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Job Description

*** This position has re- opened for an immediate start in the New Year - please reapply if you are interested***

Role: Hotel Operations Manager

Location: Hamburg, Germany
Working Model: Office-based hybrid, with travel required
Our client is seeking an experienced Hotel Operations Manager to oversee and develop hotel operations across their fleet and shore-based activities. This role reports directly to the General Manager and plays a key part in ensuring high-quality service delivery, operational excellence, and cost control.

Key Qualifications The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:
  • Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in hotel operations in a managerial position, either onboard a cruise ship or ashore
  • Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in an F&B management role, ideally onboard a cruise ship
  • Highly proficient in spoken and written English
  • Strong leadership, controlling, and communication skills
  • Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment
  • Solid knowledge of the hotel and cruise industry, including applicable rules and regulations
  • Profound knowledge of HACCP, US Vessel Sanitation Program, EU SHIPSAN, and MARPOL regulations
  • Appropriate level of commercial awareness
Key Responsibilities The Hotel Operations Manager will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
  • Establishing and leading the Hotel Operations Product Delivery Department
  • Managing designated hotel operational responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager
  • Working closely with the Corporate Chef, Restaurant & Bar Specialist, and Purchasing teams to ensure vessels operate in line with Service Level Agreements agreed with the Owner(s)
  • Maintaining effective cooperation with technical, marine, crewing, and operations departments to ensure smooth overall vessel operations
  • Overseeing quality standards for front-of-house equipment and services
  • Driving continuous improvement by creating, implementing, and communicating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Creating and reviewing annual hotel operations budgets in line with Owners’ financial year guidelines
  • Managing overall cost control and accountability for hotel operations budgets versus actual costs
  • Monitoring and following up on budget reports, inventory reports, and other required operational reports
  • Assisting with the supervision and completion of health and hygiene tasks onboard
  • Providing hotel operational support to assigned vessels and Owner(s), particularly in urgent situations
  • Maintaining ongoing communication with the Head of Hotel Department and conducting periodic inspections of assigned vessels
  • Developing and maintaining departmental hotel operations manuals
  • Assisting in the preparation of contractual agreements with hotel services and catering providers
  • Promoting internal awareness of customer requirements and hotel & catering provider standards across the leisure group
  • Participating in assigned projects as required
This is an excellent opportunity for a hospitality professional with strong cruise or maritime experience to take on a senior operational role within a dynamic international environment.

*** You MUST hold the right to live and work in the EU - no Visa assistance is provided ***