Full-time Description POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Port Operations is a senior strategic leader responsible for overseeing and executing Azamara’s global turnaround operations. Reporting to the VP, Hotel Operations, this role is instrumental in delivering exceptional guest experiences across all ports of call by managing port logistics, guest services, and vendor partnerships. A key focus of this role is the financial stewardship of Port Operations and Guest Port Services. The Director leads the development and execution of the department’s operating and capital budgets, negotiates complex vendor and port contracts, and ensures operational activities align with fiscal goals while maintaining Azamara’s elevated brand standards. This leader will drive operational readiness, guest satisfaction, and cost-efficiency across all geographies. The role requires strong collaboration with internal teams, V-Ships, port authorities, and government agencies. The Director must thrive in high-pressure, high-impact environments and lead a team responsible for seamless, compliant port operations globally. ABOUT AZAMARA Azamara is a global premium cruise line that inspires curious and passionate traveller’s to spend more time exploring the world with us on our immersive cruises. We offer our guests a world class experience onboard and while visiting destinations around the world. Our employees enjoy a hybrid work environment collaborating two days a week and as needed in a beautiful office space located in the heart of downtown Coconut Grove, Florida. Combine your career goals and sense of adventure by joining our growing organization. Azamara offers a competitive compensation & benefits package and excellent career development opportunities. WHY YOU SHOULD WORK FOR AZAMARA Be part of a growing and transformative company Enjoy a flexible, hybrid office schedule Work with a multicultural, global team of inspired professionals Requirements ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the strategic planning and execution of Azamara’s global port operations with a focus on guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and brand alignment. Monitor all financial aspects of port operations in real-time, ensuring adherence to budget while identifying opportunities for cost-efficiency and operational gains. Serve as the executive point of contact for port authorities, terminal operators, ground handlers, government agencies, and key vendors across all regions. Oversee the end-to-end guest port experience, including airport meet and greet, pier staffing, check-in, terminal logistics, and disembarkation. Lead contract negotiations with port vendors, agencies, and terminal operators to ensure favorable terms that align with financial goals. Ensure flawless operational readiness in all turnaround ports through comprehensive planning, vendor coordination, and site inspections. Monitor and evaluate turnaround performance using feedback, site audits, shipboard reports, and guest satisfaction data (e.g., Medallia), driving continuous improvement. Lead crisis and irregular operations response during delayed arrivals, weather disruptions, itinerary changes, emergencies, and other unplanned events. Collaborate closely with internal departments including Hotel Operations, Marine Operations, Deployment, Land Operations, Finance, Sales & Marketing, and IT to align port functions with company goals. Maintain strong relationships with V-Ships and serve as liaison with port authorities and government agencies to support smooth and compliant operations. Lead, coach, and develop a team of Senior Analysts and operational staff, fostering high performance, accountability, and professional growth. Establish and manage departmental KPIs and performance goals to ensure excellence in service delivery. Develop and maintain all standard operating procedures and policies related to Guest Port Services and Port Operations. Travel frequently to turnaround and port locations to oversee operations, conduct vendor meetings, and ensure quality execution of guest services. Represent the brand at port and government meetings, conferences, and industry events to strengthen relationships and influence port infrastructure development. Stay abreast of emerging trends, port regulations, and technologies that could enhance Azamara’s port operations strategy. Actively lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by senior leadership. Serve as the department’s on-call leader during operational emergencies and irregular operations, including weekends and holidays when required. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Maritime Studies, or related field required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in cruise port operations, turnaround logistics, or hospitality logistics in a global, fast-paced environment. Deep understanding of global port operations, guest logistics, terminal management, and government relations. Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, high-impact operations. Strong financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets. Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and contract development skills. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Willingness to travel up to 30% internationally and work outside normal business hours as needed. Ability to remain on-call and respond to urgent operational needs 24/7 when required. Flexibility to travel internationally on short notice, particularly to port cities and during ship turnarounds. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments and resolve complex, time-sensitive challenges. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for Guest Port Services and Port Operations in collaboration with Finance and senior leadership. Monitor financial performance, ensuring all operations remain within established budgetary parameters. Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising service standards. Conduct detailed performance analysis using data and reporting to assess operational costs, vendor performance, and ROI. Ensure all financial decisions and activities comply with internal controls and company policies. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The role requires a combination of office-based work and international travel to port locations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. The role also requires frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, phones, and other equipment. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds during port visits or while handling operational equipment and materials. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This position may involve extended periods of travel, long hours during turnaround operations, and working in various climates and physical environments such as cruise terminals, piers, or outdoor port areas. The ability to remain flexible and alert in high-pressure, time-sensitive situations is essential. This is a full-time, exempt role and may require work outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. WORK ENVIRONMENT This position operates in a hybrid work environment based at Azamara’s corporate office in Coconut Grove, Florida, with regular travel to global port locations. The office environment is a professional setting equipped for collaborative work, while the travel component may involve working in fast-paced, high-traffic port terminals, airports, and occasionally onboard ships. The role requires adaptability to both structured office routines and dynamic, on-the-ground operations in varied international locations. During turnaround operations and site visits, the environment may include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and standing or walking for extended periods. A high degree of self-direction, excellent time management, and clear communication across remote and on-site teams are essential. The successful candidate will balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, managing tasks both independently and in collaboration with global and cross-functional stakeholders. It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment and promotion opportunity to qualified candidates without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Azamara and each of its subsidiaries prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.