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Job Description

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for hospitality and maritime operations? We are seeking a Director of Fleet Facilities to oversee the management and continuous improvement of all hotel and crew facilities across our global fleet. In this pivotal role, you will ensure that every onboard space – from guest-facing areas to behind-the-scenes operations – meets world-class standards, delivering a superior experience for both guests and crew.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Fleetwide Facilities Management: Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of all onboard hotel facilities, focusing on front-of-house areas such as guest rooms, lounges, dining areas, and entertainment spaces, as well as back-of-house operations including galleys, laundries, and technical equipment.
  • Standards and Compliance: Ensure all facilities meet brand expectations and adhere to regulatory requirements, including health, safety, and environmental standards. Maintain compliance with international maritime regulations such as SOLAS, IMO, and Flag State requirements, ensuring the fleet remains in top condition.
  • Project Management: Lead the planning, execution, and completion of large-scale maintenance projects, including repairs, refits, and upgrades across multiple vessels. Ensure all work is delivered within agreed timelines, budgets, and specifications. Develop and manage the hotel facilities scope during vessel refits, dry docks, and other maintenance periods.
  • Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Act as a key liaison between shipboard teams and shore-based departments, building strong relationships to ensure alignment on project priorities and timelines. Work closely with various internal stakeholders to develop specifications and standards that align with guest expectations and the company's strategic goals.
  • Budget Management: Take ownership of the repair and maintenance (R&M) and refurbishment budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting, cost control, and reporting. Manage tenders and negotiate contracts with suppliers, ensuring best value for the business while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Team Leadership: Lead a team responsible for fleetwide hotel facilities maintenance, providing guidance, coaching, and development opportunities. Foster a culture of collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement within the team to ensure they deliver exceptional results.
  • Strategic Planning and Reporting: Develop and maintain vessel condition reports, ensuring that the fleet's overall condition is tracked and aligned with company objectives. Provide regular updates to senior management, highlighting key risks, opportunities, and priorities for future investments. Contribute to long-term capital planning for hotel and facility upgrades.
What We’re Looking For:
  • Experience: Proven experience in hotel operations or facilities management, ideally within the maritime or hospitality industries. A solid track record in managing large-scale projects, including overseeing maintenance, repairs, and refurbishments. Experience managing budgets of up to £10M is essential.
  • Technical Knowledge: Expertise in hotel-related facilities such as furniture, fixtures, soft furnishings, and operational equipment. Familiarity with maritime regulations and standards (SOLAS, USPH, etc.) is highly desirable.
  • Leadership Skills: A strong, inspirational leader with the ability to manage a diverse team across various locations. Proven experience in driving performance, managing conflict, and motivating teams to achieve exceptional results.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior management, shipboard teams, and external partners. Strong problem-solving skills and a diplomatic approach when navigating complex stakeholder environments.
  • Project and Financial Management: Demonstrated experience in planning and executing large-scale maintenance projects with precision. A commercial mindset with the ability to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
  • Problem Solving: Able to analyse complex situations, anticipate potential issues, and develop practical solutions that meet both business and operational needs. Capable of interpreting commercial data and making informed recommendations to support continuous improvement.
Desirable Qualifications:
  • A degree or qualification in Marine, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
  • Training in safety management (IOSH or similar).
  • USPH training and experience within a maritime or hotel environment is advantageous.
Additional Requirement:
  • Location: The successful candidate must be eligible to live and work in the UK. This is a UK-based role, and relocation assistance may be provided for the right candidate. Regular travel will also be required across the fleet and shore-based locations.
Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a senior leadership role in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You will have the chance to shape the future of fleet facilities, ensuring that we continue to deliver outstanding experiences for our guests while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
If you're ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact on a global scale, we want to hear from you. Apply today to be part of a forward-thinking team where your leadership will play a crucial role in enhancing our fleet and creating memorable guest experiences across the world.