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At Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), we know our future success depends on our ability to attract and retain the very best talent. Our brands deliver vacations of a lifetime with innovative product offerings, a high level of service and unique guest experiences aboard each vessel and we’re continually seeking applicants who are passionate about hospitality and committed to being their personal best. As you learn more about our company, we think you will agree that there is no better time than now to become a member of the NCLH family!
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JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for overseeing and coordinating port operations across assigned European ports to ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective port operations. Serves as the primary operational liaison between shipboard leadership, port agents, terminal operators, stevedores, port authorities, government agencies, and shoreside stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of all port calls.
The Port Operations Manager – Europe works closely with the Director, Marine Operations – Europe, Regional Vice Presidents of Hotel Operations, shipboard leadership teams, and corporate stakeholders to support operational readiness, guest experience, regulatory compliance, and service delivery throughout the region.
This position is responsible for managing operational performance of contracted port service providers, monitoring port-related expenditures, identifying operational efficiencies, supporting itinerary execution, and ensuring the Company's operational standards are consistently maintained across all assigned ports.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee day-to-day port operations for assigned European ports and destinations, ensuring vessel calls are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Company standards.
- Serve as the primary operational point of contact for port agents, terminal operators, stevedores, pilots, tug operators, line handlers, security providers, waste contractors, and other port service vendors.
- Ensure all required port services are arranged and delivered in support of approved vessel schedules and operational requirements.
- Coordinate operational activities related to embarkation, debarkation, turnaround operations, provisioning, bunkering, waste management, luggage handling, crew logistics, and technical support services.
- Oversee and coordinate Logistics and arrange labor and equipment related to planned storing dates and daily ad hoc loading requests coming from various departments.
- Monitor port call performance and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, guest experience, and cost effectiveness.
- Support execution of revised itineraries, emergency schedule changes, weather-related deviations, and operational contingency plans.
- Manage operational performance of contracted port agents, terminal operators, stevedores, and service providers to ensure contractual obligations, service levels, and operational standards are achieved.
- Conduct regular reviews of vendor performance, operational effectiveness, service quality, and compliance with contractual requirements.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements, service enhancements, and cost savings throughout the regional port network.
- Support contract negotiations, renewals, and service agreement evaluations by providing operational expertise and performance assessments.
- Maintain strong working relationships with port authorities, government agencies, terminal operators, and strategic business partners throughout the region.
- Work closely with the Director, Marine Operations – Europe to ensure port operations support safe vessel movements, navigational requirements, and operational readiness.
- Partner with Regional Vice Presidents of Hotel Operations and shipboard leadership teams to ensure port operations support guest experience objectives and hotel operational requirements.
- Collaborate with Fleet Operations, Nautical Operations, Security, Environmental Operations, Procurement, Port Services, and other corporate departments on operational initiatives and issue resolution.
- Support in preparing the cabin blocking requests for Pilots, Immigration and Authorities that must sail with the vessel.
- Support vessel visits, operational audits, inspections, and major operational projects throughout the region.
- Support itinerary planning, deployment execution, berth management, and operational feasibility reviews for assigned ports and destinations.
- Coordinate berth requests and monitor berth allocations to ensure operational requirements are met.
- Participate in evaluations of new destinations, terminals, and port development projects, providing operational recommendations and feasibility assessments.
- Support start-up activities for new ports, revised operations, terminal expansions, and infrastructure improvements.
- Assist with dry dock logistics, special projects, charter operations, inaugural calls, and major vessel events as required.
- Monitor regional port-related expenditures and identify opportunities for cost optimization while maintaining operational effectiveness.
- Manage downline requests both for guests and crew as well as FOB, indicating feasibility and providing approvals based on Company protocols (i.e. denials for Tender ports and ports affected by weather conditions etc.)
- Collect, forward and manage Crane Requests forms related to Logistics, Refurbishment, MES operations etc.
- Review and validate operational invoices, vendor charges, and service-related expenditures for accuracy and compliance.
- Support budget planning and forecasting activities by providing operational and financial insights related to regional port operations.
- Analyze operational performance metrics and develop recommendations to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable local, national, and international maritime regulations, port requirements, Company policies, and operational procedures.
- Support implementation of Company Safety Management System (SMS), Environmental Management System (EMS), and other operational governance programs.
- Monitor regulatory developments and communicate operational impacts to appropriate stakeholders.
- Participate in incident response, operational investigations, and corrective action planning when required.
- Support business continuity planning and operational contingency preparedness throughout the region.
- Maintain strong relationships with port authorities, harbor masters, customs officials, immigration authorities, government agencies, and tourism stakeholders.
- Represent the Company at industry meetings, port forums, cruise association events, and operational working groups.
- Support strategic initiatives involving destination development, terminal projects, and regional operational partnerships.
- Act as a Company representative during vessel calls, operational events, and stakeholder engagements as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
DEGREE TYPE:
Bachelor's Degree
FIELD(S) OF STUDY:
Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Studies, Business Administration, Logistics, Transportation, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of maritime operational experience and education will be considered.
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 7 years of experience within cruise operations, maritime operations, port operations, terminal operations, or related maritime industry functions.
- Strong knowledge of port agency operations, stevedoring, vessel services, terminal operations, and cruise industry practices.
- Experience working with port authorities, government agencies, and third-party maritime service providers.
- Experience supporting vessel operations, itinerary execution, and operational planning activities.
- European cruise operations experience strongly preferred.
COMPETENCIES/SKILLS
- Strong understanding of cruise ship port operations, vessel support services, and maritime logistics.
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong operational problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong financial awareness and ability to evaluate operational cost drivers.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout Europe and support vessel operations outside of normal business hours when required.
ABOUT NCLH
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line®, Oceania Cruises® and Regent Seven Seas Cruises® brands. The combined brands currently operate 32 ships, employ over 35,000 shipboard crew from more than 110 different countries and visit approximately 700 different port destination each year.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMPANY:
At a Glance
Brand Overview
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and marital or veteran status.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
