Human Resources Director

Shipboard Human Resources Management position that works under the direction of the Captain with operational guidance from the Director Shipboard Talent Management and other areas of Shipboard Talent Management. This role coordinates, executes, and completes all HR-related tasks in assigned locations.

About the role

The Human Resources Director provides generalist support to the Deck, Engine, and Hotel Departments as well as multi-discipline Human Resources Support in training, Company policies and procedures, employee relations matters, performance management, and administration. This role also assists and guides shipboard management when handling human resources issues and acts as the liaison between corporate and shipboard operations to ensure successful implementation of HR initiatives. Maintains a close and highly responsive relationship with all client groups.

Responsibilities

• Provides general advice and human resource direction when advising management in employee-related issues.
• Participates in all Master’s hearings as an objective advisor to provide input and guidance in all ship HR matters.
• Conducts and/or supports shipboard training regarding senior-level HR topics (e.g., sexual harassment, etc.).
• Promotes organizational effectiveness by monitoring issues such as employee relations, conflict/grievance mediation and resolution, performance management, succession planning, career path, and tracking.
• Ensures compliance with various Collective Bargaining Agreements, with the goal of consistency in application across the vessel.
• Responsible for crew well-being, comfort, and engagement by working closely with the HR Operations Manager, Training Specialists, and Crew Entertainment Chairperson ensuring preparation and distribution of all pertinent information for all employee compensation, benefits, and Human Resources policy implementation, including, but not limited to: cruise “comp” privileges, nutrition (quantity/quality of food in Crew Messes), general life onboard, uniforms, sign-on/sign-off process, updates to entitlement grid, succession list compliance, internal promotion procedures, leave of absence (compassionate leave, medical, and maternity), retirement, service awards, Vacation Hero Awards Program, and other company/morale-building programs.
• Ensures that ship-specific HR practices are in compliance with all legal, shipboard, and company safety requirements.
• Nurtures an international environment that fosters a committed team that continually builds upon service excellence in all areas of ship operations.
• Attends meetings, training, and courses that work to ensure that the Human Resource function strives for international best practices within the stated corporate objectives of Norwegian.
• Supports the Master in communicating company initiatives and strategic objectives to all crewmembers.
• Acts as the ship's liaison with regards to all contract discrepancies, permanent position changes, and all inquiries received by the Shipboard HR Ops. office.
• Oversees time/attendance and scheduling policies and procedures for all shipboard employees. Performs random audits on time sheets to ensure accuracy and compliance with MLC 2006 mandates regarding crew work and rest hours. Acts as the ship’s Compliance Officer with regards to all MLC 2006 audits.
• Partners with the appropriate shipboard and shore-side contacts to conduct all Human Resources-related investigations, such as: sexual harassment, discrimination, harassment, retaliation claims, and performance management issues. Presents findings and suggested course of action to the Staff Captain who oversees discipline onboard.
• Coordinates with ship management regarding crew disciplinary issues to ensure that the methods, means, and rationale for progressive discipline are fair and consistent.
• Partners and supports vessel security officers when needed, to collect information regarding investigational matters that overlap with HR matters such as: workplace violence, drug/alcohol violations, theft, and other related issues.
• Coaches ship management on the methods and means of fair and consistent performance management processes.
• Coordinates with Shipboard Talent Management and/or Shipboard HR Ops. to provide recommendations for job description updates.
• Coordinates with medical staff to properly manage all medical and workers’ compensation cases.
• Manages the Vacation Hero Awards process and ensures that this program is conducted on schedule.
• Must have regularly scheduled office hours to be available to meet with employees regarding any issues they may be experiencing.
• Assists union representatives when visiting to ensure that they have accommodations and a regular meeting place to interact with the corresponding crew members.
• Must be familiar with the Safety and Environmental Protection Policy and the SMS, and carry out the policies and procedures appropriate for his/her position.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as directed.

Requirements

• Intermediate to Advanced verbal and written level of English is required.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
• Three years of human resources-related experience, preferably in an international environment, is required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Psychology, or related field is required. Some related experience may substitute for this education requirement at an equivalent rate.