JOB PURPOSE
The Hotel Operations Director, New Builds, is the key leader and decision maker on behalf of Operations (Hotel, Entertainment, F&B) during the development, conception, building, and introduction phases of all new shipbuilding projects. This role will lead all aspects of new builds for MSC Cruises guest operations.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
•Ensure that new ships deliver guest satisfaction, onboard revenue, and expense targets;
•Guide operational decisions regarding the general design of the vessels and projects, ensuring all logistical and financial requirements are met;
•Drive the development of all new shipboard venues and programming, including but not limited to planning, financial review, establishing crew par levels, development of the positioning strategy, and meeting all budget requirements;
•Assist with the talent selection and development of all operational groups during all stages of the project;
•Act as a key gateway in the specific design (front and back of the house) of all venues, including F&B, guest services, entertainment, retail areas, gaming areas, medical facilities, all crew areas, staterooms, crew & officers cabins, public areas, etc.;
•Identify the need for additional resources & crew during the startup and inaugural period while partnering with event planning for all pre-inaugural functions, including pre-delivery events in the yard;
•Often represents VPs and department heads during the decision-making processes, taking the lead with Supply Chain, Newbuild, and the different operational sponsors for the timely definition of owners' supplies, which has implications for the life cycle of our fleet;
•Lead all projects in conjunction with Newbuild, IT and Operational groups to ensure feasibility, safety and practicality, and compile, plan and analyze the financial impact of startup projects;
•Define the allocation of spaces, lockers, and offices, as well as ensure the accuracy of the berthing arrangements. Serves as on-site lead for Operations during final building stages;
•Liaise with Yard, Newbuild office, functional support groups and shipboard management;
•Coordinate & participate in inspections during the final phase of construction to ensure work is completed professionally and accurately while adhering to the project schedule. Lead the owner's supply delivery process throughout the project. Ensure sufficient resources are assigned for the completion of all critical areas of the startup and revitalization process;
•Partner with Operations and Marketing to monitor current & future industry trends within the cruising and hospitality industries to formulate recommendations for innovative new concepts and venues;
•Lead the berthing of shoreside support teams, vendors, contractors and yard employees and supported Human Resources and shipboard management team in the planning and implementation of all training programs required for the crew during the startup period;
•Develop and lead a long-term strategic plan with Hotel Operations, Entertainment, F&B, and Newbuilding, which captures and addresses all phases of the concept, shipbuilding, and operational readiness until the project's launch. Provide regular updates and liaise weekly with the VP of Operations and other critical colleagues;
•Act as a key role in the planning and execution of all processes that are associated with Operations during the pre-post and startup phases;
•Participate in the development, planning, and execution of all revitalizations. This includes but is not limited to design, planning, financial review, establishing crew par levels, and other critical areas to ensure the success of all revitalization aspects;
•Establish and maintain effective communication with all parties involved in the revitalization, operational support and re-entering of service;
•Serve as an on-site representative for Hotel Operations. Liaises with yard, New Build team, functional support groups and shipboard management;
•Participate in inspections during the final phase of revitalization to ensure work is completed professionally and accurately whilst adhering to the project schedule.
QUALIFICATIONS (skills, competencies, experience)
•Fluent in English. Any additional language is an advantage.
•Bachelor in Business, Business Administration, Management a related field.
•10+ years of shipboard experience in a Senior Leadership position, preferably as Hotel Director.
•5+ years in a shoreside cruise line Head office in a leading position involved with the Newbuild departments and product design.
•Team player and collaborate with the other team members and stakeholders
•Financial acumen;
•Proficient with shipboard IT systems and have a clear understanding of their interaction.
•A proven Project Manager with a successful track record in an international environment.
•Important awareness about hotel and cruise industry trends and developments.
•Able to travel up to 75 % of the time between offices, ships and shipyards.
VISA REQUIREMENTS (if any)
•Valid Passport