Technical and QHSE Director (W/M/X) // Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Company Description

Orient Express

Artisan of Travel since 1883, Orient Express is a legendary brand, deeply rooted in history and admired by generations past, present, and future. As a symbol of ultra-luxury hospitality, the brand is currently undergoing an ambitious phase of rebirth and expansion accelerated since 2024 as a Joint Venture between ACCOR and LVMH. 

Our unparalleled portfolio redefines luxury travel and hospitality. At its heart is the iconic Orient Express, with its legendary carriages reimagined as a modern tribute to French luxury. We further expand this vision through strategic partnerships, including our collaboration with ARSENALE Group to launch 'La Dolce Vita' — a train celebrating Italian art de vivre — and introduce exquisite hotels such as O.E La Minerva in Rome, with O.E Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice soon to follow. Additionally, our collaboration with Orient Express Sailing Yachtsbrings to life the Orient Express Corinthian, poised to be the world’s largest sailing ship.

While redefining the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express places particular emphasis on the employee experience, development, and engagement. 

Orient Express Sailing Yachts

140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the launch of the world's largest sailing ships, the Orient Express Corinthian. A revolution in maritime history, and a fabulous project that pushes back the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the world's leading cruise ship builder. This extraordinary sailing ship of the future, with its spectacular interiors, will set sail in 2026.

Job Description

Reporting to the Fleet Director, the Technical & QHSE Director is responsible for the technical supervision, operational compliance, and oversight of the Ship Manager (V.Ships Leisure) for the entire Orient Express Sailing Yachts fleet.

He/she ensures the safety, technical performance, and environmental compliance of the vessels, as well as the implementation and monitoring of the Integrated Management System (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment). Acting as the key interface between the Owner and the Ship Manager, the Technical & QHSE Director guarantees alignment of operations with the brand’s standards of excellence and image.

Main Responsibilities:

Technical Supervision & Maintenance

• Monitor vessel availability, performance, and technical compliance in coordination with V.Ships Leisure.
• Oversee the planning and execution of dry-docks, warranty works, and maintenance budgets.
• Lead technical audits and inspections (Class, Flag, Insurers, etc.).

QHSE & Regulatory Compliance                                                

• Ensure implementation and follow-up of the Safety Management System (ISM, ISPS, MLC, MARPOL, ISO).
• Analyze incidents, define corrective actions, and ensure follow-up.
• Oversee risk management, carbon footprint assessments, and environmental regulatory monitoring.

Ship Manager Oversight (V.Ships Leisure)

• Define KPIs and performance objectives of the ship management contract.
• Review monthly reports and arbitrate strategic technical decisions related to the fleet.
• Coordinate with V.Ships teams in charge of technical management, HSE, and compliance.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and integrate new technologies enhancing performance, safety, and environmental responsibility.
• Promote operational excellence, internal audits, and process digitalization.

Institutional Relations & Brand Standards

• Represent the Owner before maritime authorities, classification societies, and technical partners.
• Uphold Orient Express’s standards of excellence in the technical and environmental management of vessels

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Strong command of international and French maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, MLC).
• Proven experience in fleet technical management, QHSE, and ship manager oversight.
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects and lead multi-stakeholder interfaces.
• Fluent in English (technical and professional).
• Leadership, strategic thinking, rigor, and innovative mindset.

Education & Experience:

• Degree in Merchant Marine, Naval Engineering, or equivalent (ENSM, École Polytechnique, etc.).
• Minimum 10 years experience in technical fleet management, QHSE leadership, and ship management supervision.
• Previous experience within a shipping company or ship management organization is highly valued.

Additional Information

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Accor?

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality.

We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit  https://careers.accor.com/

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.