Director, Food and Beverage Operations

Holland America Line is a distinguished cruise line company with a rich heritage dating back to 1873. Known for its commitment to exploring the world, the company offers guests immersive travel experiences by combining innovative ship features with a dedication to personalized service and destination-focused journeys. Holland America Line operates a fleet of elegant ships that emphasize comfort, luxury, and enriching itineraries aimed at delivering memorable vacations to travelers around the globe. With a longstanding reputation for excellence in the cruise industry, the company continuously seeks to enhance passenger satisfaction and operational excellence through forward-thinking initiatives and a robust corporate culture.

This particular role is for the Director of Food & Beverage Operations, a hybrid position based in Seattle, WA, that plays a pivotal role in strengthening and shaping the culinary and beverage experiences aboard Holland America’s fleet of ships. This senior leadership position requires a strategic and operational expert to oversee the entire food and beverage (F&B) function across the organization’s cruise ships. The Director will be responsible for developing and executing a cohesive strategic vision to elevate onboard dining and beverage standards while driving profitability through revenue growth, cost efficiency, and process optimization.

The role entails comprehensive operational oversight of shipboard and shoreside F&B activities, ensuring strict adherence to brand standards, policies, and environmental compliance programs. Ensuring consistency in service quality and alignment with corporate objectives will be central to success here. Moreover, this position involves collaborating extensively with cross-functional teams including IT, finance, marketing, purchasing, and HR, to deliver seamless experiences and support business initiatives. The role also demands leadership in hiring, training, and developing high-performing teams that contribute to a culture of accountability, creativity, and guest-first service.

A major focus for the Director will be maximizing EBITDA by leveraging innovative culinary concepts, cost controls, and operational efficiencies. This requires analytic diligence in reviewing financials, inventory management, and policy updates. In addition, the Director will lead efforts to boost guest satisfaction and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) by championing guest experience programs that continuously refine and elevate service delivery. The position also incorporates oversight of marketing strategies tied to food and beverage promotions and special events coordination, ensuring Holland America’s F&B offerings remain competitive and appealing.

The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of relevant multi-unit management experience, preferably within cruise ship culinary operations or high-volume hospitality environments such as hotels or restaurants. A degree in Hospitality Management or equivalent professional background is required. The role commands strong leadership, communication, and organizational talents, alongside budgetary and cost control knowledge. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team is critical. Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, Point of Sale Systems, and related software enhances efficiency and reporting capabilities.

This is a full-time hybrid position with an attractive salary range between $120,000 and $162,000 per year. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should be able to attend the Seattle office three days per week. Holland America Line offers excellent benefits including cruise and travel privileges for the employee and their family, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase programs, professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and various rewards and incentives. The compensation package reflects the company’s dedication to attracting top talent committed to delivering world-class guest experiences while upholding the company’s core values centered on compliance, environmental stewardship, and employee well-being.

Joining Holland America Line means becoming part of a company that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of background. The company also supports applicants with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process. The Director of Food & Beverage Operations role offers a unique opportunity to impact all aspects of onboard culinary excellence on one of the most prestigious cruise lines in the world, blending strategic vision with hands-on operational leadership in an inspiring and collaborative environment.