BASEL OFFICE - Director Port Cost Control

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®.

Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Viking Cruises' growing Ocean Operations team is seeking talented people to build a company that drives excellence in fulfilling our guests’ desire to explore the world in comfort. If you are the kind of person who thrives in a collaborative and curious environment and jumps at the opportunity to take on new challenges and develop your professional skills, Viking Cruises may be the place for you.

We are currently recruiting for a newly established role, Director – Port Cost Control, to join our team at our headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. In this role, you will report to the Executive Director – Port Operations & Government Relations and be responsible for supervising the day-to-day port costs of the group’s fleet of Ocean and Expedition vessels. You will work closely with the members of the group’s Ocean operations team to ensure that Viking’s Ocean and Expedition ships and our guests and crew have the best conditions in more than 300 different ports visited around the world.

The ideal candidate will have experience in cost control, planning and financial performance from roles in project management or management accounting. Ideally from shipping, port- or air-related industry. Previous experience from a similar role in the cruise industry will be an advantage. The ideal candidate will develop and provide long term cost management strategies for the group, working closely with the operational team.

As the organization is set for rapid growth in the coming years an ambition to grow professionally and take on more responsibility over time will be crucial in this role.

This role is located in Basel, Switzerland.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

⦁Oversee itinerary port cost management for the group’s operations team, including port fees, head taxes, environmental management and vessels’ in-port service costs worldwide

⦁Prepare budgets and quarterly forecasts for the fleet’s port costs

⦁Ensure port cost management is in line with budget and management expectations

⦁Manage and publish periodic reports related to cost management metrics across Ocean Operations

⦁Identify cost trends and form strategic actions to counter cost increases and improve cost management

⦁Collaborate with Directors and Leadership from various departments and teams across the company in shaping, building and implementing improvements and solutions for a growing fleet

⦁Develop scalable cost management strategies with a long term perspective given the company’s ambitious growth plans for the coming years

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

⦁5 – 10 year leadership experience from financial planning, cost control or operational finance

⦁Good command of Microsoft’s software suite for production and communication, including Teams, Word, and PowerPoint

⦁Strong command of Excel and Power BI. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Databricks will be considered an advantage

⦁Possess exceptional interpersonal skills with a proactive approach and exhibit a tactful and diplomatic demeanor

⦁Strong leadership with a robust work ethic, a commitment to continuous improvement. Well rounded leadership skills to adapt in a multi-cultural team operating a fleet of 14 cruise ships worldwide

⦁A robust analytical skill set coupled with a curious mind

⦁Excellent command of English language – both spoken and written

⦁Excellent attention to detail

⦁Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills

⦁Deadline-driven, organized and able to multitask and work independently

⦁You are comfortable dealing with senior stakeholders and drive team performance

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field will be an asset, but relevant work experience will also be considered

NICE TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

• Out-of-the-box, critical, strategic and creative thinking

• Flexibility and willingness for cooperation and teamwork

• Reliable and stress-resistant

• Ability to craft presentations on diverse topics

CULTURE & BENEFITS

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

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*