Head of Operations (Maritime)

Head of Operations (Maritime) – City Cruises UK

Salary: Up to £65,000 – Dependent on experience

Deadline: Monday 19th January 2026

Company Summary

City Cruises UK is part of the City Experiences division of the Hornblower Group, a global leader in world‑class experiences and transportation services. We operate public dining and sightseeing cruises as well as private charters for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, or other special occasions across London and York.

Position Summary

The Head of Operations will lead operational excellence across our fleet, ensuring compliance with MCA and Health & Safety standards while driving efficiency and innovation. This role oversees day‑to‑day management of Boat Crew, including recruitment, training and performance development, and plays a key role in shaping a proactive, customer‑focused operations culture.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the Operations strategy in alignment with business goals.
• Manage daily operations across all vessels, ensuring seamless service delivery.
• Implement data analysis and reporting tools to monitor KPIs, identify trends, and continuously improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with MCA, PLA, and company Safety Management System (SMS).
• Oversee vessel safety checks, licensing, and internal audits.
• Champion a safety‑first culture through training and drills.
• Lead and develop Operations Managers and Assistants.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training for Boat Crew and Apprentices.
• Set KPIs and manage performance reviews for managers and crew.
• Manage operational budgets and deliver cost efficiencies.
• Optimise fleet utilisation and scheduling.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory authorities and trade unions.
• Promote cross‑departmental collaboration and communication.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years senior operations management experience, ideally in maritime or transport.
• Maritime experience – desired.
• Proven leadership of large teams (40+), including managers.
• Experience in unionised environments and employee relations.
• Budget management and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and analytical abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office and operational software platforms.
• Strong knowledge of MCA and PLA regulations – desired.
• BML License or equivalent – desired.