HR Director for Mitsui Cruises

V.Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A cruise company is seeking an HR Director to oversee HR functions onboard its vessels. The successful candidate will manage crew welfare, develop HR policies, and ensure compliance with regulations. A minimum of 4 years’ HR leadership experience in maritime or hospitality industries is required. Applicants should demonstrate strong communication skills and cultural sensitivity. This role offers a 3 months on/3 months off contract setup.

Qualifications

• Ability to adapt to dynamic shipboard environments.
• Demonstrates high cultural awareness essential for supporting multinational crew.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all HR functions onboard.
• Promote crew wellbeing and foster a positive work environment.
• Develop and implement HR policies aligned with company values.

Skills

Resilience and Flexibility

Cultural Sensitivity

Strong Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Abilities

Strategic Mindset

Confidentiality and Integrity

Education

4 years of HR leadership experience

Job description

Overview

Department: Hotel

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

V.Ships Leisure is looking for a HR Director on behalf of Mitsui Cruises.

Responsibilities

• The shipboard Human Resources Director is a newly created role established to lead and manage all HR functions onboard Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ vessels. Serving as the primary HR business partner for shipboard operations, this position is responsible for overseeing crew welfare and engagement, employee relations, and compliance with company policies, applicable labour laws and maritime regulations.
• In collaboration with shipboard and shoreside leadership teams, the HR Director will assist with the development and implementation of HR policies, promote crew wellbeing, and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. They will empower and provide direction to department heads, ensuring they can resolve crew issues fairly, consistently, and in line with company standards.
• Through strategic guidance and partnership, the HR Director will help build a culture of respect, integrity, and cultural awareness that support Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ mission of delivering exceptional service, while driving business objectives and supporting sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Crew Welfare and Employee Relations
• Employee Engagement C Recognition
• Policy Development and Implementation
• Cultural Integration
• Communication and Liaison
• HR Administration C Compliance
• Training C Development
• Crisis Management C Emergency Support
• Strategic HR Planning

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Qualifications

• Essential Skills & Competencies
• Resilience and Flexibility: Able to adapt to the demands of a dynamic shipboard environment and respond to complex issues promptly.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrates high cultural awareness and sensitivity, essential for supporting a multinational crew.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively across all levels of the crew and with shore-side teams.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Able to analyse situations and implement practical solutions that align with company values and CBA requirements.
• Strategic Mindset: Understands the broader organizational goals and how to align HR practices to support these objectives.
• Confidentiality and Integrity: Maintains confidentiality with sensitive HR matters, demonstrating a high level of trustworthiness

• Qualifications & Experience
• A minimum of 4 years’ HR leadership experience in the maritime or hospitality industry, preferably with exposure to CBAs and multicultural environments.
• Proven track record of effectively managing employee relations and supporting crew welfare in high-pressure, transient or isolated settings.
• Familiarity with maritime labour regulations, CBAs, and HR best practices in the cruise sector.

Benefits

Contract length: 3 months on/ 3 months off