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Job Description


Hotel Operations Manager – Cruise Sector
Hamburg, Germany (Hybrid Working Model)
Starting from €60,000 gross per annum + Annual Bonus + Relocation Support
April Start Preferred | Immediate Interviews Available

An exciting opportunity has re-opened for an experienced Hotel Operations Manager to join a leading cruise organisation overseeing hotel operations across a single-vessel and associated shore-side activities.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, financial performance, and premium service delivery across extensive multi-outlet F&B operations (16 restaurants, 14 bars).
This is a strategic, commercially focused leadership role ideal for a cruise hotel professional to further develop within a shore-based corporate environment.

The Role

As Hotel Operations Manager, you will lead and develop the Hotel Operations Product Delivery function, ensuring the vessel operates in line with agreed Service Level Agreements and brand standards.

You will collaborate closely with the Corporate Chef, Restaurant & Bar Specialists, Purchasing, Technical, Marine, Crewing, and Operations teams to ensure seamless vessel performance and exceptional guest experience delivery.

Key Responsibilities
  • Establish and lead the Hotel Operations Product Delivery Department
  • Drive operational excellence across hotel and F&B departments
  • Develop, implement and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Create and manage annual hotel operations budgets aligned with Owner financial guidelines
  • Maintain strict cost control and accountability across hotel operations
  • Monitor budget, inventory, and operational performance reports
  • Oversee front-of-house equipment and service quality standards
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP, US Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), EU SHIPSAN and MARPOL regulations
  • Support vessels during urgent operational matters
  • Conduct vessel inspections and maintain communication with onboard Hotel Leadership
  • Assist in contractual agreements with hotel and catering providers
  • Promote internal awareness of guest expectations and service standards across the organisation
  • Present confidently at board level when required
Candidate Profile

Essential:
  • Sea-going cruise experience
  • Minimum 2 years’ hotel operations management experience (onboard)
  • Minimum 5 years’ F&B management experience (cruise experience strongly preferred)
  • Strong commercial and budget management expertise
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Confident senior-level communicator with strong presentation skills
  • Solid understanding of cruise regulations and compliance frameworks
Preferred:
  • Previous General Manager / Hotel Manager level experience
  • Shore-side corporate cruise experience
Working Model & Package
  • Hybrid role based in Hamburg, Germany
  • Limited quarterly travel required
  • Starting salary from €60,000 gross
  • Annual performance bonus
  • Relocation support available
  • Immediate interview process
Important You must hold the right to live and work in the EU. No visa sponsorship is available.
If you are a commercially driven cruise hotel leader ready to take the next strategic step in your career, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact us directly for a confidential discussion.