Sr. Director, Decarbonization Strategy - Miami - Royal Caribbean Group

Description

The Senior Director, Decarbonization is a senior leadership role responsible for translating the company's long-term decarbonization program, Destination Net Zero, into actionable strategies, governed transformation initiatives, and measurable outcomes across the fleet and newbuild pipeline.

This role acts as the primary integrator across Marine Operations, Newbuilding, Commercial Strategy, Finance, Supply Chain, and Regulatory Affairs, ensuring that decarbonization efforts deliver fleet efficiency improvements, regulatory compliance, transition‑risk mitigation, and disciplined capital execution.

Serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, the Senior Director provides clear narratives, data‑driven insights, and decision support on decarbonization pathways, investments, and associated risks.

Key Responsibilities

Decarbonization Strategy & Roadmap Execution

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of the enterprise decarbonization roadmap, aligned with Destination Net Zero by 2050 and interim targets (e.g., 2030–2035).
• Translate long‑term ambition into near‑ and mid‑term execution plans across fleet operations, newbuilds, fuels, and enabling technologies.
• Assess and prioritize decarbonization levers including energy efficiency, alternative fuels, digital optimization, and operational measures.
• Evaluate transition risks (fuel availability, cost volatility, technology readiness, regulatory uncertainty) and define mitigation strategies.
• Proactively keep abreast of regulatory, technology and industry developments, assess implications and develop new strategy relevant to the business and functions.
• Champion a culture of innovation and creative problem‑solving, encouraging out‑of‑the‑box thinking to identify and pursue innovative operating and business models.
• Proactively scan for emerging trends, technologies, and business models, and translate visionary ideas into actionable pilots and scalable programs.

Program Management & Delivery

• Oversee a centralized Decarbonization Program Management Office, ensuring disciplined governance, milestones, financial tracking, and risk management across initiatives.
• Drive cross‑functional execution of decarbonization programs spanning Marine Operations, Newbuilding, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.
• Ensure alignment between strategic intent, capital planning, dry dock schedules, and operational readiness.
• Track benefits realization, ensuring programs deliver measurable efficiency, compliance, and emissions outcomes.
• Establish a transformation cadence (weekly workstream reviews, monthly reviews etc.) to remove roadblocks and keep delivery on track.

Regulatory Compliance & Readiness

• Ensure enterprise readiness for evolving global and regional regulations (e.g., IMO frameworks, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, UK ETS).
• Coordinate regulatory impact assessments and compliance strategies in partnership with Corporate Responsibility, Environmental Stewardship, Legal, Government Affairs, and Finance.
• Support the development of compliance pooling, credit strategies, and cost‑allocation mechanisms where applicable.
• Provide leadership with clear, forward‑looking views on regulatory risk and opportunity.

Digital Solutions & Data Enablement

• Lead the Digital Solutions team responsible for data, analytics, and systems that support decarbonization decision‑making.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, models, and KPIs to monitor emissions performance, fuel mix, regulatory exposure, and abatement economics.
• Enable scenario modeling and forecasting to support executive decisions on fuels, technologies, and compliance strategies.
• Partner with IT and Marine teams to embed decarbonization intelligence into operational systems and workflows.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Advisory

• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to the VP of Decarbonization and senior leadership on decarbonization strategy, risks, and trade‑offs.
• Develop clear narratives and executive‑level materials for leadership, Board, and investor discussions.
• Drive the change story and communications; activate champions across Marine, Newbuild, Supply Chain, and Finance to embed new ways of working.
• Inspire and influence stakeholders by articulating a compelling vision for decarbonization and transformation, fostering buy‑in for new approaches.
• Facilitate cross‑functional workshops and decision forums to align stakeholders on priorities and execution plans.
• Represent the company in selected industry forums, partnerships, and collaborations as needed.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, develop, and mentor high‑performing teams across Strategy, Program Management, and Digital Solutions.
• Build organizational capability in decarbonization analytics, program leadership and execution, and systems‑based thinking and data‑driven decision making.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Financial Responsibilities

• Responsible for the oversight of the decarbonization capital portfolio and operational expenses.
• Strategizes with financial and accounting teams on economic feasibility analysis for project options, alternatives, and life cycle costs.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree with a concentration in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field with demonstrated program or transformation management experience.
• Experience: 15 years with 5‑7 years of experience leading a team.
• To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with little to no guidance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• A proven track record of leadership in developing and implementing decarbonization strategies, preferably within the maritime or cruise industry.
• In‑depth knowledge of sustainable practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory frameworks related to decarbonization.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate complex issues into actionable plans.
• Experience operating or partnering with a transformation office (TO) or PMO, with proven ability to run strict cadences, value tracking and OKRs/KPIs design, dashboarding and benefits realization.
• Expertise in change management, stakeholder mapping, and executive‑ready communications; able to influence without formal authority.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong leadership skills and proven experience in leading a medium to large size team of professionals.
• Solid written and verbal communications skills; particularly within a multicultural environment. Clear and precise communication with all levels of the organization are essential.
• Strong ability to interact with senior management team and build effective relationships within the company as well as with internal and external customers.
• Strong planning capabilities to identify and prioritize strategies and activities as well as to meet the deadlines required to support the overall business needs. Exceptional interpersonal, communication and listening skills, including the ability to adjust style to successfully implement ideas across the business/ships and effectively interact with external and internal channels.
• Strong decision‑making skills considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Creative and visionary thinker, able to challenge the status quo and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Detail oriented with excellent analytical, financial and spreadsheet modeling skills.
• Must possess knowledge of the hospitality industry, current market trends, and economic factors; preferably within an international organization and accustomed to working with a highly diverse and remote work group.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in dynamic, fast‑changing environments.
• Proven track record of resilient leadership, navigating ambiguity and overcoming obstacles to deliver transformative results.
• Understanding of advanced Engineering concepts, design theories and technical drawings necessary to assist in special project and dry dock planning.
• Excellent organization and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of accounting rules for expense and capital activities.
• Software: Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project required.
• Internal candidates: Knowledge of AMOS, Lotus Notes Database, the CAR process, budget, approval, reconciliation and reporting.
• Language requirements: Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific, engineering, and technical journals, business periodicals, financial reports, legal documents and government regulations. Ability to clearly and effectively present information to top management and public groups.