Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a 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 £65,000, career growth, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of maritime operations and make waves in customer service excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior operations management, strong leadership, and budget management skills.
- Other info: Engage with regulatory authorities and foster a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 78000 £ 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.
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).
- Oversee 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).
Head of Operations (Maritime) employer: Hornblower Corp
Contact Detail:
Hornblower Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Maritime)
✨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 that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research City Cruises, their operations, and recent news. Show us you’re passionate about the role and have ideas on how to drive efficiency and innovation in operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on your leadership experience and how you've managed large teams before. We want to see your confidence shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at City Cruises.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Maritime)
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 operational excellence 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 of how you've improved operational efficiency or led successful teams. Numbers and results speak volumes to us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hornblower Corp
✨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 that you’re not just familiar with the industry but also serious about compliance and safety, 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. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and develop a diverse team effectively.
✨Understand Operational Efficiency
Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented to improve operational efficiency. Highlight any data analysis tools or KPIs you've used in previous roles to monitor performance and drive improvements.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with regulatory authorities and trade unions in your past roles. Be prepared to share your approach to stakeholder engagement and how it has benefited your operations.
