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- Tasks: Lead operations for our fleet, ensuring safety and efficiency while managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join City Cruises UK, part of the Hornblower Group, a leader in unforgettable experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ65,000, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of maritime operations and make a real impact on customer experiences.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior operations management, ideally in maritime or transport.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and collaboration across departments.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 ÂŁ per year.
City Cruises UK is part of the City Experiences division of the Hornblower Group, a global leader in worldâclass 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.
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 dayâtoâday management of Boat Crew, including recruitment, training and performance development, and plays a key role in shaping a proactive, customerâfocused 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 safetyâfirst 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 crossâdepartmental collaboration and communication.
- Minimum 5 years senior operations management experience, ideally in maritime or transport.
- Maritime experience â desired.
- Proven leadership of large teams (40+), including managers.
- Experience in unionised environments and employee relations.
- Budget management and strategic planning skills.
- Excellent communication, problemâsolving, and analytical abilities.
- Proficient in MS Office and operational software platforms.
- Strong knowledge of MCA and PLA regulations â desired.
- BML License or equivalent â desired.
Head of Operations (Maritime) in London employer: City Cruises UK
Contact Detail:
City Cruises UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Maritime) in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime industry, especially those who work at City Cruises UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their fleet and safety standards, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine!
â¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed large teams and improved operational efficiency. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the City Cruises UK team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Maritime) in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in maritime operations and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our operations culture. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational excellence. Use metrics where possible to show how you've driven efficiency and compliance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you donât miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at City Cruises UK
â¨Know Your Maritime Regulations
Make sure you brush up on MCA and PLA regulations before the interview. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the industry and demonstrate that you're serious about the role.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing performance reviews and developing team members, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations position.
â¨Demonstrate Operational Excellence
Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to improve operational efficiency. Use data analysis and reporting tools as examples to illustrate how you've monitored KPIs and driven results.
â¨Emphasise Safety Culture
Since this role champions a safety-first culture, come prepared with examples of how you've promoted safety in previous positions. Discuss any training or drills you've implemented to ensure compliance and safety among crew members.
