INDIA - General Manager

About the job

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™.

Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Managing Director India will lead the establishment and ongoing operations of Viking River Cruises’ new office in Guwahati. The branch office will support the business in this new operating region for Viking, with two new river vessels operating on the Brahmaputra River by 2028 and the first inaugural vessel operating in fall 2027.

The Managing Director will be responsible to establish and setup the new office, and oversee the successful launch of the new vessels. Following launch, the Managing Director India will be fully accountable for overseeing the performance and management of the branch office and of the river vessels operating in the region.

The position oversees all operational, financial, legal, and human resources activities for both the office and the ships operating in India, including team management, budgeting, compliance, supplier relations, and business strategy implementation. It also involves representing the company in institutional settings, coordinating with partners and external auditors, and supporting negotiations and staff development.

The role will be based in Guwahati, India and requires limited travelling mostly in the region to visit the vessels, suppliers, partners, and operational sites across India. Occasionally, travelling to the Basel Head Office is required for alignment, reporting, and strategic coordination.

The position is part of the Viking River Cruises Corporate Operations team and reports directly to the SVP Passenger Operations River, based in Basel, Switzerland.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Stakeholder management

The Managing Director will provide leadership by establishing and maintaining clear business guidelines in coordination with Viking Head Office departments in Basel in the following areas:

• Operational Procedures: Support the Corporate Operation Manager in defining standards for vessel operations, guest services, and safety protocols to ensure consistent performance across all ships and offices.
• Financial Management: Define budgeting processes, expense approval protocols, and reporting requirements to guarantee financial discipline and transparency in line with Corporate Guidelines.
• Compliance and Legal: Communicate regulatory and legal obligations, including local laws, maritime regulations, and company policies, ensuring full adherence by all staff and partners.
• Human Resources: Outline recruitment, onboarding, staff development, and performance evaluation practices to foster a productive and compliant workforce.

Supplier and Partner Relations / Supply chain: Specify guidelines for selecting, negotiating, and managing relationships with suppliers, hotels and other partners important to operations.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Define protocols for regular meetings, decision-making processes, and strategic planning with internal and external stakeholders.

The Managing Director guarantees communication amongst the different stakeholders and is responsible for the effective integration across all business areas to guarantee operational excellence.

As the position is expected to lead two closely interconnected phases with slightly different responsibilities, here is an overview of what each of the phase entails.

Pre-opening phase (2026+2027)

• Ensure the organization is fully prepared for launch by setting up robust systems and processes to meet all regulatory requirements, implementing comprehensive safety and security measures, and defining clear financial procedures such as budgeting, expense approvals, and reporting in line with corporate guidelines
• Lead the end to end project plan for the India launch and opening of the branch office, including timelines, budgets, milestones, dependencies, and risk management
• Oversee the development, integration, and implementation of all necessary systems and processes for launch, ensuring seamless coordination among Corporate functions and local stakeholders
• Establish a Human Resource Management that oversees recruitment, employee development, performance management, compliance, and strategic planning to ensure a motivated, efficient, and legally compliant workforce in alignment with Corporate HR guidelines
• Design and establish a reliable local supplier ecosystem and supply chain for operational consumables, services, equipment, and furniture in coordination with the Corporate Operation Manager
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements with vendors in alignment with the Corporate Operation Manager and Purchasing
• Support the Corporate Operation Manager in final product definition and support the development, adaptation, and implementation of all required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Prepare regular progress updates for senior leadership and proactively escalate risks or challenges

Post-opening phase (Fall 2027 and onwards)

• Lead and manage the branch’s team across departments including, finance, HR, Procurement and compliance and ensure clear communication and strong collaboration between, headquarters in Basel, local office, vessels, and partners
• Ensure all operations align with Viking standards, guidelines and procedures at office and ship level through audits and reviews in close cooperation with the Corporate Operation Manager
• Coordinate relations with local authorities, inspection bodies, auditors and trade unions
• Supervising compliance with all legal provisions applicable to the business
• Supporting the planning and management of the company's growth strategy
• Ensuring that any legal issues associated with the business are taken care of
• Implement and ensure a robust financial management in collaboration with the finance department, including budgeting, expense approvals, procure to pay process, and regular reporting
• Manage and negotiate with suppliers and other stakeholders, establishing a reliable local supplier ecosystem and supply chain based on defined product standards
• Oversee and manage payments to suppliers and payroll, while establishing clear priorities
• Conducting insurance negotiations with multiple providers, including those for labor accident
• Conduct performance evaluations of office teams, emphasizing people leadership, service quality, and operational execution
• Coordinate talent management initiatives, including recruitment, development, training, and retention of current and future leaders in coordination with the Corporate Operation Manager
• Support the organization in actively manage deviations, disruptions, and operational incidents, coordinating rapid and effective recovery to protect guest satisfaction and business continuity
• Oversee planned and corrective maintenance in coordination with chartering partners and Corporate technical teams
• Serve as the company's institutional representative at events, conferences, etc.
• Prepare regular progress updates for senior leadership and proactively escalate risks or challenges

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of senior operational leadership in business management in a multinational context (experience in hospitality, ideally at Corporate or multi unit level is a plus)
• University degree in Hotel Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline is a strong plus
• Proven expertise in greenfield operations, including establishing an entity or branch office, implementing local governance and policies, recruiting leadership teams, launching new service lines, routes, properties, or vessels, or undertaking comparable start-up initiatives within a large corporate setting

Leadership & Functional Skills

• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills
• Proven ability to implement corporate initiatives and complex projects in diverse operating environments
• Proven accountability for P&L ownership and budgeting in an operating environment.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to lead both directly and through influence
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship building capabilities

Personal & Interpersonal Attributes

• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Fluent English (executive level, written and verbal)
• Hindi or Assamese/Bengali strongly preferred due to regional footprint and stakeholder engagement
• Positive, resilient, and flexible mindset with a hands on, solution oriented approach
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, self-driven working style
• Ability to work independently as well as in a remote, matrix organization
• High cultural intelligence and strong interpersonal skills
• Advanced analytical skills to objectively evaluate complex information, identify challenges, and assess solutions using logical reasoning
• Acute awareness of organizational culture, needs, and dynamics, ensuring appropriate and effective responses to various situations
• Advanced Excel Proficiency: High-level expertise in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial reporting, and handling complex calculations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for business operations and presentations
• Proficiency in Dynamics 365 (Preferred): Experience utilizing Dynamics 365 for efficient management of business processes is highly desirable
• Expertise in Finance, Tax, and Human Resources: Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in financial management, tax compliance, and HR practices within an organizational setting
• Flexibility to work extended and irregular hours, including weekends
• Demonstrated willingness to travel and primarily be based in Guwahati

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered*