Director of Hotel Operations (f/m/d)

About the role

Avalon Europe AG is looking for a hospitality leader to join its executive team as Director of Hotel Operations. The role provides strategic leadership and oversight of hotel operations across one of Europe's leading river cruise fleets, reporting to senior leadership. It combines commercial acumen, hospitality expertise and people leadership to ensure exceptional guest experiences while keeping operations efficient and financially disciplined.

Key responsibilities

• Drive fleet-wide hotel operations performance, ensure compliance with brand standards, health and safety requirements and operational procedures, and monitor operational KPIs
• Analyse guest feedback, cruise reports and audits, identify improvements and lead new hotel concepts, processes and best practices
• Lead and develop Corporate Hotel Managers, support talent development and succession planning, and strengthen links between shipboard and shore-side teams
• Contribute to hotel budgets and resource planning, monitor performance against financial targets and identify efficiency improvements
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and service partners and align operational strategy with broader business objectives

Required profile

• At least 5 years of senior leadership experience in river cruising, ocean cruising, hospitality, hotel operations or comparable service industries
• Proven track record managing multi-site operations and leading diverse, international teams
• Higher education in hospitality, business administration, operations management or a related discipline, or equivalent senior operational experience
• Fluent English; additional European languages are an advantage
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Europe and regularly visit vessels

Required skills

• Strong business and financial acumen
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence senior and cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities

What we offer

• An executive leadership role with a highly regarded river cruise brand
• The chance to influence hospitality standards across an entire fleet
• An international working environment with a high degree of autonomy
• Competitive compensation and a benefits package