Head of Design Vessel & Yacht (Pleasure & Commercial)

Confidential Company

Role: Director of Yacht & Vessel Design – Full‑Vessel Transformation (pleasure & commercial‑oriented)
Client: Private Chairman, UAE
Location: UAE‑based, with frequent international travel (Europe and shipyards)
Employment type: Senior full‑time or senior consulting project‑based engagement
Confidentiality level: High

Context
The Chairman has acquired a large pre‑owned luxury pleasure vessel and wishes to appoint a senior‑level Director of Yacht & Vessel Design to lead its complete transformation. The role requires a professional who understands all design and technical dimensions inside a vessel, from exterior and interior, deck and layout, to engineering systems, safety, and compliance.

This is not a narrow styling or interiors‑only role; the candidate must be able to see the vessel as a complete technical and experiential system and drive upgrades across all aspects.

Design & Technical Scope Expected

• Exterior & hull design: hull form, hydrodynamics, stability, exterior profile, and visual identity.

• Interior & layout design: owner’s suite, guest suites, lounges, dining, cinema, spa, crew areas, and circulation.

• Deck & outdoor experience: sun‑pads, pool/beach‑club areas, tenders, toys, and outdoor circulation.

• Technical & systems integration: engine room, generators, HVAC, electrical, IT, AV, plumbing, and fire‑safety systems.

• Naval architecture & engineering coordination: weight estimates, structural integrity, and class‑compliance.

• Safety & compliance: knowledge of yacht codes (RINA, Lloyds, MCA, LY2) and, where relevant, commercial‑vessel rules.

• Operational / commercial‑style thinking: understanding of crew workflow, galley, storage, and passenger‑comfort considerations (for charter or commercial‑style operations).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full design and transformation strategy for the vessel.

• Coordinate with naval architects, marine engineers, interior design studios, and shipyards.

• Oversee refit planning, technical reviews, and full‑vessel feasibility studies.

• Develop and present high‑level design concepts and detailed scopes aligned with the Chairman’s vision.

• Manage vendor selection, negotiations, and quality control for all design and technical works.

• Advise the Chairman on feasibility, timelines, risks, and trade‑offs.

Profile Required

• 12–15+ years in yacht design, vessel refit, naval architecture, or commercial‑vessel design, with a strong bias toward superyachts and large luxury vessels.

• Senior leadership role (Director / Head of Design / Principal / Senior Project Manager) on large refits or new builds.

• Experience or strong understanding of both private pleasure yachts and commercial / charter vessels.

• Broad technical knowledge of all vessel areas and systems.

• Strong background in exterior + interior design, layout, and luxury‑hospitality experience.

• Familiarity with European shipyards and superyacht design studios.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder‑management, and commercial judgment skills.

• Degree in Yacht Design, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or Interior Design preferred.