Director of Operations - Hospitality Infrastructure

About the role

The Director of Operations will lead the design, mobilisation, opening and ongoing management of large‑scale cruise and hospitality infrastructure assets. Reporting to senior leadership, you will ensure that each asset is operationally ready at launch and delivers safe, efficient and profitable performance throughout its lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end operational responsibility from pre‑opening through live operations, defining vision, KPIs and service standards.
• Lead operational readiness programmes in parallel with construction, influencing design for efficiency, safety and maintainability.
• Establish operating structures, SOPs and governance, manage handovers from construction, and coordinate staffing and training plans.
• Direct daily operations across hospitality, food & beverage, retail, attractions, marine, security, maintenance and guest services.
• Build and retain a high‑performing multinational workforce, embed a safety‑first and service‑oriented culture.
• Own the operational P&L, control costs, manage budgets, capex planning and lifecycle reserves.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to optimise revenue streams such as F&B, retail and shore excursions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, maritime, health, safety and environmental standards and lead emergency preparedness and business continuity planning.

Required profile

• 15+ years of senior operations leadership in hospitality, cruise destinations, resorts, ports, theme parks or comparable large‑scale assets.
• Proven track record of managing both pre‑opening phases and long‑term operations.
• Experience working closely with development, construction and technical services teams.

Required skills