Head of Brazil Plan Approval Centre
Posting Date: 18 May 2026
Location: Rio de Janeiro, BR, 20011-904
Contract Type: Permanent
Level of experience: Senior
RINA is currently recruiting for a Head of Brazil Plan Approval Centre to join its office in Rio de Janeiro within the Latin America Marine Division.
Mission
Strengthen the competitiveness of the Marine Region by leading and coordinating all drawing approval and new building survey activities within the Country, ensuring full compliance with international and flag state requirements. Drive the achievement of commercial, quality, and technical objectives — including revenue growth, margin optimization, and effective resource management — while delivering high‑value maritime services in full alignment with RINA procedures and standards. Foster a culture of continuous development, empowering teams and enhancing competencies to meet evolving market needs. Ensure operational excellence and maximum client satisfaction through expert technical leadership and local oversight.
Key Accountabilities
* Lead and supervise all drawing approval and new building survey activities within the Country.
* Ensure full compliance of designs with international regulations and flag state requirements.
* Deliver services according to applicable rules, procedures, and working tools, maintaining the highest technical standards.
* Achieve commercial, technical, and operational targets including revenue growth, margin improvement, credit collection, and resource optimization.
* Actively contribute to the competitiveness of the Marine Region and Area by driving consistent, high‑quality service delivery.
* Monitor and control local performance indicators, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies.
* Act as a subject matter expert, offering high‑level maritime technical advice and consultancy.
* Verify the technical consistency and quality of documentation and reports in compliance with internal procedures.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service effectiveness and innovation.
* Guide and support the professional growth of the plan approval team, promoting upskilling and motivation.
* Identify and nurture talent in line with RINA business goals and evolving industry demands.
* Foster a collaborative and performance‑driven culture, ensuring a high level of employee engagement and satisfaction.
* Guarantee the highest level of client satisfaction through proactive communication, technical excellence, and responsive service delivery.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including shipyards, designers, flag authorities, and international clients.
* Ensure client needs are met with professionalism, agility, and strategic foresight.
Technical Skill
* Review and approve drawings, including autonomous ship technology and cyber security, on ships, offshore units, and marine equipment, in compliance with Class Rules and Statutory Regulations for new buildings, ships in service, and ship’s conversions.
* Assist clients during the design and construction phase, providing guidance and support related to electrical and automation systems on ships, including autonomous ship technology and cyber security.
* Prepare the project deliverables (technical reports, project performance documentation and engineering drawings, etc.).
* Assess minor structural problems for internal/external clients to determine solutions with minimal supervision.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Naval Engineering
Qualifications
* Professional experience in the marine or ship classification industry, with a strong background in plan approval and newbuilding survey processes, including direct involvement in the assessment of ship design documentation and onsite technical verification.
* Solid knowledge of classification society rules (e.G., RINA, IACS), international regulations (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Line, ISM Code), and flag state requirements.
* Proficiency in evaluating ship structures, stability, safety systems, propulsion and auxiliary systems, automation, and electrical installations.
* Experience reviewing and approving drawings for various ship types (cargo, passenger, offshore units) and familiarity with modern ship design tools and processes.
* Ability to interpret complex engineering documents, standards, and specifications, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
* Familiarity with technical software for structural analysis, stability calculations, and CAD‑based design reviews.
* Knowledge of digital approval platforms and document management systems used in classification processes.
* Experience with project management tools and methodologies applied to technical service delivery.
* Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and technical accuracy.
* Proven leadership and team management skills, mentoring and guiding multidisciplinary technical teams.
* Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, engaging confidently with clients, flag administrations, and internal departments.
* Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory;
proficiency in additional languages is an asset.
Additional Information
* Office located in Centro (RJ).
* Hybrid work regime (after first period 100% on site).
* All positions are available to people with disabilities (PwD / PCD).
* 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.
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