Program Manager for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

V.Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A company specializing in luxury cruising is seeking a Program Manager for Orient Express Sailing Yachts. Responsibilities include planning and executing entertainment activities, managing staff and performers, and serving as the voice of the ship. Required qualifications include fluency in English and French, a high-school degree in Hospitality, and 2-3 years of experience in a similar role. This position promises an engaging environment onboard, where guest interactions and entertainment management are paramount.

Qualifications

• Fluent in both English and French, additional languages are a plus.
• 2-3 years of experience as Cruise Director or Director of Entertainment.
• Previous shipboard experience is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute entertainment activities for guests.
• Lead and manage the entertainment team, including training.
• Act as the public face of entertainment, hosting events.
• Cooperate with various departments to coordinate activities.
• Prepare budgets and monitor expenditure for entertainment.

Skills

Fluent English

Fluent French

Event management

Interpersonal communication

Team leadership

Education

High-school degree or equivalent in Hospitality

Job description

Program Manager for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Department: Hotel

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

Description

V.Ships Leisure is looking for a Program Manager on behalf of Orient Express Sailing Yachts. The Program Manager is responsible for organizing social events and activities for Guests, managing the staff members and artists who deliver the events and activities, scheduling guest speakers and performers, and analyzing passenger feedback to develop improvement strategies. The Program Manager is responsible for the management of the daily activities, publishing of the daily program and being the “voice of the ship” for announcements onboard.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning, organizing, and executing a wide range of entertainment activities tailored to the demographic of the guests.
• Leading and managing the entertainment team, including training, and evaluating performances.
• Welcomes Guests on arrival at the gangway and bids them farewell on departure day.
• Introduces performances and events throughout the vessel.
• Acts as the “voice of the ship” for announcements during each voyage.
• Acting as the public face of the cruise entertainment, often hosting events, shows, and activities personally. Hosts tables at Guest restaurants as frequently as possible.
• Working closely with other departments to coordinate activities and ensure they align with the overall ship schedule.
• Supervises nautical activities, in collaboration with the nautical instructor.
• Supervises the sports activities, in collaboration with the sports coach.
• Supervises the technical and IT aspects of entertainment, in collaboration with the stage manager.
• Oversees and controls the publishing, printing and distribution of any daily program and online (TV) collateral, strictly following Orient Express guidelines and policies.
• Handling guest complaints and issues regarding entertainment and activities efficiently and professionally.
• Ensuring that all activities comply with safety regulations and standards.
• Creates and maintains the Cruise/Voyage Layout Program and distributes it to all department heads as needed.
• Preparing budgets and monitoring expenditure for entertainment offerings.
• Maintaining an active presence around the ship to interact with guests and gauge their satisfaction levels.
• Liaison with external artists and guest entertainers to schedule performances aboard the ship.
• Promptly report technical deficiencies within the department’s equipment so they may be corrected swiftly.
• Communicates with his/her superior routinely and participates to meetings as directed.
• Prepares a voyages report in the end of each cruise.
• Responsible for the management, update and communication of the rotation plan for crew members in collaboration with the hotel director and assistant purser.
• Conducts staff’ orientation and mid/end contract performance evaluations and makes recommendations for promotion. Introduces new crew members to their working areas and to the rules and regulations on board.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Languages: Fluent English and French are mandatory. Additional languages are a plus.
• Education: A high-school degree or equivalent in Hospitality or related field.
• Previous professional experience: 2-3 years’ experience as Cruise Director/Director of Entertainment.
• Shipboard experience: Yes.