OCEAN - Human Resources Manager

Viking; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training program

On-the-job coaching

Global hospitality network

Internal transfer opportunities to RV/

Crew housing and meals provided

Job summary

Viking is seeking an experienced Human Resource Manager to lead shipboard HR across all departments aboard our ocean vessels. You will guide employee relations, training, coaching and performance development while ensuring fairness, compliance and a positive work environment.

Reporting to the Captain, you will implement STAR Service standards, manage time and attendance, crew scheduling, and disciplinary processes in line with Maritime Labor Convention rules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as Human Resource Manager or similar.
• Diploma in Human Resources Management required.
• Shipboard experience preferred.
• Fluent English with excellent written and spoken skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations and advise department heads on HR issues.
• Implement Viking STAR Service standards and onboard quality of life.
• Manage time and attendance in compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate crew scheduling and department changes with HR.
• Oversee exit processes and leadership development onboard.

Skills

Employee relations

Leadership

Communication

HR policies

Education

Diploma in Human Resources Management

Tools

PC-based databases

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Job description

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure —no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Role Overview

• Part of our Hotel Administration team on our Ocean vessels, the Human Resource Manager manages and controls the strategic implementation of shipboard HR processes and procedures across all departments, ensuring fairness and consistency, including employee relations, employee communication, training and development, coaching and counselling, quality of life and leadership training.
• The Human Resource Manager reports to Captain.

What You Will Do On Board

• Provide competent leadership in the area of employee relations by assisting and guiding Department Heads and Shipboard Managers with HR issues.
• In conjunction with Senior Officers, implement and sustain Viking’s STAR Service Standard and Quality of Life, onboard the ship.
• Provide an accessible and nurturing environment to handle employee relations issues, using effective conflict resolution skills, and assist in arbitrating disputes and resolving grievances, while guiding team members towards the correct outcome.
• Ensure Time and Attendance Procedures are followed by all departments to ensure 100% compliance, in line with both company and Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) regulations.
• Participate in all investigations related to employee performance or policy violations.
• Facilitate all crew scheduling requests and queries and liaise with shoreside HR, where necessary. Facilitate all change of department requests, as per company process.
• Facilitate the employee resignation process, including exit interviews.
• Responsible for leadership development onboard including feedback, assessments and training.

WHY JOIN VIKING?

Elevate Your Career

Regardless of where you are on your career journey, Viking can help you in reaching new destinations with:

• Paid training program in skills and approach to premium hospitality services
• On-the-job coaching to help you advance rapidly
• A lifelong network of hospitality professionals from many different countries
• Internal transfer opportunities to River, Ocean and Expedition ships

On board our ship

• Lodging, meals, unlimited Wi-Fi, uniforms, and laundry are free of charge for all crew members
• Crew cabin with single berth
• Travel to/from the ship provided by Viking
• Crew-only deck, dedicated recreational spaces and activities
• Access to use the guest fitness center during certain hours

Employee Benefits

• Referral program
• Loyalty bonuses
• Tax-free salary

YOUR PROFILE

• A required minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Human Resource Manager or similar position, with a diploma in Human Resources Management.
• Shipboard experience is preferred.
• Strong administration skills are preferred and must be proficient with PC based databases, spread sheets, and word processing systems; flexible, stress resistant, committed team player.
• Fluent in English - must be able to address any kind of information in an adequate manner with excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required; team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills and coaching abilities.

APPLICATION AND JOB RELEVANT INFORMATION

Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-colored sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case-case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company. For further information, please contact our recruiting team.

DISCLAIMER

As part of any recruitment process, Viking collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. If you would like to find out more about how your information will be used, please view the privacy notice on our careers page.