Head of Ferry Design

Posting Date: 7 Apr 2026

City: Helsinki

Location: Helsinki, FI, 00810 Turku, FI, 20700 Rotterdam, NL, 3011 TA Hamburg, DE, 20457 Piraeus, GR, 18545 Tallin, EE, 11415 Rauma, FI, 28100

Contract Type: Permanent

Level of experience: Senior

Foreship ( part of RINA) is currently recruiting for a Head of Ferry Design to join its office in Helsinki within the Marine Design & Engineering Division.

Mission

The role focuses on overseeing the design and delivery of ferry projects, participating in sales initiatives, and contributing to strategic growth. This is a senior role requiring a combination of technical expertise, project management and commercial skills. #FORESHIP

Key Accountabilities

• Develop, and then lead the ferry design team, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables and compliance with classification societies and client specifications.
• Oversee complex ferry design projects, from concept to delivery, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
• Support innovation and integration of new technologies in ferry and other ship projects.

Project Management

• Act as Project Manager for key ferry projects, ensuring effective coordination between internal teams/clients, and be in charge of the general arrangement development.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to project managers, designers, and engineers within the ferries division.
• Monitor project performance, risk, and resource allocation.

Sales & Business Development

• Lead ferry-related sales activities, building strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with the sales team to prepare proposals, technical offers, and commercial bids.
• Contribute to strategic planning and market positioning for the ferries division.

Cross-Functional Contribution

• Support other shipbuilding projects (e.g., cruise ships, new technology vessels) as a senior technical advisor.
• Provide guidance and expertise on design innovation, regulatory compliance, and project execution across teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related discipline.
• +10 years of experience in ferry design, naval architecture, and related shipbuilding projects.
• Proven experience in as Project Manager, team lead or department head is a must.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and classification society requirements for ferries.
• Strong technical skills with proficiency in AutoCAD and other naval architecture software.
• Excellent client-facing and communication skills, capable of leading project sales activities.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken is required. Additional languages such as Finnish, would represent a plus.
• Solid organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage priorities under tight schedules.
• Availability to travel as needed.
• DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN - Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.
• INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE - Skills and strategies we use to interact effectively with others.
• WORKPLACE DYNAMICS - Resourcefulness in shaping progress and working efficiently.
• FORESIGHT & INSIGHT - Context awareness adopting a systemic perspective and informed decision making.
• PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT - Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.

RINA is a multinational company providing a wide range of services in the energy, marine, certification, infrastructure & mobility, industry, research & development sectors. Our business model covers the full process of project development, from concept to completion.

At RINA, we endeavor to create a work environment where every single person is valued and encouraged to develop new ideas. We provide equal employment opportunities and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and safe from discrimination or harassment of any kind. We are also compliant to the Italian Law n. 68/99.