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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for our fleet, ensuring safety and efficiency while delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join City Cruises, part of the Hornblower Group, a leader in unforgettable experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of maritime operations and make a real impact on our team and customers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior operations management, strong leadership skills, and budget management experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Operational Leadership
- 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.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with MCA, PLA, and company Safety Management System (SMS).
- Surveys vessel safety checks, licensing, and internal audits.
- Champion a safety‑first culture through training and drills.
People & Talent Development
- 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.
Stakeholder Engagement
- 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.
- 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 (desirable).
- BML License or equivalent (desirable).
City Experiences Europe does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
Head of Operations (Maritime) City Cruises London London, UK Marine Operations employer: Heart Talent
Contact Detail:
Heart Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Maritime) City Cruises London London, UK Marine Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime industry, especially those who work at City Cruises or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s operations and values. Show us that you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to highlight your leadership and operational skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Apply directly through our website and express your interest in the Head of Operations role. A proactive approach can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Maritime) City Cruises London London, UK Marine Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in maritime operations and leadership skills, as we want to see how you can drive efficiency and innovation in our fleet.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about maritime operations and how your background aligns with our mission at City Cruises. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led teams, improved processes, or ensured compliance in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing talent out there. Let’s make it happen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heart Talent
✨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 expertise and commitment to safety and compliance, which is crucial for the Head of Operations role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large teams in the past. Highlight your experience in recruitment, training, and performance management, as this will demonstrate your ability to develop a proactive operations culture.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with data analysis and reporting tools that monitor KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive operational efficiency in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've maintained relationships with regulatory authorities and trade unions in the past. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've promoted cross-departmental collaboration, as this is key to succeeding in this role.
