The Director of New Builds Entertainment Technical Development leads the design, development, and execution of the technical infrastructure supporting entertainment spaces for adults, families, and youth, including theaters, lounges, and venues within the New Builds portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Director New Builds Guest Operations, with a functional reporting line to the VP of Entertainment, this role ensures technical requirements are seamlessly integrated into ship designs to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The Director coordinates the implementation of advanced technical elements across venues, driving innovation, optimizing resources, and ensuring operational efficiency while elevating the guest experience.
Throughout the ship development process, the Director is responsible for the successful execution of entertainment infrastructure, from design to delivery. By integrating cutting-edge systems, this role enhances entertainment operations on New Builds, equipping ships with state-of-the-art technology to engage and delight guests. By fostering collaboration between New Builds technical teams and the entertainment department, the Director ensures these innovations are aligned with MSC’s entertainment strategy and seamlessly integrated into New Builds to deliver world-class entertainment that enhances the overall guest experience.
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant technical or SMT (Stage Management//Technical) field.
* 10+ years of experience in entertainment, preferably in venue design or technical implementation.
* Proven experience in the cruise industry, with a senior technical or entertainment role.
* Expertise in managing complex technical projects, with a focus on entertainment infrastructure.
* Project management certification preferred, with demonstrated experience in budget administration and timeline management.
* Strong negotiation, delegation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
* Adaptable to a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a strong interest in technology and innovation.
* In-depth knowledge of live performance, theatre, and entertainment venue technical operations and infrastructure.
* Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, able to align stakeholders and drive collaboration.
* Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills, including public speaking.
* Proficiency in key computer applications (Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
* Fluent in English; proficiency in Italian or French is a plus.
* Serve as the primary liaison between the New Builds and Entertainment development teams to ensure the technical infrastructure required for entertainment is integrated into new ship designs, collaborating to ensure the feasibility of the envisioned guest experience.
* Engage with corporate teams and the VP of Entertainment, as part of the New Builds Technical Development Department, to provide strategic insights during the early planning phases of New Builds projects that ensures alignment between new ships technical development and the overall entertainment vision.
* Develop and implement strategies for entertainment services, technical requirements, and the delivery of world-class entertainment experiences in New Builds.
* Lead the design and execution of the entertainment technical development New Builds strategy, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with MSC’s entertainment goals and brand vision.
* Oversee the integration of cutting-edge audio, visual, lighting, and stage technologies into entertainment venues, in collaboration with architects, design, and operations teams, ensuring they meet guest experience innovation, operational efficiency, and quality and safety standards, for both guests and crew.
* Provide hands-on guidance to New Builds teams, ensuring entertainment spaces are executed in line with strategic goals, technical standards, and operational requirements.
* Drive innovation and process optimisation within entertainment venues, with a focus on enhancing guest experience, reducing technical downtime, improving resource allocation, and ensuring safety compliance.
* Maintain strong collaboration across departments, ensuring technical elements of entertainment spaces are fully integrated into the broader New Builds project plan.VISA REQUIREMENTS (if any)
EU Passport or Right to work in Switzerland.
Part of the MSC Group, MSC Cruises is the market leader in the Mediterranean, South Africa and South America, and sails year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Its seasonal itineraries cover northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, South America, southern Africa, and the Persian/Arabian Gulf. MSC Cruises was born in the Mediterranean, and draws inspiration from this heritage to create a unique experience for holidaymakers worldwide. As a result of a euro 6.5 billions investment programme launched in 2003, MSC Cruises' fleet comprises 13 state-of-the-art cruise ships belonging to four different classes: Lirica, Musica, Fantasia and Meraviglia. The fleet's average age is 7 years, the youngest in the industry. In 2014, MSC Cruises launched a euro 9 billion, 10 year investment plan to support the second phase of its growth through the order of up to 11 next generation mega cruise ships. As a result, MSC Cruises' fleet will double by 2026, while the passenger capacity will triple to reach five million passengers per year. MSC Cruises is the first cruise company to develop an investment plan of this length and magnitude. MSC Cruises feels a deep responsibility for the environments in which it operates, and was the first company ever to earn the Bureau Veritas "7 Golden Pearls" for superior management and environmental stewardship. In 2009, MSC Cruises began an enduring partnership with UNICEF to support various programmes assisting children worldwide.