Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, Cruise Academy specializes in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise sector. We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency.
We are seeking a seasoned Shipboard HR Director for a small cruise line to engage in ad hoc, short contracts (no fixed rotations).
This role involves establishing the HR department, leading projects, and providing consistency for an expanding fleet.
Initial availability is required at the beginning of August.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a shipboard HR Director, with strong skills in employee relations and organizational development, and a natural talent for coaching and mentoring.
We are looking for someone who can lead with humility, inspire a diverse team, and quickly build rapport and respect.
This position is perfect for a semi-retired professional or someone looking for flexibility without the commitment of fixed rotations.
Responsibilities: Responsible for providing leadership in the area of employee relations; internal guidance and assistance to Senior Officers, Department Heads and Shipboard Managers on human resources issues.
Provides an accessible, nurturing environment to handle employee relations issues, using effective conflict resolution, assist in arbitrating disputes and resolving grievances, while guiding team members towards the correct outcome.
In partnership with Senior Officers, takes a leadership role onboard implementing and sustaining the Company Values.
Leads Human Resources initiatives designed to engrain the Company Values in the organization including training, daily communication and recognition programs designed to highlight the specific behaviors that create exceptional guest service.
Leads investigations in any Human Resources related issue such as workplace conflict, employee work performance, harassment and minor infractions of shipboard and department rules.
Collaborates and consults with other members of the onboard Disciplinary Committee in matters related to investigations, employee issues and employee actions.
In consultation with Department Heads and Senior Officers, facilitates all employee separation and breach-of-contract actions (terminations, end-of-contract requests, suspensions, resignations and emergencies) to ensure they are processed in adherence with Company policies.
Is present in separation meetings and conducts exit interviews where necessary.
Keeps the relevant Shipboard Management appraised and updated Ensures the efficient operation of the Shipboard Human Resources Department including the effective management and courteous execution of on-board services provided through the Team Services Office and Learning Resource Center, including the entire on-boarding and off-boarding process of team members.
Manages and controls departmental expenditure within established budgets.
Represents the HR Department in a professional manner, follows high standards of ethical conduct and always portrays a positive and professional image that is essential to the role/position.
Responsible for assisting the Captain with maintaining compliance with MLC 2006 regulations.
This includes, but not limited to; being a resource for department managers on ILO and MLC 2006 policies, compliance with Time and Attendance policy, Grievance Policy, administrative requirements on seafarer contracts and validity of medical certificates.
Responsible for the effective management of crew accommodations onboard according to established crew accommodations plan, manning budgets and berthing guidelines and policies.
This also includes the approval of cohabitation requests and in consultation with shipboard leadership the appropriate prioritization of spare cabins.
Responsible for facilitating employee cruise benefits, including the approval and processing of cabin booking requests in adherence to the established policies and guidelines.
Responsible for the review and approval of employee expense reports to ensure team members are reimbursed as per established travel policy and other CCL expense reimbursement guidelines.
Supports and actively contributes to all initiatives that drive Safety, Reliability and Security measures on board.
In collaboration with the Shipboard Leadership team, plays an active role in reviewing employee survey results and is actively involved in the strategic action-planning and goal-setting process to address employee feedback.
Takes a leadership role with Senior Officers and Shipboard Management in the "Quality of Life" and overall "Employee Experience" onboard.
Responsible for overseeing crew activities, the establishment of a voluntary crew activities committee, chairs the monthly crew activity meeting, and oversees all activities as per crew activity guidelines.
Is the main contact onboard for the Crew Care Team, including notifications shore side, liaising with department heads and onboard medical team and providing emotional support to team members in a time of crisis.
In partnership with Department Heads, plays a vital role in positively communicating organizational change initiatives and new company policies & procedures that affect shipboard employees.
Conducts effective, motivational performance management of the onboard Human Resources Team, including coaching, training and mentoring as well as frequent feedback in the form of documented personal development plans, performance records and periodic performance evaluations, as per established departmental guidelines and timeframes.
Communicates effectively with shore side Human Resources, seeks guidance when necessary on challenging HR issues and reaches out for clarification on policy to ensure a fair an consistent approach.
Ensures confidentiality and discretion of all employee information including, but not limited to, discipline, investigations, management decisions and other sensitive information and matters of a private nature.
Participates in onboard meetings; Monthly Departmental meetings, Shipboard Safety meetings, Hotel Management and Senior Officers meetings.
Responsible for facilitating the "Change of Department Requests" as per company procedure.
This includes interviewing candidates.
Supports the promotion process onboard, ensuring that transparency, fairness, sufficient skill level and experience for positions are considered.
Facilitates onboard employee recognition initiatives and the organizing of appropriate functions.
Proactively visits and monitors employee work areas to ensure there is a positive work environment.
Interacts fully with all employees and monitors guest service levels by observing and engaging with team members in their work area.
Responsible for leadership development onboard including feedback, assessments and training.
Develops, evaluates and modifies Human Resources processes, policies and procedures to ensure that shipboard departments can comply with company, legal and regulatory requirements.
Coordinates, and is actively involved in special projects, and fulfils any other associated requirement as directed by the Captain or Fleet HR Director/Director of Shipboard HR Operations.
Experience and Education: Undergraduate Degree in Human Resources, Psychology or similar.
Global Human Resources Certification (GPHR preferred).
Coaching certification 4+ years' land based experience as a HR Business Partner/HR advisor or equivalent role (preferably in an international environment).
A minimum of 2 years serving as a Human Resources Director onboard a cruise ship (non-negotiable).
Extensive employee relations and investigations experience.
Contract: Ad-hoc contracts as per business needs (averaging 3-4 months in length) Single cabin accommodation with private bathroom facilities.
