Service Lead

Aqua Expeditions; Svalbard; On-site; NOK 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Global itineraries

Job summary

Aqua Expeditions seeks a Service Lead to guide our onboard dining team with hands-on leadership and guest-focused service on luxury vessels. You will collaborate closely with senior management to ensure top-tier guest experiences and flawless service execution.

The role requires a background in luxury hospitality, strong communication, and the ability to lead from the front during service periods. If you excel in dynamic team environments, join our elite crew aboard iconic itineraries.

Qualifications

• Fluent English required.
• Advanced service skills demonstrated in luxury dining.
• Proven leadership and team mentorship abilities.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on leadership during service, setting the pace and delivering high-touch guest care.
• Identify, coach, and develop crew strengths through real-time feedback.
• Delegate tasks while staying on the floor to support peak service moments.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative staff culture.

Skills

Fluent English

Advanced service skills

Team leadership

Hospitality knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Administration, Hospitality and Tourism

Job description

We're hiring: Service Lead

We take pride in pampering our guests and ensuring that their time with us creates a trip of a lifetime. The Aqua experience is carefully curated by a team of talented individuals - from onboard crew to reservations staff - who work behind the scenes to guarantee smooth sailing. We are always on the lookout for new team players who share our passion and expertise, to ensure a world-class travel experience.

OUR VISION:

To create and deliver unique and authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences so that our guests can have enriching memories to cherish for a lifetime.

OUR MISSION:

Aqua Expeditions offers customized luxury travel experiences aboard vessels of elegant, contemporary design, centered around

immersive culture and wildlife excursions unique to each location, award-winning cuisine by renowned chefs, personalized guest service, and a commitment to community, sustainability and preservation.

4 CORE VALUES:

A: We value AUTHENTICITY, believing in the unique talents of each individual and the importance of integrity.

Q: We aim for QUALITY, emphasizing a service-oriented approach and shared knowledge.

U: We believe in UNITY, and prioritize effective teamwork.

A: We hold deep ADMIRATION and respect for our environment, collaborating closely with local communities to foster responsible practices that protect and conserve nature.

Sounds great - what's the role in a nutshell?

• The Service Lead is an active, hands-on leader who works alongside the service-dining team while guiding and inspiring daily on-board service. Rooted in Aqua Expeditions' ethos of humble, luxury hospitality, this role requires someone who leads from the front - actively delivering service during meal periods while identifying and building upon her team's individual strengths. By maintaining continuous, direct communication with the Head of Department and Cruise Director, the Lead Service fosters a supportive, high-performing environment that consistently delivers top-tier guest feedback and comment card scores.
  

Social Initiative

• Promote environmental initiatives and contribute to maintaining focus and direction in line with the efforts of the Aqua Expeditions team towards environmental conservation and social responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

Active Service & Strengths-Based Leadership

• Hands-On Leadership:
  Actively participate as an integral member of the dining team during service periods, setting the pace, leading by example on the floor, and ensuring high-touch guest care.
• Team Development:
  Identify, leverage, and build upon the individual strengths of the service-dining crew through active mentorship, real-time coaching, and positive reinforcement.
• Delegation & Coordination:
  Delegate operational tasks effectively while remaining accessible on the floor to support the team during peak meal moments.
• Culture & Engagement:
  Encourage team initiatives and foster an inclusive, collaborative spirit where every crew member feels empowered and valued.

Dining Operations & Quality Control

• Service Standards:
  Oversee table setups, dining pacing, and presentation in strict alignment with Aqua Expeditions' luxury standards.
• Kitchen Synchronization:
  Work closely with the culinary team during service to ensure seamless meal delivery, clear course timing, and exact handling of dietary preferences.
• Inventory Management:
  Conduct timely and precise inventory checks for chinaware (Gaya), tableware, glassware, and record breakage responsibly.
• Safety & Hygiene:
  Ensure strict compliance with food safety and hygiene policies across all dining areas, completing weekly SafetyCulture audits.

Strategic Communication & Guest Experience

• HOD & Management Alignment:
  Maintain open, proactive communication with the Head of Department and Cruise Director - sharing operational updates, crew dynamics, and incident reports promptly.
• Guest Engagement:
  Engage directly with guests on the floor to capture feedback, resolve service hiccups immediately with composure, and relay insights to management.
• Manifests & Special Requests:
  Review guest manifests regularly to adapt dining setups for arrival/departure events, dietary updates, and special occasions.

What are we looking for?

• Technical or Bachelor's Degree in Administration, Hospitality and Tourism.
• ENG1 Medical Certificate.
• STCW Basic Safety Training (STCW 2010):
  Covers Personal Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid, and PSSR.
• Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2 or 3.
• Security Awareness / DSD
• Valid Passport & Seaman's Book:
  Minimum 6 months validity with applicable maritime/crew visas
• Advanced Service Skills:
  Silver service, table styling, and handling dietary preferences/allergies.
• 2-3+ Years Experience: Experience in luxury hospitality, fine dining, or high-end yachts, with proven floor management skills.
• Fluent English

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Be part of an award-winning, worldwide company at the forefront of technological innovation.
• Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team.
• Make meaningful contributions that drive our company's success.