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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead guest entertainment and shore excursions on our stunning river vessels.
- Company: Join Viking, the award-winning leader in small ship travel since 1997.
- Benefits: Enjoy free uniforms, meals, Wi-Fi, and paid training to boost your career.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values premium hospitality and guest satisfaction.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in management, excellent English, and a passion for guest service required.
- Other info: Professional appearance standards apply; visible tattoos not permitted.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise in contrast to mainstream cruises. With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike.
For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.
Role Overview
Part of our Senior Onboard Management team on our River vessels, the Program Director ensures fullest guest satisfaction, coordinates all shore-excursion activities, organises guest entertainment programs and complies with the product book and all included as well as optional programs and services, both on shore as well as on board. The Program Director reports to Hotel Manager, Corporate Enrichment and Program Manager.
What You Will Do On Board
- Organise embarkation and manage transfers
- Handle reports, vendor vouchers, and onboard bookings
- Plan and present entertainment for guests
- Operate required IT programs and make public announcements
- Coordinate and accompany shore excursions, including liaison with local suppliers and ensuring quality control
- Handle guest complaints professionally
WHY JOIN VIKING?
Elevate Your Career
Regardless of where you are on your career journey, Viking can help you in reaching new destinations with:
- Paid training program in skills and approach to premium hospitality services
- On-the-job coaching to help you advance rapidly
- A lifelong network of hospitality professionals from many different countries
- Internal transfer opportunities to River, Ocean and Expedition ships
On board our ship
- Uniforms, laundry and unlimited Wi-Fi are free of charge for all crew members
- Lodging and meals are provided to you by Viking onboard
- Travel to/from the ship provided by Viking
- Dedicated crew areas and activities
- Sundeck area for crew use
Employee Benefits
- Paid vacation
- Referral program
- Loyalty bonuses
- No immediate tax deduction – potential for tax-free salary, depending on nationality
About You
- Minimum 3 years of management experience in hotel/tourism industry
- International and ship experience is preferred
- Excellent English skills required, other languages are a plus
- Proficient in computer skills
- Positive, guest-focused, team player with excellent organisational and communication skills
APPLICATION AND JOB RELEVANT INFORMATION
Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-coloured sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case-by-case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company. For further information, please contact our recruiting team.
DISCLAIMER
As part of any recruitment process, Viking collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. If you would like to find out more about how your information will be used, please view the privacy notice on our careers page.
RIVER - Program Director employer: Viking
Contact Detail:
Viking Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RIVER - Program Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Viking's unique approach to cruising, especially their focus on cultural and educational experiences. This will help you articulate how your background aligns with their mission during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Viking to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Program Director role. This can provide you with valuable information that may not be available in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past management experience that demonstrate your ability to handle guest complaints and coordinate entertainment programs effectively. Real-life scenarios can showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the destinations Viking operates in and be ready to share ideas for shore excursions or onboard activities that could enhance guest satisfaction. Showing initiative and creativity can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace RIVER - Program Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Program Director at Viking. Highlight your relevant experience in managing guest satisfaction and coordinating activities in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your management experience in the hotel or tourism industry. Emphasise any international or ship experience, as well as your proficiency in English and other languages.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for hospitality and your ability to enhance guest experiences. Mention specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your organisational and communication skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that all information is accurate and complete.
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking
✨Showcase Your Management Experience
Make sure to highlight your management experience in the hotel or tourism industry. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved guest satisfaction in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Given the international nature of Viking's operations, it's essential to demonstrate your understanding of different cultures. Share experiences where you've successfully interacted with diverse groups or adapted to various cultural contexts.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding guest complaints and entertainment planning. Think of past situations where you had to think on your feet and how you resolved them effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Viking's Values
Research Viking's mission and values thoroughly. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, particularly in terms of providing premium hospitality services and ensuring guest satisfaction.
