Vice President of Hotel Operations

Overview Awarded World's Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world's best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three sailing yachts and three all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 310 guests and cruise around the world. Our Mission : We imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary Our Vision : Enriching people's perspective through inspired travel Our Values : W elcoming, I nnovative, N ow, D iscipline, S erve, T eamwork, A uthentic, R esponsible As the leader overseeing the company's hotel operations and product development, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of onboard hotel services, entertainment, food & beverage, product development, guest relations, and loyalty programs. Your role is crucial in ensuring exceptional service delivery and adherence to safety and regulatory standards while driving profitability and enhancing guest satisfaction. Responsibilities Guest Experience: Create and execute programs that align with the brand's platform and enhance the onboard guest experience. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement short and long-term goals to improve guest and crew experiences, and boost company profitability. Safety & Compliance: Ensure the safe operation of vessels and adherence to SEMS, CDC guidelines, and other regulatory requirements. Financial Oversight: Analyze monthly financial reports with the Director of Food & Beverage, Manager of Hotel Operations, and Hotel Managers; develop strategies to achieve budgetary goals. Cost Management: Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives to meet financial targets. Team Leadership: Recruit, develop, and train the onboard management team, and collaborate with leadership to create annual and multi-year operational plans. Performance Review: Collaborate with the Guest Relations, Pre/Post Cruise & Loyalty Manager to review voyage ratings and vessel Cruise End Reports, and create action plans to address performance issues. Food & Beverage: Partner with the Director of Food & Beverage to oversee and direct food and beverage programs. Administration: Coordinate with the Manager of Hotel Operations on all administrative aspects of fleet operations. Entertainment: Oversee onboard entertainment programs and activities, ensuring they meet or exceed quality standards. Product Development: Guide the Product Development team (Shorex) through the Director of Product Development to enhance land offerings and revenue opportunities. Voyage Development: Support the creation of new voyage options. Standards & SOPs: Contribute to the formulation and administration of company standards and SOPs. Fleet Visits: Participate in visits to the fleet as part of the leadership support team. Qualifications This role demands a dynamic leader with a strong focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and financial performance. Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in hotel management, specifically in cruise or resort settings, with a preference for experience on cruise ships. Technical & Analytical Skills: Strong strategic planning abilities with a proven track record in developing and implementing short and long-term operational goals. Proficient in technical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions. Demonstrated expertise in accounting procedures and financial software, with a solid understanding of budget management and cost-saving strategies. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively relating to employees at all organizational levels. Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships in a diverse, multicultural environment. Experience in leading and training teams, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Operational & Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of quality control standards and practices, with a focus on continuous improvement. Comprehensive understanding of public health and sanitation regulations, particularly as they pertain to cruise ship operations. Familiarity with cruise ship catering operations and related procedures. Leadership & Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage onboard hotel services, entertainment, wellness, and food & beverage programs effectively. Proven experience in overseeing and enhancing guest experiences, with a focus on aligning with brand standards and strategic objectives. Experience in developing and executing cost-saving programs and strategies. Personal Attributes: Strong judgment and operational focus, with a commitment to upholding the values and standards of Windstar Cruises. Ability to work independently and travel extensively as required by the role. Must be independently eligible to work in the U.S. EEO: Windstar is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.