Crew Operations Manager (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd.; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AXA Health

Life Assurance

Enhanced maternity pay

Enhanced paternity pay

Discounted holidays and cruises

Boost Benefits scheme

Job summary

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd. is seeking a Crew Operations Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract at our Ipswich Head Office. The role is hybrid, full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, and focuses on managing the crew operations function and ensuring vessels are properly manned.

You will oversee rotation planning, recruitment, training and onboarding of crew, while coordinating with crewing partners and shore teams to deliver seamless operations and cost control.

Qualifications

• Experience in crew management, crewing operations, workforce planning, or a similar role within rota-based operations.
• Maritime/cruise industry experience preferred; aviation/rail backgrounds welcomed.
• Experience managing crew schedules, rotations, travel arrangements and visa requirements.
• Strong compliance awareness and ability to work in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of the Crew Management function to ensure vessels are properly manned.
• Oversee crew rotation planning, mobilisation activities and travel arrangements for seamless movements.
• Monitor manning levels and address resourcing challenges with stakeholders.
• Manage recruitment across departments, ensuring quality onboarding of crew members.
• Act as key contact between shipboard teams, shore-based departments and recruitment partners.
• Support payroll and HR updates, promotions and employee relations matters.
• Provide guidance to Crewing team on employment matters, welfare, disciplinary and grievance cases.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and company policies, maintaining accurate records.
• Monitor crew budgets and identify efficiency improvements.
• Lead and develop Crewing Officers and Coordinators.

Skills

Crew management

Rotations planning

Staff onboarding

Stakeholder management

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Job description

We are pleased to be strengthening our Crew Management team with a Crew Operations Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract in our Ipswich Head Office. Working on a hybrid basis, this role is responsible for the crew operations function, including all crew rotation planning, training provision, recruitment and promotion, whether directly or through our crewing partners.

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Crew Management function, ensuring vessels are appropriately manned and crew operations run efficiently.
• Oversee crew rotation planning, mobilisation activities and travel arrangements to ensure seamless crew movements and operational continuity.
• Monitor manning levels, identify potential resourcing challenges and work proactively with operational stakeholders to maintain safe and effective staffing levels.
• Manage recruitment activities across assigned departments, ensuring effective attraction, selection and onboarding of high-quality crew members.
• Act as the key point of contact between shipboard teams, shore-based departments and recruitment partners, ensuring crew-related issues are resolved effectively and professionally.
• Support the management of crew performance, promotions, position changes, employee relations matters and payroll-related updates.
• Provide guidance and support to the Crewing team on employment matters, crew welfare issues, disciplinary and grievance cases, medical repatriations and compassionate leave.
• Ensure compliance with MLC 2006 regulations, company policies and crew management procedures, maintaining accurate records and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor crew budgets and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and control costs.
• Lead and develop the Crewing Officers and Crewing Coordinator, ensuring high levels of accuracy, service delivery and attention to detail across the team.
• We are one team - Working together, supporting each other and recognising that every role plays a part.
• We are ambitious - Always looking for opportunities to improve and deliver more for our guests, colleagues and business.
• We are curious - Asking questions, seeking new ideas and learning from the world around us.
• We are real - Bringing our authentic selves to work and creating genuine connections.
  Previous experience in crew management, crewing operations, workforce planning, or a similar role within the maritime, cruise, aviation, rail, or other rota-based operational environment.
• Maritime or cruise industry experience is preferred. However, applications from candidates with relevant workforce planning and crew scheduling experience in aviation, rail or similar operational sectors are welcomed.
• Proven experience managing crew schedules, rotations, travel arrangements, visa requirements and workforce planning activities.
• Strong understanding of compliance processes and the ability to work accurately in a highly regulated environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships between operational teams, employees and external partners.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience handling complex employee or crew-related issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Demonstrable people-focused approach, with empathy, good judgement and a commitment to delivering a positive employee experience.
• Able to visit vessels frequently where possible.
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-run business that has been offering exceptional cruise experiences for over 170 years. With a fleet of ships that provide intimate, friendly, and immersive voyages, we are committed to delivering world-class service with a personal touch. Join us and be part of a proud heritage that is all about making lasting memories for our guests.
  Working on a hybrid basis, this is a 12-month fixed-term role, working full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer a wide range of benefits including AXA Health medical, Life Assurance, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, discounted holidays and cruises, plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme. Attached to this advert you will find a full job profile and details of our Company benefits on offer.