Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Life insurance
Employee Discounts
Training and Development
Job Description
Holland America Line (HAL) is a renowned global cruise line company known for delivering exceptional guest experiences through its fleet of sophisticated cruise ships. With a legacy of excellence, HAL offers luxurious travel adventures combining world-class amenities, fine dining, and outstanding service to travelers around the globe. The company operates in the hospitality and cruise industries, providing full-service cruise experiences including multiple dining venues, entertainment options, and enrichment programs onboard its vessels. HAL values quality, guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices in all aspects of its business. This particular position is a Fixed Term Contract role based onboard one of HAL's vessels, offering a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic maritime environment with international exposure, reporting directly to the Food & Beverage Director.
The Assistant Food & Beverage Director at Holland America Line plays a critical role in assisting with the management and oversight of the vessel’s Food & Beverage operations. This leadership position involves a comprehensive range of responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of food and beverage services across multiple dining venues, including the Lido Restaurant, Main Dining Room, Specialty Restaurants, bars, lounges, and team dining areas. The Assistant Director supports efficient management of service operations, inventory control, compliance with Public Health standards, and maintains high standards of service delivery and product consistency aimed at maximizing guest satisfaction.
This role supports the Food & Beverage Director in daily operations and administrative tasks, planning and coordinating aspects related to storeroom management and workflow within the department. It includes a hands-on role overseeing service quality in high-volume areas such as the Lido Deck and team dining operations, enforcing compliance with food signage and menu programs, and coordinating special events in collaboration with culinary and beverage teams. The Assistant Director is also responsible for training and motivating team members, ensuring adherence to food handling, sanitation standards, and managing compliance with regulatory bodies such as the US Vessel Sanitation Program (USPH), HAL’s Health, Environment, Safety & Security (HESS) policies, and HACCP requirements.
A significant part of the role involves maintaining operational excellence through proactive oversight during service peak times, conducting inventory checks, supporting equipment maintenance and repair, and ensuring safety and security protocols are followed at all times. The Assistant Food & Beverage Director also contributes to the financial management of the department by monitoring expenditures against budgets, analysing variances, preparing financial proformas for each cruise, and ensuring accurate administration of incentive programs aligned with revenue goals.
This position demands exceptional leadership to develop and coach a diverse, multicultural crew team, promoting HAL’s culture and standards through comprehensive performance management practices, including setting objectives, providing feedback, and handling performance improvement plans. The role also promotes environmental sustainability through active training on waste management and ensuring compliance with corporate environmental policies. Communication skills are essential for reviewing guest feedback, collaborating with department heads to enhance service delivery, and utilizing digital tools like the Navigator App to boost onboard revenue and guest experience.
Applicants for this role are expected to have a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or related fields, with a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar leadership capacity either on large cruise ships or in luxury hotel/resort environments. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Dutch, Spanish, or German is an advantage. The ability to manage operations in a culturally diverse setting, strong organizational and human resources knowledge, business planning acumen, and a passion for service excellence are crucial to success in this position.
Physically, the role requires stamina for standing, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting, with compliance to safety protocols and participation in emergency procedures onboard the ship. The Assistant Food & Beverage Director's contribution ensures that Holland America Line continues offering premium dining experiences that meet and exceed brand standards, delighting guests worldwide and supporting HAL's reputation as a leader in the cruise industry.
The Assistant Food & Beverage Director at Holland America Line plays a critical role in assisting with the management and oversight of the vessel’s Food & Beverage operations. This leadership position involves a comprehensive range of responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of food and beverage services across multiple dining venues, including the Lido Restaurant, Main Dining Room, Specialty Restaurants, bars, lounges, and team dining areas. The Assistant Director supports efficient management of service operations, inventory control, compliance with Public Health standards, and maintains high standards of service delivery and product consistency aimed at maximizing guest satisfaction.
This role supports the Food & Beverage Director in daily operations and administrative tasks, planning and coordinating aspects related to storeroom management and workflow within the department. It includes a hands-on role overseeing service quality in high-volume areas such as the Lido Deck and team dining operations, enforcing compliance with food signage and menu programs, and coordinating special events in collaboration with culinary and beverage teams. The Assistant Director is also responsible for training and motivating team members, ensuring adherence to food handling, sanitation standards, and managing compliance with regulatory bodies such as the US Vessel Sanitation Program (USPH), HAL’s Health, Environment, Safety & Security (HESS) policies, and HACCP requirements.
A significant part of the role involves maintaining operational excellence through proactive oversight during service peak times, conducting inventory checks, supporting equipment maintenance and repair, and ensuring safety and security protocols are followed at all times. The Assistant Food & Beverage Director also contributes to the financial management of the department by monitoring expenditures against budgets, analysing variances, preparing financial proformas for each cruise, and ensuring accurate administration of incentive programs aligned with revenue goals.
This position demands exceptional leadership to develop and coach a diverse, multicultural crew team, promoting HAL’s culture and standards through comprehensive performance management practices, including setting objectives, providing feedback, and handling performance improvement plans. The role also promotes environmental sustainability through active training on waste management and ensuring compliance with corporate environmental policies. Communication skills are essential for reviewing guest feedback, collaborating with department heads to enhance service delivery, and utilizing digital tools like the Navigator App to boost onboard revenue and guest experience.
Applicants for this role are expected to have a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or related fields, with a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar leadership capacity either on large cruise ships or in luxury hotel/resort environments. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Dutch, Spanish, or German is an advantage. The ability to manage operations in a culturally diverse setting, strong organizational and human resources knowledge, business planning acumen, and a passion for service excellence are crucial to success in this position.
Physically, the role requires stamina for standing, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting, with compliance to safety protocols and participation in emergency procedures onboard the ship. The Assistant Food & Beverage Director's contribution ensures that Holland America Line continues offering premium dining experiences that meet and exceed brand standards, delighting guests worldwide and supporting HAL's reputation as a leader in the cruise industry.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration or related field
- minimum five years’ experience as Food & Beverage Director in large cruise ship or multi-venue luxury hotel or resort
- current knowledge of US Vessel Sanitation Program
- exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- excellent computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook
- fluent in English
- proficiency in at least one of Dutch, Spanish or German preferred
- ability to lead in a culturally diverse environment
- knowledge of business planning, coordination and execution
- knowledge of personalized service standards
- knowledge of human resources functions
- ability to lead and motivate teams
- physical ability to stand, walk long distances, climb stairs, lift over 25 pounds
- able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures
- able to work in variable temperature environments
- able to pass basic safety course
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration or related field
- minimum five years’ experience as Food & Beverage Director in a large cruise ship or luxury hotel/resort
- current knowledge of US Vessel Sanitation Program
- exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- excellent computer skills including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- fluency in English
- proficiency in Dutch, Spanish or German advantageous
- strong leadership capability in culturally diverse environments
- knowledge of business and organizational planning principles
- understanding of personalized service standards and guest satisfaction techniques
- familiarity with human resources policies and practices
- ability to inspire and develop team members
- demonstrated organizational and management skills
Job Duties
- Assist the Food & Beverage Director in daily operations and administration of the Food & Beverage Department
- plan and coordinate day-to-day aspects of F&B operations including storeroom management
- monitor and advise outlet managers on operational requirements and quality standards
- oversee service operations in Lido Restaurant, Lido Deck, and Team Dining
- ensure compliance with food signage and menu programs across all F&B areas
- coordinate and support special events and new initiatives with culinary and beverage teams
- supervise training and motivation of F&B team members
- maintain visible presence during peak service times to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction
- conduct inventory spot checks and manage equipment maintenance coordination
- support compliance with food handling and sanitation standards including USPH, HAL, HESS, and HACCP
- review guest feedback and submit improvement recommendations
- prepare departmental financial proformas in collaboration with beverage and culinary leaders
- lead and develop team members, conduct performance reviews and manage improvement plans
- promote environmental compliance and conduct periodic training on waste management
- enforce safety and security policies within the department
- oversee financial policies adherence and budget monitoring
- ensure accurate administration of performance-related programs
- report on financial and guest satisfaction metrics to Food & Beverage Director
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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