Position: Director of Rooms
Level: Division Head
Location: Shipboard (Luxury Yacht Environment)
Reports to: General Manager (Yacht-based)
Summary:
The Director of Rooms is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the Guest Services and Rooms Divisions onboard, including Spa, Housekeeping, Front Office, Boutique, and KFAS. This role is a key member of the ship’s Hotel Leadership Team, contributing to strategic and operational decisions to uphold the highest standards of luxury hospitality and guest satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
- Lead the Hotel Leadership Team, actively participating in strategic planning and decision-making
- Directly supervise all Heads of Departments within the Rooms Division
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring all guest services and facilities meet quality, safety, and service standards
- Conduct regular inspections of housekeeping and public areas
- Handle guest concerns and special requests with discretion and professionalism
- Develop relationships with repeat guests and VIPs to ensure personalized service delivery
- Collaborate with shoreside Sales & Marketing to drive occupancy and revenue goals
- Prepare forecasts and assist in business planning for guest services and rooms operations
- Ensure clear communication and follow-up on all guest or crew needs and incidents
Financial & Administrative
- Maintain and manage the division’s annual operating budget
- Monitor and control labor and operational expenses including supplies and equipment
- Ensure all financial goals for the division and yacht are met or exceeded
- Maintain relationships with retail vendors and concessions as part of boutique oversight
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Uphold and enforce the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and FSY service culture
- Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations and hospitality protocols
- Monitor service delivery and implement enhancements based on guest feedback
People Management & Development
- Foster a positive, collaborative work environment
- Promote employee development through training, performance management, and career pathing
- Build strong working relationships with all department heads and crew
- Support programs that promote staff well-being and operational excellence
Strategic & Guest-Focused Thinking
- Anticipate guest needs and industry trends, proactively implementing innovations to enhance the guest experience
- Lead initiatives that elevate service delivery across all rooms and guest services functions
- Engage directly with VIP guests, groups, and returning clientele to offer curated services
Qualifications & Requirements:
Education:
- Diploma in Hospitality Management or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience:
- Minimum 5–7 years in operational management roles in luxury hospitality, preferably with shipboard or cruise line experience
- Deep understanding of Rooms Division operations and guest service excellence
- Fluent in English;
additional language skills preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel management systems
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Strong business acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management
- Able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and lead under pressure
- Demonstrated ability to resolve guest complaints diplomatically and effectively
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic shipboard environment
Computer Skills:
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experienced in hotel management software systems
Travel Requirements:
- Willingness and ability to live and work onboard for extended periods
- Available to travel internationally as required by the ship’s itinerary