Hospitality Operations, F&B Manager

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.

Responsibilities

The OE Hospitality Operations F&B Manager assists the OE VP Yacht Hospitality in leading and supporting all relevant activities associated with yacht cruise operations and hotel-side openings. This role is crucial in ensuring the operational, commercial, financial, quality, and PR success of both the on-land team and crew.

Reporting directly to the OE VP Yacht Hospitality, the OE Hospitality Operations F&B Manager is responsible for :

• Managing and overseeing all aspects of hotel operations on board the fleet, including hospitality and catering services with food & beverages.
• Collaborating closely with other departments to ensure safe, efficient, and effective ultra-luxury operations of the sailing yacht vessels.
• After the delivery of the ships, provide personal recommendations for the development of executives and employees, including on-land staff, Captain, Deck & Engine crew, and Hotel crew, in accordance with Accor & Orient Express Talent Management guidelines. Motivating employees and maintaining frequent visits to ensure high standards.
• Collaborating with the Orient Express brand team, acting as a representative of the brand standards.
• Maintaining good relations with the Owners and/or Owners’ representatives, supervisors, team members, and corporate offices is essential.
• Working closely with other executives and stakeholders, the manager will develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
• Ensuring that guest experiences meet the highest expectations of clients and industry is paramount.
• Collaborate with the OE team shoreside to create and develop a unique, lifelong experience that blends navigation, hotel, F&B, and shoreside activities (pre, during, and post-voyage).

Detailed responsibilities

Construction Project

• Provide luxury inputs regarding high-end hospitality industry standards.
• Review the hotel crew list to ensure optimal staff allocation and service levels.
• Evaluate overall circulation, including crew service and passenger flow.
• Advise on linen quantity, distribution flows, and storage.
• Assess food and beverage quality, quantity, loading, and service circulation, as well as equipment, uniforms, and consumables.
• Lead the guest-facing design process, including boarding procedures, cabin entry, safety/security, and identification protocols.
• Offer recommendations for “back of the house” requirements.
• Inspect vessel equipment in galleys, bars, pantries, and provision areas.

Starting a Cruise Line

• Contribute to time scheduling, daily operations, turnaround time requirements, and stopover logistics.
• Develop standard operating procedures based on Orient-Express brand standards, yacht layout, and guest experience.
• Organize and supervise crew training to ensure adherence to OE values and standards.
• Implement operational strategies and plans for efficient yacht vessel operations, including policy development and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with marine operations, navigation, technical operations, safety, environmental standards, and maintenance.
• Manage running budgets and forecasts for hotel operations departments.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and best practices related to cruise operations.
• Ensure reporting and participate in weekly meetings as required.
• Maintain familiarity with all relevant company documentation and key partner environments.
• Oversee operational contracts with third parties for maintenance and other aspects.

Operations

• Prepare operational duties for all hotel staff, ensuring proper follow-up and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with catering partners to create a comprehensive operations booklet.
• Conduct frequent audit visits on board to ensure guidelines are followed and identify areas for improvement.
• Engage with crew members to gather feedback and maintain strong relationships.

Human Resources

• Anticipate future hotel crew hiring needs in collaboration with Vship, and establish a loyalty program through effective crew rotation and relationship-building.
• Regularly discuss staffing requirements with the team, adjusting the crew manifest as needed.
• Provide input for drafting hotel crew job descriptions.
• Develop a training plan for crew members, including dry runs and ongoing training.
• Ensure specialized training with shoreside partners meets the expectations of both guests and partners.

Marketing/Logistics/FInance

• Conduct surveys and benchmark competition to understand key markets.
• Develop a long-term logistics strategy to supply the yacht year-round, considering the itinerary and budget constraints.
• Support the financial team by monitoring budgets and setting up reporting tools and processes for annual business planning.
• Implement tools and processes to maintain operations in line with upscale positioning, ensuring adherence to preventive maintenance guidelines.
• Undertake various special projects as requested by the OE VP Yacht Hospitality.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively liaise with with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities for handling complex operations.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Exceptional customer service orientation, with the ability to anticipate and exceed guest needs and expectations.
• Adaptability to changing environments and flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
• Analytical and strategic thinking to develop and implement effective operational plans.