂ dampers), refrigeration compressors and cold rooms, galley equipment, waste handling systems, and recreational water facilities. The role ensures long-term asset reliability through proactive maintenance strategies, regulatory compliance, and energy efficiency initiatives. The Senior Manager works closely with shipboard teams, fleet engineers, asset managers, and corporate working groups to align operational practices and project execution. Leading a team of five fleet engineers, this position guides cross-functional efforts, manages vendor relationships, and drives continuous improvement in system performance. The ideal candidate brings over a decade of shipboard or shoreside experience, deep technical expertise, and a strong understanding of international regulations and energy optimization. With a proven track record in project management and leadership, the Senior Manager serves as a subject matter expert and advisor across the organization. This role requires independent decision-making, strategic foresight, and the ability to solve complex problems with broad business impact. Availability for travel to support dry-dockings and other fleet activities is essential.

Here’s a summary of what Holland America Line is looking for.  Is this you? 

Responsibilities:

Strategic Asset Oversight and Lifecycle Management

• The Senior Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight of technical hotel equipment across the fleet, including HVAC systems, refrigeration units, galley equipment, waste handling systems, and recreational water facilities. This includes developing and implementing lifecycle management strategies that ensure long-term reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The role involves tracking equipment obsolescence and proactively planning upgrades or replacements in collaboration with OEMs and internal stakeholders. The Senior Manager interprets evolving industry standards and internal performance data to recommend best practices and future-proofing solutions. They serve as a subject matter expert, guiding the organization in aligning asset strategies with broader business goals. This position requires a deep understanding of technical systems and their integration into shipboard operations. The Senior Manager applies cross-disciplinary knowledge to assess the impact of asset decisions on energy consumption, maintenance costs, and guest experience. They work independently to solve complex problems and provide strategic recommendations with minimal oversight. Their expertise is recognized across the organization, and they are often consulted on high-impact decisions involving hotel technical assets.

Project Leadership and Execution

• This role leads the planning, budgeting, and execution of capital and operational projects related to hotel and HVAC assets. The Senior Manager develops technical specifications, oversees vendor selection, and ensures compliance with Flag and Class requirements during project commissioning. They manage onsite execution during dry-dockings and other fleet activities, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and safety protocols are met. The role requires coordination with shipboard teams, superintendents, and cross-functional departments to align project goals with operational needs. The Senior Manager interprets complex technical and regulatory issues, providing solutions that balance cost, performance, and compliance. They lead functional teams and external contractors, ensuring accountability and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Their ability to anticipate challenges and implement contingency plans is critical to project success. The Senior Manager’s visibility across brands and departments positions them as a key advisor in corporate working groups focused on asset modernization and energy optimization. They apply strategic thinking and broad technical knowledge to influence decisions beyond their immediate scope. Their leadership in project delivery reflects a high level of autonomy and trust from senior management.

Team Leadership and Development

• Leading a team of five fleet engineers, the Senior Manager is responsible for mentoring, performance management, and professional development. They set clear expectations, provide technical guidance, and foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and accountability. The role involves identifying skill gaps and coordinating training programs, including compliance with FGAS and other regulatory requirements. They ensure the team is equipped to support lifecycle programs, maintenance procedures, and energy efficiency initiatives. The Senior Manager applies leadership strategies that promote autonomy while offering support in complex situations. They encourage cross-training and knowledge sharing to build resilience and adaptability within the team. Their leadership extends to influencing broader organizational culture through participation in strategic initiatives and working groups. They serve as a role model for technical excellence and problem-solving, guiding others in navigating challenges with a broad perspective. The Senior Manager’s ability to lead with visibility and impact reinforces their position as a key contributor to fleet performance. Their team’s success reflects their commitment to high standards and continuous growth.

Regulatory Compliance and Energy Optimization

• This accountability area focuses on ensuring compliance with international regulations and driving energy efficiency across hotel technical systems. The Senior Manager monitors regulatory changes and assesses their implications for fleet operations, advising senior leadership on necessary adaptations. They lead initiatives to optimize energy consumption, particularly in HVAC and electrical systems, contributing to fuel budget management and sustainability goals. The role involves developing and updating technical specifications to reflect best practices and regulatory requirements. They collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement energy-saving technologies and practices. The Senior Manager interprets complex regulatory frameworks and translates them into actionable strategies for shipboard teams. They guide others in understanding and applying compliance standards, reducing risk and enhancing operational integrity. Their expertise in energy systems and regulatory landscapes positions them as a strategic advisor in corporate sustainability efforts. The role includes benchmarking performance and reporting on key metrics to senior management. Their contributions have cross-functional impact, influencing procurement, operations, and environmental strategy.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Scope: The Senior Manager, Hotel and HVAC Asset Management operates within the broader Asset Management function, supporting both Holland America Line and Seabourn brands. This role spans shipboard and shoreside operations, with direct influence on technical hotel systems across the entire fleet. The position serves as the primary authority on HVAC, refrigeration, galley, waste handling, and recreational water systems, ensuring consistent standards and performance across vessels. The Senior Manager’s decisions impact multiple departments, including Technical Operations, Hotel Operations, Compliance, and Environmental Sustainability. Their work informs procurement strategies, maintenance planning, and energy optimization efforts, with implications for guest experience, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The role requires frequent collaboration with shipboard teams, corporate working groups, and external partners such as OEMs and classification societies. The Senior Manager is expected to represent the company in cross-brand and industry forums, contributing to shared standards and innovation. Their reach extends to dry-dock planning, onboard commissioning, and strategic initiatives that shape the future of hotel technical asset management. This position is recognized as a key contributor to the company’s long-term asset strategy and operational excellence.

• Problem solving: The Senior Manager is routinely tasked with solving complex, multi-dimensional problems that require both technical expertise and strategic foresight. Challenges often involve interpreting performance data, regulatory changes, and vendor reports to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions. The role demands the ability to anticipate equipment obsolescence and proactively develop lifecycle strategies that mitigate risk and optimize performance. Problem-solving extends beyond technical troubleshooting to include cross-functional coordination, such as aligning HVAC set points across brands or resolving discrepancies in maintenance procedures. The Senior Manager must evaluate competing priorities—cost, compliance, energy efficiency, and guest comfort—and develop solutions that balance these factors. They are expected to guide others through complex issues, offering insights that influence broader business processes. The role involves synthesizing information from multiple disciplines, including engineering, environmental science, and hospitality operations. Their recommendations often shape procurement decisions, training programs, and fleet-wide standards. The Senior Manager works independently, seeking guidance only in the most complex or novel situations. Their problem-solving capabilities are integral to maintaining fleet reliability and regulatory alignment.

• Impact: This role has a significant and far-reaching impact on the operational integrity and strategic direction of hotel technical systems across the fleet. The Senior Manager’s decisions directly influence equipment reliability, energy consumption, and compliance with international regulations, all of which are critical to guest satisfaction and brand reputation. Their work supports the company’s sustainability goals by driving energy optimization and reducing environmental footprint. The role contributes to the development and refinement of technical specifications, maintenance standards, and lifecycle programs that are adopted across Holland America Line and Seabourn. The Senior Manager’s expertise informs cross-brand working groups and corporate initiatives, helping to shape industry best practices. Their influence extends to vendor relationships, ensuring service quality and accountability through contract execution and performance analysis. The role also impacts financial planning through budget development and fuel efficiency strategies. By guiding operational consistency and technical excellence, the Senior Manager enhances the effectiveness of shipboard teams and shoreside support functions. Their contributions are visible across departments and brands, reinforcing their position as strategic advisors. The role sets standards that are foundational to the company’s hotel asset management discipline.        

• Leadership: The Senior Manager leads a team of five fleet engineers, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance oversight. They are responsible for cultivating a high-performing team culture that emphasizes accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. The role includes identifying development needs and coordinating training programs, particularly in areas such as FGAS compliance and energy efficiency. Leadership extends beyond direct reports to include dotted-line influence over shipboard teams, vendors, and cross-functional project groups. The Senior Manager manages resources and budgets for assigned projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and operational timelines. They are frequently called upon to lead initiatives with broad visibility, such as dry-dock commissioning or corporate working group participation. The role requires strong communication and stakeholder management skills to navigate complex organizational dynamics. The Senior Manager serves as a role model for technical excellence and strategic thinking, guiding others in resolving high-impact challenges. Their leadership is recognized across the organization, and they are entrusted with decisions that shape fleet-wide practices. This position exemplifies independent leadership with strategic reach and operational depth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Valid certification or training in HVAC systems and refrigeration technology.

• Demonstrated knowledge of international maritime regulations and compliance standards (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, Flag/Class requirements).

• Proficiency in interpreting technical specifications and engineering documentation.

• Ability to travel internationally and work onboard vessels during dry-dockings and project commissioning.

• Strong command of English for technical communication and reporting.

• Competence in using maintenance management systems and project planning tools.

• 5+ years extensive hands-on experience managing maintenance and lifecycle planning for HVAC systems, refrigeration units, galley equipment, waste handling systems, and recreational water facilities.

• Proven track record in leading complex technical projects from planning through execution, including vendor management and budget oversight.

• Experience in troubleshooting and resolving operational issues across multiple shipboard systems under time-sensitive conditions.

• Deep understanding of energy optimization strategies and their application in large-scale marine or hospitality environments.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret regulatory changes and implement compliance measures across fleet operations.

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including shipboard staff, engineers, and corporate stakeholders, to achieve operational objectives.

• Leadership experience managing technical teams, including mentoring, performance management, and training coordination.

• Familiarity with OEM service contracts and ability to analyze service reports for actionable insights.

Travel: Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions: Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Physical Demands: Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

This position is classified as “in-office.”  As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from the Holland America Seattle or Carnival Doral office Monday through Thursday each week. 

What You Can Expect

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family 
• Health Benefits 
• 401(k)  
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
• Training & Professional Development 
• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement 
• Base Salary Range: $100,000 to $135,000 The range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. Final base salary is directly related to each candidate’s qualifications and experience uniquely. 

Our Culture…Stronger Together

Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees.  Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at:https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/our-company/mission-values.html

Holland America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Holland America will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws.  If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact recruiting@hollandamericagroup.com

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