Travelling Head of Hotel Services & Product Development
placePorto, Porto, Portugal
event_available12/05/25
Nova!placePorto, Porto, Portugal
event_available12/05/25
Nova!Mystic Cruises is a leading expedition ocean cruise line that offers an intimate and eco-friendly way to explore some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. We provide a five-star service that brings our guests up close and personal with the beauty of nature, from Antarctica to the Arctic region, Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Our ships are designed to sail into landmark cities and small, exclusive ports that larger vessels cannot reach, providing our guests with unforgettable experiences.
At Mystic Cruises, we are committed to environmental sustainability and have implemented innovative technologies on our ships to minimize our impact on the environment. We also believe in the value of our employees and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.
If you are passionate about travel, committed to sustainability, and eager to contribute your ideas to a team that values collaboration and innovation, then Mystic Cruises might be the perfect place for you. We are looking for talented individuals who want to be a part of our DNA and help us continue to provide exceptional experiences to our guests. Together Cruising the World! Come join us!
Mission Statement
Deliver exceptional and consistent hotel experiences across all vessels, driving satisfaction, operational excellence, and continuous innovation, while ensuring expectations are met across U.S., German, and B2B charter operations (French, Expedition).
Job Summary
As Travelling Head of Hotel Services & Product Development, you will oversee shipboard hotel operations and ensure smooth coordination with shoreside departments, including HR, Purchasing, Marine, and Compliance. You will lead the ongoing development of our hospitality experience, act as a mentor to onboard teams, and serve as the gatekeeper of operational standards and company values across our fleet.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- All onboard Heads of Department (HODs)
- Hotel-related positions across the company fleet
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee all hotel departments onboard, including Reception/Guest Services, Restaurant & Bars, Purser/Administration, Housekeeping, Land Programs, and Entertainment
- Lead full hotel operations, including guest services, F&B, housekeeping, finance, excursions, and administration
- Prepare and manage the annual hotel budget in line with company goals
- Maintain responsibility for achieving company KPIs in revenue, cost control, and guest satisfaction
- Review and oversee onboard financial reporting
- Act as the primary point of contact for charter partners, ensuring their service standards are consistently met and exceeded
- Guide product development and innovation tailored to U.S., German, French, and other key markets
- Supervise hotel maintenance in collaboration with the technical team and service vendors
- Ensure compliance with maritime and hospitality industry regulations (CLIA, ISM Code, HACCP, etc.)
- Promote and enforce company culture, values, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Oversee project rollouts and support the implementation of new service initiatives
- Support training and development programs for hotel staff at all levels
- Participate in HR planning and succession development
- Serve as a key member of the company’s Emergency Response Team
- Review and approve all non-food procurement orders from vessels
- Coordinate quality assurance initiatives aligned with SOPs and service standards
Required Skills & Competencies
- Demonstrated leadership in managing multicultural, multinational hotel teams
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (C1 level minimum)
- Strong coaching, training, and team development ability
- Confident presenter and communicator across all organizational levels
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
- Experience with dry docks and refurbishment projects is a plus
- Flexibility and willingness to travel frequently across the fleet
- Working knowledge of hotel quality and compliance systems
Education & Experience Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a Hotel Director onboard a cruise vessel
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field
- Completion of a recognized Hotel Management program is highly preferred
- Background in expedition cruising and long-duration/world cruises preferred
- Fluency in English; German language skills considered an asset
Reporting To:
Senior Director of Operations
Formação mínima: Sem formação
Experiência: Não é necessário
Categoria profissional: Indefinido
Residência: Indiferente