Hospitality Operations F&B Manager

Responsibilities

The OE Hospitality Operations F&B Manager assists the OE VP Yacht Hospitality in leading and supporting all relevant activities associated with yacht cruise operations and hotel-side openings. This role is crucial in ensuring the operational, commercial, financial, quality, and PR success of both the on-land team and crew.

Reporting directly to the OE VP Yacht Hospitality, the OE Hospitality Operations F&B Manager is responsible for :

• Managing and overseeing all aspects of hotel operations on board the fleet, including hospitality and catering services with food & beverages.
• Collaborating closely with other departments to ensure safe, efficient, and effective ultra-luxury operations of the sailing yacht vessels.
• After the delivery of the ships, provide personal recommendations for the development of executives and employees, including on-land staff, Captain, Deck & Engine crew, and Hotel crew, in accordance with Accor & Orient Express Talent Management guidelines. Motivating employees and maintaining frequent visits to ensure high standards.
• Collaborating with the Orient Express brand team, acting as a representative of the brand standards.
• Maintaining good relations with the Owners and/or Owners’ representatives, supervisors, team members, and corporate offices is essential.
• Working closely with other executives and stakeholders, the manager will develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
• Ensuring that guest experiences meet the highest expectations of clients and industry is paramount.
• Collaborate with the OE team shoreside to create and develop a unique, lifelong experience that blends navigation, hotel, F&B, and shoreside activities (pre, during, and post-voyage).

Detailed responsibilities

Construction Project

• Provide luxury inputs regarding high-end hospitality industry standards.
• Review the hotel crew list to ensure optimal staff allocation and service levels.
• Evaluate overall circulation, including crew service and passenger flow.
• Advise on linen quantity, distribution flows, and storage.
• Assess food and beverage quality, quantity, loading, and service circulation, as well as equipment, uniforms, and consumables.
• Lead the guest-facing design process, including boarding procedures, cabin entry, safety/security, and identification protocols.
• Offer recommendations for “back of the house” requirements.
• Inspect vessel equipment in galleys, bars, pantries, and provision areas.

Starting a Cruise Line

• Contribute to time scheduling, daily operations, turnaround time requirements, and stopover logistics.
• Develop standard operating procedures based on Orient-Express brand standards, yacht layout, and guest experience.
• Organize and supervise crew training to ensure adherence to OE values and standards.
• Implement operational strategies and plans for efficient yacht vessel operations, including policy development and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with marine operations, navigation, technical operations, safety, environmental standards, and maintenance.
• Manage running budgets and forecasts for hotel operations departments.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and best practices related to cruise operations.
• Ensure reporting and participate in weekly meetings as required.
• Maintain familiarity with all relevant company documentation and key partner environments.
• Oversee operational contracts with third parties for maintenance and other aspects.

Operations

• Prepare operational duties for all hotel staff, ensuring proper follow-up and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with catering partners to create a comprehensive operations booklet.
• Conduct frequent audit visits on board to ensure guidelines are followed and identify areas for improvement.
• Engage with crew members to gather feedback and maintain strong relationships.

Human Resources

• Anticipate future hotel crew hiring needs in collaboration with Vship, and establish a loyalty program through effective crew rotation and relationship-building.
• Regularly discuss staffing requirements with the team, adjusting the crew manifest as needed.
• Provide input for drafting hotel crew job descriptions.
• Develop a training plan for crew members, including dry runs and ongoing training.
• Ensure specialized training with shoreside partners meets the expectations of both guests and partners.

Marketing/Logistics/FInance

• Conduct surveys and benchmark competition to understand key markets.
• Develop a long-term logistics strategy to supply the yacht year-round, considering the itinerary and budget constraints.
• Support the financial team by monitoring budgets and setting up reporting tools and processes for annual business planning.
• Implement tools and processes to maintain operations in line with upscale positioning, ensuring adherence to preventive maintenance guidelines.
• Undertake various special projects as requested by the OE VP Yacht Hospitality.

Requirements

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively liaise with with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities for handling complex operations.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Exceptional customer service orientation, with the ability to anticipate and exceed guest needs and expectations.
• Adaptability to changing environments and flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
• Analytical and strategic thinking to develop and implement effective operational plans.