Ground Handling Operations Manager, Leisure Cruises - Orient Express (H/F/X)

ORIENT EXPRESS  

Artisan of Travel since 1883 Orient Express is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by past, present and future generations. Representing the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality within Accor Group, this brand is currently going through exciting phases of rebirth and expansion.   

 Orient Express embodies the refined nomadic spirit of travel, inviting each traveler to a place where the journey is the destination. Bringing awe-inspiring travel experiences to a new generation of adventurers, its exceptional portfolio includes The Orient Express, with its original carriages reimagined as the new embassy of French luxury; Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a train embodying the 'Made in Italy' way; Orient Express Silenseas - the world’s largest sailing ship; and hotels coming to Rome and Venice.   

Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express is focusing on employee journey and growth.  

Orient Express Silenseas

140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the launch of the world's largest sailing ships, the Orient Express Silenseas. A revolution in maritime history, and a fabulous project that pushes back the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the world's leading cruiseship builder. This extraordinary sailing ship of the future, with its spectacular interiors, will set sail in 2026.

  Shipping HoldCo

For legal matters, the Orient Express Silenseas vessels will belong to the Shipping HoldCo Company, a subsidiary of Accor Luxury & Lifestyle, which owns and is responsible for the Silenseas vessel construction and operation.

Reporting to the VP Itinerary Planning & Destination Experiences, The Ground Handling Manager duties will be :

• Set up ground operation section within the Itinerary and Destination Experiences Department
• Develop  pre/post packages, Transfer programs, Seamless luggage handling with local TO, Global Suppliers and interface with the concierge team
• Develop Transfer program for all guests in turnaround ports as well as during the different brand events
• Set up of embarkation and disembarkation process in turnaround terminals and ensure terminal operations in accordance with high quality service and corporate brand identity.
• Guidance and support to the Ground Handling team to ensure terminal operations are running smooth and identifying areas of improvement
• Assesment Ports and terminals worldwide to make sure embarkation /debarkation operations are feasible in new destinations for itinerary design purposes.
• Negotiate and establish partnerships with local suppliers to ensure a comprehensive and high-end offering to clients, including comparative study and analysis of offers, optimize P&L with emphasis on the quality of the proposed experiences.
• Coordinate of all stages of the process working closely with sales, marketing, onboard teams, and various service providers involved in delivering experiences.
• Manage the budget
• Ensure full data set up in the reservation and onboard systems.
• Monitoring of competitors and the travel industry in general to position and differentiate our Ground Handling product 

Typical Background:

• Bachelor’s degree. 
• 5-10 years’ experience in a similar job in cruise or yachting industry; preference luxury cruise industry.

Knowledge (technical skills)

• Excellent knowledge of the luxury cruise/ground handling/yachting sector.
• Proven knowledge of logistical and operational processes of moving guests.
• Proficient in Excel and financial analysis.
• Excellent skills in French and English (spoken and written).

Skills (professional practices):

• Analysis & synthesis.
• Organisationnel talent.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Management a small team of direct reports.
• Adaptability to change, stress resistant, problemsolving.
• Must be able to prioritize projects and activities and set timelines to achieve. goals quickly.

Attributes (expected behaviors):

• Organization, rigor.
• Teamwork, autonomy, customer centricity.
• Curiosity, alertness to innovations in the tourism sector.
• Ability to travel frequently.