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Your Purpose

The Head of People Experience - Shipboard Operations is responsible for and oversees the shipboard people experience of the MSC Cruise Division, being MSC Cruises and Explora Journey’s. Based at our headquarters in Geneva Switzerland, this role will serve as the key liaison between corporate HR strategies and onboard operations, ensuring alignment, excellence, and innovation in crew engagement, development, and welfare.

Your Impact

• Monitor crew satisfaction levels through regular feedback mechanisms and onboard surveys, acting on insights to continuously improve the crew experience.
• Liaise with with the Head of DEI and Wellbeing, develop and implement initiatives to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of crew members.
• Partner with onboard leadership teams to foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
• Full operational and managerial oversight of the onboard HR / People Directors.
• Serve as Chair of the Crew Committee and member of both the MSC Cruises Executive Committee and the Reward Committee.
• Overseeing Crew lodging and common area development / outfitting withing the Fleet new build and Dry Dock committees.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring crew operations align with brand standards.
• Liaise with of the Head of Onboard Finance in overseeing the onboard Crew purser / People Services Directors.
• Liaise with MSC Crew Management in London, maintaining onboard house rules, code of conduct and shipboard handbook, drive HR compliance programs to meet flag state, Union and international maritime labor laws and regulations, including but not limited to required STCW certification, Labor contracts and MLC work & rest hours.
• Liaise with the MSC Crew Services in Italy, maintaing oversight on the People travel, scheduling and compensation experiences.
• Champion DEI initiatives promoting a multicultural, inclusive working environment across the fleet.
• Address challenges related to cross-cultural dynamics and advocate understanding and collaboration among crew members from diverse backgrounds.
• Serve as the HR representative in onboard crisis situations, ensuring effective management of emergencies and support for crew members.
• Provide strategic guidance during challenging situations, such as incidents, disputes, or grievances, ensuring timely and empathetic resolutions.

Your Journey so far

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven track record in senior HR leadership roles onboard large cruise ships or at a senior corporate level within a cruise line.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing complex teams of senior HR professionals.
• Extensive experience in managing and influencing internal stakeholders, with the ability to partner across functions and senior leadership.
• Experience in designing and implementing employee wellbeing programs.
• In-depth knowledge of international maritime law (STCW, ILO and MLC) as well as various labor laws such as POEA, TAC and EU GDPR.
• In-depth understanding of IMO maritime labor regulations, encompassing MLC, STCW, and ITF Union requirements.

Your Essentials

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse teams.
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and internationally on our fleet.
• Fluent in English with proficiency in at least one of the following languages being preferred: Italian, French or Spanish.
• EU Passport or right to work in Switzerland.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.