Director of Entertainment Technical Fleetwide

At Margaritaville at Sea our core purpose is to create and deliver fun and escapism. This drives all we do and is the heart of our decision making. As a valued member of our team, you'll contribute to providing an incredible guest experience every day of each cruise and in every way. You’ll also have opportunities to advance your career as we continue to grow. Your career path with us starts here!

Role

The Director, Entertainment Technical Operations is established as a shoreside leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the technical and operational framework for entertainment across the fleet. This position will play a critical role in driving consistency, scalability, and operational excellence as the organization grows. Regular travel onboard company vessels is required to support shipboard operations, assess performance, and ensure alignment with established standards.

The Director, Entertainment Technical Operations is a highly operational, hands‑on leadership role requiring regular shipboard engagement, direct oversight of technical teams, and strong coordination between shipboard and shoreside stakeholders. This position is responsible for establishing clear standards, optimizing technical systems, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality entertainment experiences across all vessels.

Responsibilities

• Technical & Operational Leadership: The Director, Entertainment Technical Operations is responsible for establishing and maintaining fleet‑wide technical standards and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency across all vessels. The role oversees preventative maintenance programs, ensuring equipment is properly maintained and that shipboard teams adhere to structured maintenance schedules and ongoing technical training. The Director plays an active role in supporting major events, activations, and operational initiatives, while regularly traveling onboard to assess performance, troubleshoot issues, and provide hands‑on guidance to shipboard teams.
• Workforce Management & Development: This role partners in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of entertainment technical personnel and oversees staffing plans, rotations, and deployment across the fleet. The Director maintains consistent communication with onboard Technical Supervisors to ensure alignment, provide guidance, and support day‑to‑day operations. Additionally, the role is responsible for advancing training programs, leadership development, and succession planning while promoting safe, sustainable work practices, including fatigue risk management.
• Reporting & Performance Management: The Director establishes and manages structured operational reporting from shipboard teams, including weekly updates that provide insight into technical performance and readiness. By monitoring trends, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing corrective actions, the Director enhances overall operational effectiveness. The role also provides ongoing feedback and performance input while improving visibility into fleet‑wide execution through clear, consistent reporting and communication.
• Financial & Asset Management: In partnership with the Head of Entertainment, the Director develops and manages technical budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support operational needs. The role oversees equipment lifecycle planning, maintenance strategies, and replacement planning, while supporting purchasing, inventory control, and asset management processes. The Director also manages vendor relationships and drives cost efficiencies through standardization, preventative maintenance, and the reduction of emergency expenditures.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: The Director builds strong working relationships with key shipboard leaders, including Chief Engineers and Facilities teams, to ensure alignment and operational success. The role coordinates technical requirements for charters, group bookings, and special events, while providing leadership and oversight during dry docks, refits, and vessel projects. Acting as the primary liaison between shipboard teams and shoreside stakeholders, the Director ensures clear communication, effective collaboration, and seamless execution across all functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater, Entertainment Technology, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered
• Relevant technical certifications (e.g., rigging, electrical, automation, audiovisual systems) are a plus
• Safety certifications or training (OSHA or maritime‑related) preferred

Experience

• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in entertainment technical operations, live production, or a related field
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams in complex, fast‑paced environments
• Experience supporting large‑scale entertainment operations, preferably in cruise, hospitality, theme park, or touring environments
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing standard operating procedures and maintenance programs
• Experience with workforce planning, scheduling, and team development across multiple locations or sites

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong technical expertise across entertainment systems, including lighting, audio, video, rigging, and stage automation
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into practical, day‑to‑day operational execution
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, and influence teams at all levels
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on, solutions‑oriented approach
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to liaise between shipboard and shoreside stakeholders
• High level of organization and attention to detail, particularly in managing multiple vessels and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement performance improvements
• Strong understanding of preventative maintenance practices and asset lifecycle management
• Financial acumen, including budget management and cost optimization strategies
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently onboard vessels and work in shipboard environments as needed

Physical Demands

Must be able to move throughout vessels, including navigating stairs, ladders, backstage areas, and confined technical spaces, and remain active for extended periods during ship visits, rehearsals, and live operations. The role may occasionally require lifting, carrying, or moving equipment weighing up to 25–50 pounds. Work environments may include exposure to varying noise levels, lighting conditions such as low light or strobe effects, and proximity to moving equipment. The position also requires comfort working at heights and around rigging and technical systems, as necessary.

Travel

This role requires regular travel to support operational needs, including time spent onboard company cruise vessels. Travel is essential to provide hands‑on support, evaluate shipboard performance, collaborate directly with onboard teams, and gain firsthand insight into operational challenges and opportunities. Through consistent ship visits, the Director ensures alignment between shoreside strategy and onboard execution while reinforcing standards, supporting initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across the fleet.

Work Conditions

Work primarily in a climate‑controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

This position is classified as “in‑person.” Which means the physical office is in Orlando.

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job‑related skills and experience.

At Margaritaville at Sea, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. We provide comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:

• Cost‑effective medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
• Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match

Paid Time Off

• Holidays – All full‑time and part‑time with benefits employees receive days off for 10 company‑wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion.
• Vacation Time – All full‑time employees at the below the Director level start with 15 days/year; Director and above level have Discretionary Time Off, which for Directors is generally 15 days and for VPs and above 21 days. Part‑time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work.

Other Benefits

• Complementary stand‑by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends

Join us and embark on a career that offers not only the chance to grow professionally but also the opportunity to be part of a fast growing company that offers opportunities for advancement.

In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting an ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns.

Margaritaville at Sea is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of sex, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, religion, age, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law.