Sr. Lead, Port Services

 The Sr Lead, Port Services has overall operational for port services Globally ( Classic & Expedition ships), including management of all port agencies and port relationships.  the Sr Lead, Port Services ensures that all port and ship services are achieved in a timely and professional manner according to established department and company standards.  Responsible adhering to financial budget, and controlling negative financial exposure related to ship requests, abnormal operations, and/or stevedoring/port manning levels.

The position will have a dedicated team. They will also work closely with the PortOps/GPS Leadership, GPS Operations Managers and Account Managers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage relationship with Port Authorities, including operational effectiveness, future deployment impact, brand image considerations, marine operations, port operations, guest port services, facilities management, and port modifications.
• Develop goals and strategic approaches for optimum overall operations together with the leadership team
• Collaborate with Department senior management to craft department strategic goals and objectives. Communicates timely regional issues to ensure proper administrative support from departmental management.
• Manage existing vendor relationships and identify opportunities to leverage these relationships in alignment with corporate strategy.   This includes contract formulating a vendor strategy, identifying vendors, negotiations, and establishing terms and service levels with vendors.
• Interface closely with Deployment and Itinerary planning on matters pertaining to berthing, operations, and execution of port operations.
• Manage berthing assignments to ensure maximum operational and service benefits for the company.   
• Identify and enact process improvement, process automation, and creation of department knowledge base to improve operational efficiencies and controls.
• Identify projects and planning regarding new ship / port combinations in coordination with Port Engineer, Marine Operations when needed, to ensure a proper delivery.
• Actively lead various special projects and other assignments.
• Respond to crisis involving ships operations including, but not limited to, hurricanes, OPP outbreaks, legal situations and significant guest satisfaction issues. Participate in planning and execution of crisis response plans as part of the response team. Often involves interacting and briefing senior executives and participating in the situation room.
• Represents the corporation at selected governmental meetings, association functions, cruise industry events, travel industry conventions and other meetings as required.
• Travels to transit and turnaround locations to oversee pier and airport operations and to perform site inspections for planning purposes).
• Ensures detailed operational plans and conference calls for turnaround ports are developed and take place in a timely basis.   
• Represents the corporation at selected governmental meetings, association functions, cruise industry events, travel industry conventions and other meetings as required.
• Direct interaction with senior level shipboard management in planning turnaround operations via conference calls held prior to the season with the Hotel Director, Chief Purser, Front Office Manager, IT/Data Systems Manager.        Direct contact with shipboard management team throughout season regarding operational enhancements.       
• Monitor and benchmark industry best practices for turn operations and identify opportunities to fulfil corporate strategy.  Travels to new locations to observe other cruise lines¿ operations to develop operational plan.  If there is no other cruise line operating in a new port location, works with ground handler, port agent and other entities in setting up entire operation from the ground up.
• Performs special operational and analysis projects as requested. Makes recommendations to improve overall service and efficiency of operations.

Performs other duties as required.  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Minimum of 5 years experience, with an international cruise line or worldwide tour operator (preferably in port operations, marine operations or shore excursion/tour department), in a mid to large corporate environment.
• Bachelor's Degree from four-year College or university; MBA preferred, and/or five years related experience in finance and operations.
• Strong experience in operations is imperative.
• Must have in-depth knowledge of Immigration and Customs laws
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to communicate with all levels of employees, management, vendors and government authorities.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Strong experience in finance and operations is imperative.
• Ability to negotiate and manage is imperative.
• Exercises the usual authority of a Manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations and terminations.
• Proven management experience to direct subordinate Account Managers/Supervisors and staff.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to develop tactical plans utilizing project management principles.  Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills required.  Ability to communicate in Spanish and/or other languages a plus.
• Software:   Working knowledge of computers, internet access and the ability to navigate within a variety of software packages such as AS400, Microsoft Office Tools and Visio.
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally approximately 70%.
• Ability to be on call 24/7 as operationally needed includes weekend work and/or planned/unplanned travel