Senior Director Hotel Operations

Margaritaville at Sea is an innovative cruise line dedicated to creating and delivering fun and escapism for its guests. Known for a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, Margaritaville at Sea blends exceptional hospitality with unique entertainment options, aiming to provide an incredible guest experience on every voyage. The company prides itself on its core purpose: to enhance the guest journey with memorable moments that embody the spirit of relaxation and enjoyment. As part of a growing cruise brand, employees have numerous opportunities for professional development and career advancement in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Joining Margaritaville at Sea means becoming part of a culture built on essential values that shape every decision and interaction. These Culture Essentials include putting every guest first, acting with integrity and respect, taking shared responsibility for the well-being of guests, crew, and community, and striving for excellence. This cultural foundation unifies the team and drives the company toward its vision for continual success and growth.

The role of Senior Director of Hotel Operations is pivotal to maintaining Margaritaville at Sea's commitment to exceptional guest services and operational excellence across its fleet. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, this leadership position oversees all hotel and port-related functions to ensure seamless, high-quality service delivery and operational efficiency. The Senior Director is a critical liaison between shipboard and shoreside teams, responsible for aligning hotel operations with brand standards and corporate objectives.

This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives designed to enhance guest satisfaction, improve Net Promoter Scores, and drive revenue growth. These efforts include the design and continuous refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the hotel and port operations spectrum. The Senior Director also ensures strict compliance with United States Public Health standards and other regulatory requirements, demonstrating a commitment to safety and quality across all vessels and operational settings.

The position demands oversight of all shipboard hotel departments, partnering effectively with Shipboard Human Resources and onboard leadership to support staffing strategies, performance management, succession planning, and crew development. The development and execution of training programs tailored to improve crew competencies and guest service delivery further enhance operational outcomes. The Senior Director acts as the primary shoreside point of contact for shipboard hotel operations, offering guidance and accountability to sustain guest experience excellence.

In addition to hotel management, the Senior Director oversees homeport and port of call operations, managing provisioning, vessel turnaround, loading activities, and coordinating logistics to ensure efficient operation at each port. Vendor relationships and contracts are managed strategically to balance cost-efficiency with high service quality.

Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect of this role, requiring close coordination with departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Shipboard Operations, and Guest Services to drive organizational priorities and operational initiatives. The Senior Director leads strategic projects from conceptualization to implementation, fosters policy development, and facilitates communication between shipboard and shoreside teams to promote continuous improvement.

Championing guest experience and revenue optimization, the Senior Director analyzes feedback and operational data to identify trends and implement improvements. They work with diverse teams to innovate programs that amplify guest loyalty and profitability, all while maintaining the Margaritaville brand promise.

Performance management responsibilities include monitoring compliance, developing dashboards, and reporting to senior leadership with insights and recommendations. The Senior Director cultivates a culture of accountability and operational excellence, emphasizing professionalism and a results-driven approach.

This role requires a seasoned leader with a strong background in cruise, hospitality, tourism, or port operations, complemented by a collaborative management style and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Travel up to 25% and flexible schedules support operational needs. The position is based in Orlando and classified as in-person, underscoring the importance of being physically present to lead and collaborate effectively.

Margaritaville at Sea offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid holidays, vacation, and unique perks like complementary cruises and employee discounts. This is an opportunity to excel professionally while contributing to a company celebrated for its vibrant culture and guest-centered philosophy. Join us and embark on a fulfilling career journey with Margaritaville at Sea, where your leadership will make a difference and your potential can flourish.