Director, Shipboard HR Operations

About the role

Oversee the functions and responsibilities of the on-board HR Department with emphasis on day‑to‑day operational shipboard HR functions such as employee relations, performance management and conflict resolution. Partner with shoreside VPs and shipboard senior leadership teams for HR guidance, support the VP in overall management and administration of the department, and ensure effective delivery of HR services to over 55,000 shipboard employees.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the functions and operations of the HR Dept onboard vessels, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of HR Services to over 55,000 shipboard employees.
• Plan, design, develop and evaluate human resource‑related initiatives that support organizational strategic goals.
• Serve as strategic partner shoreside providing professional advice and counsel to employees & management across employee relations and organizational matters: performance assessment and management, corrective actions, dispute resolutions and compensation.
• Work with on‑board leadership teams to drive positive employee relations by ensuring compliance with HR policies and procedures.
• Partner with Senior Officers and HR Directors to ensure correct resolution and consistent outcome across the fleet.
• Responsible for end‑to‑end development and design of HR Policies and HR Standard Operating Procedures for the fleet.
• Serve as liaison between HR and Operations leaders for projects requiring implementation for shipboard workforce ensuring regulatory, legal and MLC compliance.
• Review serious employee actions across the fleet to ensure compliance with culture and HR procedures to minimize risk.
• Work in tandem with management team to provide collaborative motivational and performance support.
• Identify, implement/coordinate programs or enhanced processes to encourage maximum productivity of HR employees; function as counsel to individual employees and support to the department head.
• Provide open and honest feedback and take appropriate action to improve performance where necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree – Required
• Master's Degree – Preferred
• Minimum 8‑10 years of progressive experience in Human Resource Management
• Extensive experience in employee relations investigating and resolving grievances and conflicts in a diverse environment.
• Shipboard HR experience is a plus.

Skills

• Understanding of workplace policies and procedures
• Familiarity with team collaboration tools and techniques
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain reliable and consistent attendance
• Capacity to be punctual and meet deadlines
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and work as part of a team
• Demonstrated professionalism in all interactions and tasks

Benefits

• Cost‑effective medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
• Company‑paid term life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Paid Time Off: 8 company‑