At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health services, ensuring wellbeing for crew and guests while meeting international regulations.
- Company: Join Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a family-run business with 170 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health cover, life assurance, and discounted holidays.
- Other info: Flexible remote work with travel opportunities to connect with ships and teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime health services and lead a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Medical Doctor with leadership experience, ideally in maritime or cruise settings.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
We are looking for an experienced Director of Health Services to lead our medical, public health and occupational health services across Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. This is a senior leadership role with real influence. You will set standards, guide best practice and ensure that our medical services support the wellbeing of both crew and guests, while meeting international regulations. The role is mainly remote, with travel required to stay closely connected to our ships and key stakeholders.
About us
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-run business with over 170 years of history. We are known for our friendly, personal service and smaller ships that offer immersive and memorable cruise experiences. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we take pride in creating a supportive and caring working environment.
What you’ll be responsible for
- Lead and develop our medical, public health and occupational health policies and procedures, using evidence-based best practice
- Monitor global public health risks and help protect our operations and people
- Provide expert medical advice, including clinical decision-making, outbreak management, evacuations and medico‑legal matters
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including MLC 2006, Flag State requirements, ACEP and CLIA guidance
- Act as the Responsible Officer in line with UK medical regulations
- Lead, support and develop our onboard and shoreside medical teams, including recruitment and training
- Oversee departmental budgets and ensure effective cost management
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners across the industry
- Maintain effective systems for clinical governance, performance monitoring and professional development
About you
We are looking for someone who brings strong medical expertise and leadership experience, ideally within a maritime or cruise environment. You will have:
- Medical Doctor qualification with experience in Emergency Medicine, General Practice and Maritime Medicine
- Current GMC registration with a licence to practise
- Medical leadership experience or qualifications
- Experience working as a doctor on board cruise ships
- A strong understanding of cruise ship operations and the ability to manage services remotely, 24/7
- Sound judgement, strong problem‑solving skills and confidence handling complex or sensitive issues
- The ability to apply international public health guidance to a maritime setting
- Flexibility to travel as required
What we offer
This is a full‑time role (35 hours per week) with a competitive benefits package, including:
- AXA Health medical cover
- Life assurance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Discounted holidays and cruises
- Retail discounts and cashback through our Boost Benefits scheme
Our values
- We are caring – We look after our people, our guests and our environment
- We are positive – We bring a positive attitude to everything we do
- We are real – We are genuine and treat others with respect
- We are a team – We support each other like a family
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
Director of Health Services in Ipswich employer: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and caring work environment that prioritises the wellbeing of both crew and guests. With a rich history of over 170 years, we foster a culture of teamwork and inclusivity, providing competitive benefits such as AXA Health medical cover, enhanced parental leave, and opportunities for professional development. As a family-run business, we value our employees and encourage a positive attitude, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career in the maritime health services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Health Services in Ipswich
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, webinars, or local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge. Share insights from your experience in medical leadership and public health. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can truly make an impact.
✨Follow Up After Interviews
After any interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines family.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Health Services in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Director of Health Services role. Highlight your medical expertise, leadership experience, and any relevant maritime or cruise background to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with ours at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership position, make sure to emphasise your experience in leading teams and developing policies. Share examples of how you've successfully managed complex situations in the past – we love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your medical knowledge, especially in areas like emergency medicine and maritime health. Familiarise yourself with international regulations like MLC 2006 and CLIA guidance, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you guided best practices or managed complex issues. This role is all about leadership, so showcasing your experience here is key.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines prides itself on a caring and supportive environment. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. Share experiences that highlight your positive attitude and teamwork skills, as they’re looking for someone who fits into their family-like culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current public health initiatives or how they support their medical teams. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
