At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations across a premium cruise fleet, coaching teams and driving performance.
- Company: Join Harding+, a leader in onboard cruise retail with a focus on guest experience.
- Benefits: Travel opportunities, accommodation covered, and career development in a global retail business.
- Other info: Dynamic role with no two assignments the same, perfect for adventurous leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while exploring different ships and working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong retail leadership experience and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
What if your next leadership role did not just grow your career, but gave you the chance to make an impact across an entire fleet? This is retail leadership at a different level. Not one store, not one team, not one location. A role where every assignment is different, every ship brings a new challenge, and your leadership can shape performance across the world.
At Harding+, we lead the way in onboard cruise retail, partnering with world-class cruise lines to create exceptional guest experiences at sea. This opportunity sits within our Viking partnership, supporting a premium fleet known for quality, service and understated luxury.
The Role
As a Fleet Manager, you will be employed by HardingBros Guernsey and deployed across the Viking fleet to support retail operations wherever you are needed most. That could mean stepping in to cover leave, stabilising performance, coaching leaders, supporting new initiatives, training teams, or identifying commercial opportunities onboard. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in new environments, and can quickly build trust and credibility with different teams. You will move from ship to ship depending on business need, with each deployment offering a new focus and fresh challenge.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Travel across the Viking fleet, supporting different ships and retail teams
- Step into stores and quickly assess opportunities, risks and priorities
- Provide leadership cover during holidays, gaps or peak trading periods
- Coach and develop onboard managers and teams to raise performance
- Support training, new launches and operational improvements
- Build strong relationships with cruise line partners and onboard stakeholders
- Drive high standards in guest experience, presentation and execution
- Share best practice across the fleet to improve consistency and results
Why This Role Is Different
No two assignments will be the same. One trip may be about coaching an established team to the next level. Another could be covering leadership on a busy ship, supporting a new opening, or helping turn around performance. It is a role for someone who wants more than routine. You will see different ships, work with different people, and make a visible impact wherever you go. Through our partnership with Viking, you will work within one of the most respected premium cruise environments at sea. Guests value quality, service and expertise. The retail experience is considered, premium and guest-focused, with an emphasis on service over hard selling.
Who We’re Looking For
You may currently be a Store Manager, Cluster Manager, Regional Manager or multi-site retail leader looking for something more dynamic. You will bring:
- Strong retail leadership experience
- Confidence leading teams and improving performance quickly
- Experience coaching managers and developing capability
- Commercial awareness and a strong customer mindset
- The ability to adapt to new environments and different personalities
- Resilience, maturity and a hands-on approach
- Credibility with senior stakeholders and frontline teams alike
- Cruise, travel retail, hospitality or premium retail experience would be valuable, but strong leaders from other backgrounds are welcome too.
What You’ll Receive
- A unique global leadership role with real variety
- The opportunity to travel as part of your job
- Accommodation and living expenses covered while onboard
- The chance to work across a premium fleet environment
- Career development with an award-winning global retail business
- Full onboarding and travel support
Fleet Manager - Cruise Retail Leadership at Sea employer: Harding Retail
At Harding+, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Fleet Managers to lead across a premium cruise retail environment. Our dynamic work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with comprehensive support for career development and the chance to travel extensively while making a tangible impact on guest experiences. Join us to enjoy competitive benefits, including covered accommodation and living expenses, all while working with world-class partners in the cruise industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fleet Manager - Cruise Retail Leadership at Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the cruise and retail industry on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your leadership skills in interviews. Prepare examples of how you've turned around team performance or tackled challenges head-on. We want to see that hands-on approach in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture and values of Harding+ and Viking. Tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their focus on quality, service, and guest experience. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Fleet Manager - Cruise Retail Leadership at Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Fleet Manager role. Highlight your retail leadership experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to adapt and thrive in different environments.
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 background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience in coaching teams and driving performance.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Since this role involves travelling across the fleet, emphasise your adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated change in previous roles to demonstrate your readiness for this dynamic position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harding Retail
✨Know Your Fleet
Before the interview, research the Viking fleet and Harding+ to understand their values and operations. Familiarise yourself with their retail strategies and guest experience focus. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in dynamic environments. Highlight your coaching experiences and how you've improved performance. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you adapted your leadership style to meet those challenges.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Since this role involves moving between different ships and teams, be prepared to discuss your adaptability. Share stories that illustrate how you've thrived in new environments and built trust quickly with diverse teams. This will show that you can handle the variety this position offers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company culture. Inquire about the challenges they face across the fleet or how they measure success in guest experience. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
