Human Resources Manager @ Viking Ocean Cruises

PURPOSE OF POSITION

• In conjunction with the Department Heads, The Human Resource (HR) Manager manages and controls the strategic implementation of shipboard HR processes and procedures across all departments, ensuring fairness and consistency. Including employee relations, employee communication, training and development, coaching and counselling, quality of life and leadership training.
• Have a thorough understanding of Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), Norwegian Labor Law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Viking Ocean Cruises and Norwegian Seafarers Union.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide competent leadership in the area of employee relations by assisting and guiding Department Heads and Shipboard Managers with HR issues; in conjunction with Senior Officers, implement and sustain Viking’s STAR Service Standard and Quality of Life, onboard the ship.
•  Provide an accessible and nurturing environment to handle employee relations issues, using effective conflict resolution skills, and assist in arbitrating disputes and resolving grievances, while guiding team members towards the correct outcome.
• Develop, evaluate and modify HR processes, policies and procedures to ensure onboard departments can comply with requirements, and ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
• Ensure Time and Attendance Procedures are followed by all departments to ensure 100% compliance, in line with both company and Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) regulations.
• Participate in all investigations related to employee performance or policy violations.
• Attend crew sign-off meetings to provide farewell and thank you messages to the crew; support the Crew Purser with the sign-on process, when there is a large turnover of crew.
• Facilitate all crew scheduling requests and queries and liaise with shoreside HR, where necessary
• Facilitate the employee resignation process, including exit interviews and communication with relevant management, where necessary.
• Proactively visit and monitor employee work areas to ensure there is a positive work environment and fully interact with all employees; responsible for leadership development onboard including feedback, assessments and training; facilitate all change of department requests, as per company process.
• In conjunction with the Department Heads, play a vital role in positively communicating organizational change initiatives, and new company policies and procedures that may affect shipboard employees.
• Ensure the confidentiality and discretion of all employee information, this includes but is not limited to discipline, investigations and other sensitive information and matters of a private nature.
• Establish a career progression process to be used onboard ensuring transparency, fairness, skill level and experience.
• Be familiar with the Human Resources Manual & Shipboard Training; have an in-depth understanding of the working hours policies & procedures; be familiar with crew contracts and work schedule hours/week.
• Lead and support a multi-cultural team, maximizing crew satisfaction, productivity and retention; meet with Team Leaders on a daily basis for “The Daily Reunion”, to provide feedback & operational updates as well as to ensure that your department is performing to Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• Ensure the necessary guidance/training and information to the all crew onboard, in accordance with company standards and operational needs.
• Provide competent leadership to all direct reports. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Conducting performance reviews, including discipline as needed, ensuring MLC compliance and onboard training, succession planning, crew communication and recognition.
• Ensure you always wear the appropriate and task specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for your duties onboard. Always use correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
• Uphold impeccable grooming standards at all times by complying with Viking’s Image and Uniform Standards.
• Positively contribute to achieving/succeeding the KPI goals (quality & financial) for all departments; have full knowledge about safety & security procedures and can operate in line with all Public Health, Environmental and Safety & Security Policies; supervise public health activities in all departments; participate in all training concerning onboard training, safety & security, fire prevention, evacuation exercises as required by the company.
• Coordinate and be actively involved in special projects and fulfil any other associated requirements as directed by the Director of Human Resources.

This document describes the primary activities, duties and responsibilities of this position. Your manager or supervisor may assign additional duties and responsibilities to you.

YOUR PROFILE

• A required minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Human Resource Manager or similar position, with a diploma in Human Resources Management.
• Shipboard experience is preferred.
• Strong administration skills are preferred and must be proficient with PC based databases, spread sheets, and word processing systems; flexible, stress resistant, committed team player.
• Fluent in English - must be able to address any kind of information in an adequate manner with excellent oral and written English communication skills – the ability to speak an additional language is an advantage.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required, with excellent knowledge of all Public Health Policies; team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills and coaching abilities.