Operations Director

City Cruises; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier river transportation service in London is seeking an Operations Director to develop and implement the operations strategy. The role requires 7-10 years of operations experience, ideally in maritime or transportation, and strong leadership capabilities. Responsibilities include managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing team skills. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated operations team.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of operations experience, preferably in maritime or transportation.
• Experience managing large teams effectively.
• Proactive and pragmatic work approach.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Operations strategy.
• Manage the Operations budget and staffing.
• Ensure compliance with MCA and shipping regulations.

Skills

Problem solving

Operational management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Analytical capability

Job description

Overview

City Cruises UK is part of the City Experiences division of the Hornblower Group, a global leader in world-class experiences and transportation services. We operate public dining and sightseeing cruises as well as private charters for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, or other special occasions across London and York. Location: Hackney, England, United Kingdom.

About the position

The Operations Director is responsible for designing and delivering an efficient and effective operations strategy. Working with the Health and Safety & Compliance team to ensure compliance with the MCA. In addition to managing the fleets’ availability for all London vessels, the Operations Director is further responsible for ensuring the Boat Crew are fully equipped with the correct skills/qualifications in compliance with MCA.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Operations strategy
• Establish effective fleet management data and reporting measures, which inform and drive the Operations strategy and recommendations for change
• Manage the Operations budget to include staffing, safety compliance and running costs and implementation of new initiatives
• Leadership and development of the Operations team
• Provide efficiencies through the delivery and optimization of the Company Safety Management System (SMS)
• Budget Management – ensuring costs are in line with agreed expenditure. Compliance
• Ensuring that all vessels going into service are fit for purpose in compliance with the Company Safety Management System (SMS) and MCA and shipping regulations
• Oversee and manage the Company’s Safety Management Systems to ensure that the Company meets MCA and PLA regulations and standards
• Responsibility for all fleet administration including the monitoring of vessel safety checks and vessel licensing
• Ensure that all boat crew are fully trained in all safety aspects in operating a vessel as necessary to their role
• Manage all boat security in relation to moorings in operation and overnight
• Provide a consistent approach and incorporate high cleaning standards on all vessels ready for inspection for London Port Authority at any given time
• Adhere to all Health and Safety requirements in accordance with the company’s Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring the safety of passengers is protected at all times
• Participate in routine safety drills to prepare for major incidents
• Resource Management
• Work with Head of HR to devise the talent acquisition and management strategy for Boat Crew including management of the Captain Apprenticeship Programme
• Leadership and Management of all Captains/Crew – ensuring the team are fully equipped with the correct skills/qualifications in compliance with MCA requirements
• Planning and executing training programmes for all personnel under first line management to meet the requirements of the SMS
• Lead the development of training and succession plans to facilitate the progression of Crew up to Large Boat Captains
• Oversee the management of the Crew Apprenticeship Scheme in conjunction with HR and the Operations Training Manager
• Oversee and manage the development and training of all direct reports, setting individual KPI’s for the fleet management team and measuring performance against objectives.
• Continuously review departmental process and operational efficiency, making recommendations for change where appropriate
• Ensure compliance with Statutory and Company policies including health & safety, employment law, legislative and environmental issues
• Manage and execute all boat audit requirements to meet Company and authority standards
• Promoting and maintaining good working relationships with external regulatory authorities and other commercial operators on the river
• Work with the Managing Director on all negotiations with the Boat Crew Union
• Responsible for management of the daily London boat schedule to meet the requirements of the business
• Ensure that all operations boat paperwork is maintained, up to date and meets MCA audit expectations
• Be an Ambassador for our RESPECT Service System & Values
• Additional duties as may reasonably be required

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience and/or knowledge of MCA and PLA regulations for the River Thames - preferred
• Operations experience – minimum 7-10 years Ideally with maritime or transportation operations experience.
• Held previous position of seniority, able to establish credibility and build department accountability.
• Able to problem solve and demonstrate operational and strategic management skills.
• Experience of managing a large team with the ability to lead a productive and proactive Operations function.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical capability to identify systems strengths and weaknesses, and drive for continuous improvement.
• Proactive and pragmatic approach to work with the ability to cope effectively with a high level of work activity and changing priorities .
• Experience dealing with and working in a unionised environment – preferred.
• Experience of managing employee relations processes - desirable

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Maritime Transportation, Travel Arrangements, and Hospitality