Divisional Director of Engineering - Trains and Cruises

JOB TITLE: DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING, TRAINS AND CRUISES 

Location: preferred London base with travel required 

Reporting to: Senior Vice President, Trains and Cruises 

Role Overview: As Divisional Director of Engineering, you will be a visionary and strategic leader, overseeing all engineering aspects across our diverse fleet of luxury, heritage rail carriages. This pivotal role demands a blend of technical mastery, operational excellence, and commercial focus. You will ensure impeccable safety, reliability, availability, and best practices within the railway industry, complying with international and local railway standards, while driving innovation and efficiency and upholding Belmond's commitment to unparalleled guest experiences. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual with a passion for excellence, cultural awareness, and an unswerving approach to maintaining the highest standards. 

Primary Responsibilities Include: 

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Define and execute the technical vision and engineering strategy for the division, aligning with overall business objectives and brand standards. Lead the development and implementation of long-range engineering plans, including capital improvement projects, fleet modernization, and technological advancements, working with local teams to implement them. Assist with the development of the depot and maintenance strategy for each train and region. 

• Operational Excellence & Fleet Management: Oversee the complete engineering lifecycle for all assets, from design and construction to registration, deployment, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. Ensure the structural integrity, operational efficiency, and safety of all luxury trains. Develop and implement rigorous inspections and assessments, repairs and restoration processes, robust maintenance schedules, engineering protocols, and root cause analysis to maximize reliability and minimize downtime. 

• Safety, Quality & Compliance: Champion a proactive safety culture, ensuring strict adherence to all safety regulations, protocols, and environmental stewardship guidelines. Implement rigorous quality control measures to maintain the luxurious standards and guest experience expected across the fleet. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing design, construction, refurbishment, and operation for all businesses. 

• Financial Management & Resource Allocation: Develop and manage comprehensive budgets for the engineering division, ensuring cost-effective solutions while meeting quality standards. Effectively manage resources, including budgeting, staffing, and allocation, to meet project timelines and operational needs. 

• Talent Management: Promote a positive organisational culture that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and performance excellence. Lead, mentor, and develop multiple engineering teams across the division, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and innovation. Recruit, train, and manage engineering talent, ensuring adequate staffing and expertise. 

About Us 

Belmond Trains & Cruises whisk guests away on evocative adventures across land and water. The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journeys between captivating European cities. Sister train British Pullman runs lavish day excursions around the UK from London. Royal Scotsman offers thrilling escapes in the Scottish Highlands. Eastern & Oriental Express connects ancient wonders and cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia. On the water, Les Bateaux Belmond luxury barges cruise through Burgundy, Champagne, and Provence. 

The Belmond & LVMH Family 

We are proud to be part of LVMH and the Belmond global collection of iconic hotels, trains, and river cruises, all creating exceptional experiences worldwide. When you join the Belmond Trains & Cruises division, you join a global family of history-rich hotels and breathtaking destinations, where our employees are at the heart of the Belmond experience. 

Requirements

What You Bring: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. 

• 15+ years of progressive experience in engineering leadership roles, with significant experience in rail environments, preferably within the luxury travel or passenger transport sectors. 

• Proven track record of managing complex engineering projects and leading multidisciplinary teams. 

• Extensive knowledge of rail systems, engineering, and technical specifications for interoperability (engines, rolling stock, infrastructure, etc.). 

• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development and management. 

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels. 

• Ability to make effective decisions under pressure and in challenging conditions. 

• Willingness to travel to various operational sites, shipyards, and manufacturing facilities. 

• English, French, and Italian languages positive. 

• A robust commercial acumen with an exceptional understanding of market dynamics and business strategies, and an ability to drive profitable growth. 

• At all times, you will embrace and deliver the Vision of Belmond and strive towards the company's strategy of being the world's most desirable luxury travel brand. 

Benefits

What We Offer: 

At Belmond Trains & Cruises, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture built on kindness, active listening, and genuine connections with our colleagues and guests. We offer a comprehensive range of compensation, perks, and benefits, including: 

• Competitive salaries and health insurance plans. 

• Complimentary and preferred rate experiences at our iconic destinations. 

• Wellness programmes. 

We strive to create an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a commitment to your ongoing development, you'll have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Join us and be part of creating unforgettable moments for our guests, communities, and each other. 

This is your moment. Apply today!