People Director

About the role

The People Director acts as the Human Resources Business Partner for a cruise ship, supporting the ship’s leadership team and ensuring a high‑standard service culture across the People Department. This senior role oversees employee relations, compliance, and wellbeing for all onboard staff.

Key responsibilities

• Set and maintain a high‑standard service culture for the People Department.
• Provide guidance to the People Team and handle escalations related to HR matters.
• Support shipboard training initiatives and participate in required trainings.
• Assist with shoreside customs/immigration processes and host movement operations.
• Consult with the Staff Captain and Chief Security on serious code‑of‑conduct violations.
• Partner with the Master and Staff Captain to manage overnight call restrictions.
• Attend Master’s hearings, advise participants, and take part in voting.
• Oversee employee relations, conflict resolution, performance management, succession planning, and career progression.
• Ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and display required information in host spaces.
• Maintain up‑to‑date MLC Board visibility for all hosts.
• Lead the Host Lifestyle Program, Family Sailing Program, Cross‑Training Program, and Host Excellence Awards.
• Approve compassionate leave, resignations, temporary leave, and couple’s cabin requests.
• Conduct spot checks of food standards in the Host Dining Venue.
• Support the Master in communicating company initiatives and strategic objectives.
• Oversee time and attendance compliance and coordinate investigations with shoreside HR.
• Coach ship management on fair performance reviews and disciplinary actions.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in human resources, preferably in a maritime, cruise‑ship, or hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements, and immigration/customs processes.
• Proven ability to manage employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance management at a senior level.
• Excellent communication skills to partner with ship leadership, security, and shoreside teams.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead HR strategy on a world‑class cruise vessel.
• Collaborative environment with senior ship leadership.
• Comprehensive onboard benefits supporting host wellbeing and career growth.