Director of Hotel Operations

About the job

River Advice is handling recruitment on behalf of Avalon and is publishing the job advertisement accordingly for Avalon.

🌍 Lead the hotel operations of an award-winning river cruise fleet.

Avalon Europe AG is seeking an experienced hospitality leader to strengthen its management team as Director of Hotel Operations.

This is a unique opportunity to actively shape the future of hotel operations for one of Europe’s leading river cruise fleets. Reporting directly to senior management, you will be responsible for operational performance, guest satisfaction, organisational efficiency, and the highest service standards. At the same time, you will drive the continuous development and optimisation of processes across the entire fleet.

If you are a strategically minded hospitality leader who combines solid operational expertise with strong leadership skills, we warmly invite you to become part of our success story.

About Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways is a globally acclaimed river cruise company known for continually redefining the river cruise experience. Operating on Europe’s most beautiful and renowned waterways, Avalon stands for innovative ship design, first-class guest service, outstanding culinary experiences, and consistently high guest satisfaction.

At Avalon Europe AG, we strive to create unforgettable travel experiences through operational excellence, empowered teams, and a culture of continuous improvement. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we set new standards for service quality and innovation in the river cruise industry.

Your Opportunity

As Director of Hotel Operations, you will take strategic leadership and overall responsibility for all hotel operations within the fleet. Working closely with Corporate Hotel Managers and other leaders, you will strengthen operational performance, ensure consistently high service quality, and develop organisational structures to enable future growth.

Your Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• You are responsible for and manage the operational performance of hotel operations across the entire fleet.
• You ensure compliance with brand standards, health and safety regulations, and operational procedures.
• You further develop leadership and control structures, operational standards, and sustainable processes.
• You monitor operational key performance indicators (KPIs) and initiate appropriate corrective actions when necessary.
• You ensure uniform standards and consistent implementation of operational processes throughout the fleet.

Guest Experience & Continuous Improvement

• You analyse guest feedback, cruise reports, audits, and operational evaluations.
• You identify opportunities to improve service quality and operational efficiency.
• You manage the development and introduction of new hotel concepts, processes, and best practices.
• You promote innovative initiatives that sustainably enhance the overall guest experience.

Leadership & Organisational Development

• You lead and develop the Corporate Hotel Managers both professionally and personally.
• You foster responsibility, collaboration, and professional development throughout the organisation.
• You strengthen leadership skills through targeted talent development and forward-looking succession planning.
• You advocate transparent communication and close cooperation between teams on board and ashore.

Financial Performance

• You contribute to budget planning for hotel operations and resource allocation.
• You monitor business development with regard to financial targets and operational KPIs.
• You identify risks, opportunities, and possibilities for efficiency improvements.
• You support sustainable and economically sound decisions across the entire fleet.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• You build strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers and service partners and maintain them continuously.
• You ensure suppliers meet quality, reliability, and performance requirements.
• You work closely with internal stakeholders to align operational strategies with overarching corporate goals.

What You Bring

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role within river or ocean cruising, hospitality, hotel operations, or comparable service industries.
• Proven success in leading and managing complex operational structures across multiple locations.
• Experience leading diverse, international teams.
• Solid understanding of operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and organisational performance.
• Strong ability to influence without direct authority and to convince and unite various stakeholders – especially leaders and cross-functional teams – around common goals.

Professional Skills

• You have a strategic mindset and can translate visions into concrete actions and results.
• You excel at gaining the support of leaders and key stakeholders and actively driving change processes.
• You bring strong entrepreneurial and business acumen as well as solid financial knowledge.
• You possess excellent analytical skills and a high problem-solving capability.
• You communicate confidently and impress with strong presentation skills.
• You operate confidently and effectively in a dynamic, international environment.

Your Qualifications

• You hold a university degree in hospitality, business administration, operations management, or a comparable field – alternatively, you have equivalent extensive leadership experience in operational areas.
• You speak fluent English; additional European languages are an advantage.
• You are willing to travel regularly within Europe and visit our ships on site.

Why You Should Join Avalon

✨ A position in the Executive Leadership Team of one of the world’s most renowned river cruise brands.

✨ The opportunity to actively shape and develop the hotel and service standards of an entire fleet.

✨ An international working environment with dedicated and talented professionals and leaders.

✨ A high degree of personal responsibility and the chance to make a strategic, sustainable impact.

✨ An attractive remuneration and benefits package.

✨ A corporate culture characterised by excellence, innovation, team spirit, and continuous development.

Ready to shape the future of river hospitality?

If you are passionate about operational excellence, strong leadership, and exceptional guest experiences, we look forward to meeting you.

Apply now with your CV and cover letter.