Head HR, Shipboard

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

The Head of People Experience - Shipboard Operations is responsible for and oversees the shipboard people experience of the MSC Cruise Division, being MSC Cruises and Explora Journey’s. Based at our headquarters in Geneva Switzerland, this role will serve as the key liaison between corporate HR strategies and onboard operations, ensuring alignment, excellence, and innovation in crew engagement, development, and welfare.

Your Impact

1. Crew Experience and Well being

• Monitor crew satisfaction levels through regular feedback mechanisms and onboard surveys, acting on insights to continuously improve the crew experience.
• Partner with onboard leadership teams to foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
• Chair of the onboard People welfare committee. Member of the MSC Cruise Division Welfare Committee.
• Liaise with with the Head of DEI and Wellbeing, Develop and implement initiatives to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of crew members
• Overseeing Crew lodging and common area development / outfitting withing the Fleet New build and Dry Dock committees.

2. Operational Excellence

• Full operational and managerial oversight of the onboard HR / People Directors.
• Liaise with of the Head of Onboard Finance oversees the onboard Crew purser / People Services Directors.
• Liaise with of MSC Crew Management in London, maintain onboard house rules, code of conduct and shipboard handbook, and drive HR compliance programs to meet flag state, Union and international maritime labor laws and regulations, including but not limited to required STCW certification, Labor contracts and MLC work & rest hours.
• Liaise with of the MSC Crew Services Italy, maintain oversight on the People travel, scheduling and compensation experiences.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Champion DEI initiatives promoting a multicultural, inclusive working environment across the fleet.
• Address challenges related to cross-cultural dynamics and advocate understanding and collaboration among crew members from diverse backgrounds.

4. Crisis Management and Support

• Being the HR Representative during onboard emergencies, ensuring crew wellbeing.
• Provide strategic guidance during challenging situations, such as incidents, disputes, or grievances, ensuring timely and empathetic resolutions.

Your Journey so far

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven track record of senior HR leadership, preferably within the cruise, hospitality, or maritime industries.
• Strong understanding of (IMO) maritime labor regulations (MLC, STCW, and ITF (Union) standards).
• Experience in designing and implementing employee wellbeing programs.

Your Essentials

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse teams.
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and internationally, including ship visits.
• Fluent in English with proficiency in at least one of the following languages being preferred; Italian, French, German or Spanish
• EU Passport or right to work in Switzerland

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!