Head of Marine Operations

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-run business that has been offering exceptional cruise experiences for over 170 years. With a fleet of ships that provide intimate, friendly, and immersive voyages, we are committed to delivering world-class service with a personal touch. Join us and be part of a proud heritage that is all about making lasting memories for our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are now strengthening our team with a Head of Marine Operations
. You will be responsible for creating clear ownership, disciplined operational control and consistent support to shipboard teams across marine operations, port operations, maritime standards, itinerary execution and operational response.

• Lead FOCL’s marine operations function, ensuring vessel navigation, operational safety and maritime standards are effectively governed, supported and continuously improved.
• Establish and maintain clear marine operating standards that reflect regulatory obligations, industry best practice and the practical realities of shipboard operations.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Maritime Standards Lead, ensuring standards are understood, embedded and consistently applied across the fleet.
• Support the delivery of a fit-for-purpose Safety Management System by ensuring marine and operational content is accurate, usable and aligned to how work is carried out on board.
• Lead the port operations function, ensuring safe, efficient and well-controlled delivery for port calls, turnarounds, embarkation and disembarkation activity.
• Ensure operational itinerary planning is realistic, deliverable and effectively coordinated with the Product, Commercial, Destination Services, Technical Operations and shipboard teams.
• Provide oversight of berth planning, port schedules, turnaround planning, port agent arrangements and operational readiness for each call.
• Ensure port operations decisions balance safety, compliance, guest experience, crew impact, operational practicality and commercial requirements.
• Provide leadership across passenger operations and crew operations where they intersect with marine and port delivery.
• Ensure operational planning supports safe movement of guests, crew, luggage, stores and services during port calls and turnarounds.
• Strengthen the connection between shipboard operational teams and shoreside support functions, reducing duplication, confusion and inconsistent ownership.
• Ensure the operational impact of itinerary changes, disruption, weather, port restriction or vessel issues is assessed and communicated clearly.
• Lead the duty operations system to provide effective out-of-hours operational oversight, escalation and decision support.
• Build and lead a capable, professional Marine and Port Operations team with clear roles, decision rights, priorities and escalation routes.

• At least 3 years of sea-going experience as a Captain or Staff Captain on large commercial or cruise vessels.
• At least 5 years of senior shoreside management experience, handling itinerary planning, marine logistics, or port agency oversight.
• Hold a valid Master Unlimited Certificate of Competency (CoC), enabling you to command a vessel of any tonnage, with a current STCW certification.
• Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and building clarity in complex or changing operating models.
• Proven ability to work effectively with shipboard leadership, shoreside teams, external partners and regulatory stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of shipboard operations, port call execution, navigation safety, maritime compliance and operational risk management.
• Strong commercial awareness, budget discipline, and ability to balance safety, compliance, operational practicality and guest…