Chief Purser for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

V.Ships Leisure is looking for Chief Purser on behalf of Orient Express Sailing Yachts. Manage efficiently all guest and crew administration and finances in a manner consistent with Orient Express’ high standard of passenger service. The Chief Purser is ultimately responsible to ensure the safe keeping of all administration protocols, including port operations, clearance, financial control, onboard monies and accounting documents. The Chief Purser needs to focus on the guest experience and ensure that any communication needed is done in a timely manner so as not to negatively impact the guests’ experience. They should always ensure the well-being of team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaising with agents and HODs for all Port Operation matters.
• Control of ship’s documentation in/out ports.
• Control of Assistant Purser Duties.
• Control of the Inventory Manager/Provision Master in financial, planning and controlling duties.
• Maintains ship’s funds and cash availability.
• Control of all cash accounts and central billing.
• Control of ship financial operation, reporting and statistics and internal auditing as required.
• Financial reporting to Orient Express Sailing Yachts headquarter and/or operation partners.
• Supervision of all onboard financial and accounting documentation.
• Responsible for the ordering, storage, distribution, stock and cost control of paper goods and printed material for the purser’s department.
• Organizes, supervises and assists the Back Office and handles all administrative work involved.
• Handles all ship’s clearances and establishes passenger and crew manifests with the Immigration Officers of the respective country as well as the handling of the necessary preparation work involved.
• Handles Passports and required visas for passengers and crew members.
• Responsible for the registration of all passenger accounts as well as the handling of all payments.
• Handles crew accounts and payments of wages to all crew members.
• Responsible for the handling of all ship payments, list for Ship clearance etc.
• Establishes Passenger and Crew Manifests for Immigration purposes.
• Responsible for handling all cash according to instructions.
• Supervises signing-on and signing-off procedures for crew members.
• Responsible for the daily settlement with all revenue centres on board i.e. bar and wine sales, shore experiences revenue, doctor’s fee, Spa revenue etc.
• Attends the Hotel Director's meeting and keeps the minutes of the meeting.
• Handles Agent Invoices (all Invoices have to be countersigned by the Hotel Director (if Hotel Department related) or Captain/Chief Engineer (if Ship related)).
• Responsible for the payment of Harbor Fees (when requested by Captain).
• Responsible for purchasing the most widely read international newspapers (if available) as a service to the passengers.
• Forwards all orders for all paper supplies, printing matters (stationary, brochures etc.) and keeps regular inventories on these items.
• Face-to-Face Inspections: Responsible in handling scheduled and last-minute face-to-face inspections; reallocating resources to accommodate unexpected inspections while maintaining other responsibilities.
• Responsible for the management, update and communication of the rotation plan for crew members in collaboration with the hotel director and assistant purser.
• Conducts staff’ orientation and mid/end contract performance evaluations and makes recommendations for promotion.
• Introduces new crew members to their working areas and to the rules and regulations on board.
• Maintains a Purser's Office log book.

Education/Experience/Qualifications

• Fluent English mandatory. Additional languages are a plus.
• A university degree or equivalent in Hospitality Finance or related field.
• Previous professional experience: 3-5 years’ experience as ship-board Chief Purser plus appropriate on the job training for the Manager’s position as well as proper skills in accounting and administration.
• Shipboard experience: Yes.
• Valid STCW certificates.
• Valid Pre-Employment Medical.
• C1D visa mandatory for all positions.