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 :

1. Perform site inspections / participation in Embarkation/ Debarkation operations / Port assestments: Travel to different locations prior to turnaround operations to design the embarkation/debarkation process and guests experience in our ports of call
2. Assistance is setting up Ground Handling operations, including working on SOP and port manuals
3. Assist the Product development : terminal operations and luggage handling and pricing as well as supervisions of the integration in the systems
4. Participation in BID processes, including selection of partners and contracting.
5. Assist negotiation with suppliers following their performance striving to reduce costs.
6. Lead and supervise Turnaround Operations in Turnaround Ports in liaison with the with Ground Handlers
7. Follow up daily operations (Manifest running, staffing budget, assistance during pre/post journey to Ground Handlers)
8. Administrative tasks, including inventory management, maintenance of information on the different systems and invoicing.
9. Perform site inspections / participation in Embarkation/ Debarkation operations / Port assestments: Travel to different locations prior to turnaround operations to design the embarkation/debarkation process and guests experience in our ports of call
10. Assistance to Call center and sales team through sales systems on daily basis to solve any questions or provide answers to Guests and Travel Advisors inquires.
11. Contracts and pricing upload, maintenance of deposits and payments calendar and control of execution
12. Liaison with different stakeholders to obtain information and make necessary reservations and adjustments

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.