Director Itineraries Planning & Port Operations | Orient Express Silenseas

Orient Express

Artisan of Travel since 1883 Orient Express is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by past, present and future generations. Representing the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality within Accor Group, this brand is currently going through exciting phases of rebirth and expansion. Orient Express embodies the refined nomadic spirit of travel, inviting each traveler to a place where the journey is the destination. Bringing awe-inspiring travel experiences to a new generation of adventurers, its exceptional portfolio includes The Orient Express, with its original carriages reimagined as the new embassy of French luxury. Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express is focusing on employee journey and growth.

Chantiers de l'Atlantique

Chantiers de l'Atlantique is one of the world's shipyard leaders in the markets of highly complex ships and offshore installations. Chantiers de l'Atlantique developed Solid Sail, a cutting-edge and sustainable innovation of sailing system available for cruiseships.

Accor Group, together with commercial banks, are partners in a historic project that will revolutionise luxury cruising, witnessing the return of the Orient Express and its tradition of excellence. The Orient Express has a mythical heritage and a strong brand image, and the support of the Accor group is a guarantee of success.

Mission

This position will be responsible for the strategic planning of cruise itineraries in the Mediterranean see, the Caribbean sea and the Middle-East, managing port operations and optimizing the customer experience. 

As Director of itineraries, the candidate will be responsible for ensuring an exceptional and seamless experience for our guests. To develop and implement the itinerary planning strategy for luxury cruises, taking into account customer preferences, market trends and operational constraints, he/she had ideally a similar role before in the cruising sector to ensure high standards of quality, safety and customer satisfaction.

As Director of planning and operations, the candidate will also assist the Executive team in growing the teams and strengthening all partnerships. You will also provide strategic support and leadership to your team and to the Leadership team to ensure the delivery of Orient Express’s service standards, and guest experiences and maximum operating results.

Reporting line

The candidate will be reporting to the VP Orient Express Silenseas, in charge of the overall project, and in the near future to the CEO and/or COO of the future sailing yacht business. The candidate will also work closely with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the Accor Orient Express team, and Orient Express Silenseas Newbuilding team and bring expertise to support the executive department and all operational departments in their choices, decisions, search for quality, and results, while alwaus respecting the Accor procedures.

• Speaking French and English (other European languages an asset).
• Strong work ethic, methodological minded, knowing the itineraries and can work on a white canvas.
• Previous records as a logistical director in a B2B and B2C international context.
• Previous experience in travel management in the (luxury) cruise sector, in the same position or department.
• Practical knowledge of the seas, winds, key itineraries, sailing, time management, port operations, gas and energy supply.
• Understanding of maps, complex environments and a changing context.
• Team spirit, leadership and high level of commitment, a problem-solving aptitude.
• Autonomous, with interest for the Orient Express history and sustainability topics, a drive for project in development and innovation.
• Being able to create strategic plans and set timelines for evaluation, development, and deployment of all technical services, with people safety at first.
• Good reporting, presentation and influencing skills.
• Enjoys doing a variety of different tasks. Focused on objectives, deadlines and results.
• Strength of conviction and assertiveness, but also a sense of diplomacy and the ability to influence others.
• Effective and rational decision-making: ability to synthesize, anticipate and manage on a day-to-day basis.
• Evaluating and selecting port service providers and negotiating contracts accordingly.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.