PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Director Onboard Operations is in charge of an entire division (several Operations) of vessels. His/her responsibility is to ensure all vessels within this division operate according to the Viking River Cruise Service Standards, within budget, safety regulations and given itineraries. The Director Onboard Operations coordinates successfully with different stakeholders to ensure a great travel experience for our guests.
The Director of Onboard Operations reports directly to the Vice President Onboard Operations. This position is based in the Operational Headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and involves extensive travel (30-60%).
Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Crew staffing
• Managing several Operations Managers and their teams (an Operation typically consists of 4-7 vessels with approx. 50 crew each) as well as head office support staff
• Conduct performance evaluations with regional staff and engage in their development
• Assist in creating development plans and training initiatives for corporate staff and support the training department in the implementation of training initiatives
• Assist in the recruitment of senior management staff (Corporate & Crew)
Product Development & Quality Standards
• Implement new product standards and product improvements (also driving sales and corporate goals)
• Evaluate guest/ship management and Corporate feedback to further improve on-board services
• Develop the operational infrastructure in order to launch new products or itineraries
• Lead and work with special project groups in order to further develop the brand in the long term as well as the day to day operation in the short term
• Define product and service standards
• Design operating processes, supporting tools and infrastructure
• Define quality audits/review processes
Itinerary Planning
• Plan on-board related functions and Events according to itinerary
• Approve deviation schedules according to elevation levels
• Plan major deviation events also during unusual business hours such as weekends or during nights
• Approve area deviation plans in liaison with the Director of Nautical Operations
• Communicate across various departments in a fast, efficient and highly accurate manner, following clearly structured communication lines
• Define product and service standards in liaison with the Director of Land Operations
• Plan operational events for each operational area that will support and educate teams
F&B & Meal Planning
• Approve menu and consumption plans (this also includes adherence to budget guidelines andinventory list)
Replenishment
• Approve replenishments and investments according to budget plan
• Define delivery schedules in liaison with the Purchasing Department
• Select vendors in liaison with the Purchasing Department
QUALIFICATION PROFILE
• Graduate education within the hotel industry, preferably degree in hotel management or brand management or business
• Several years of professional management experience in a corporate role within the hotel, cruise or travel industry
• Has previous project management experience and is able to lead teams on an operational level as well as on a strategic level in order to drive the product and keep the daily operation running
• Excellent English skills (written & verbal ideally on a native level), other languages are an advantage, but not a requirement
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent management, organizational and communication skills
• Open minded and flexible with high social competencies
• Strongly guest-focused
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, “can-do” attitude with tenacity to find out information as well as tactful, diplomatic approach
• Proactive self-starter, willing to do what is needed to complete a task
• Stress resistant, calm under pressure, team player
• Able to work within an environment of rapid change
• Inter-cultural competencies - showing awareness of cultural and managerial differences
• Must work independently and prioritizes workload using good judgement to meet deadlines
• Must have analytical skills to analyze data and produce meaningful reports
• Must be willing to be available on-call during unusual business hours in unusual circumstances
• Must have a valid driver’s license and able to travel extensively (up to 60%) within the target area
WHAT WE OFFER
• Employee restaurant (including free soft drinks, coffee, tea)
• Regular company events, e.g. sports games, BBQ, cooking classes
• A dynamic and fast-growing environment where you can drive your future
• A free cruise for you and your +1 every two years
• A highly talented, passionate and international team
If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website, including a cover letter (one page, introducing yourself and outlining why you are interested in the role) as well as your CV and relevant references.