Director, Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

Starboard Cruise Services is the leading retail operator onboard cruise ships worldwide. We are currently seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our team as the Director of Operational Excellence and Innovation.  This role will be responsible for driving and implementing innovative strategies, processes, and technologies to enhance the guest experience, drive sales, optimize operations, and foster growth within the organization.  This role requires a forward-thinking leader who can identify emerging trends, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive successful implementation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and oversee the operational excellence and innovation strategy and initiatives across the organization. Foster a culture of innovation within the organization by promoting creativity, idea sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and prioritize areas for improvement, conducting thorough analysis and utilizing data-driven insights to drive decision-making.
• Evaluate emerging trends, technologies, business needs, and customer preferences that can be leveraged to drive innovation while improving sales and profitability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and implement best practices.
• Partner with leadership and key stakeholders to define and prioritize process improvement initiatives, associated project scope, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
• Establish and maintain project management methodologies, tools, and processes to ensure consistent and successful project execution.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and proactively implement corrective actions to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Communicate project updates and status reports to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the organization.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, providing training and support to employees at all levels to develop their process improvement and project management skills.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in process improvement and project management, applying new methodologies and tools to drive innovation within the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process improvement, project management, or a related role, preferably in a large-scale, global organization

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex process improvement initiatives and projects.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and evaluate new opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather and interpret data to drive decision-making.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with the capacity to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams towards a common goal.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex ideas and concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficient in project management tools, such as Microsoft Project or equivalent.
• Experience working in the retail industry or cruise industry is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Customer Service
• Relationship Management
• Business Acumen
• Drive for Results
• Self-Development
• Courage
• Problem Solving
• Communicating Effectively
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Other:
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Some flexibility in hours is permitted, employee must be available during the “core” work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and must work 30 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Physical Demands:
Office environment with frequent sitting, walking and standing, occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and balancing. Frequent use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling use of office machinery. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Oral and auditory enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication automated devise such as the telephone.

At Starboard Cruise Services and Onboard Media curating a vibrant world can only be accomplished by vibrant and diverse teams. We are committed to nurturing a workplace where you can feel safe to show up authentically and thrive while being uniquely you. Our North Star guides us to deliver equal employment opportunities for all individuals and to providing employees with an equitable work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We also aim to extend this commitment to the partners we work with and the guests we serve. We are constantly listening, learning, and evolving to deliver on these promises.

We believe our differences make us stronger and are curious to see you leverage your lived experiences to strengthen our team, our culture and your career. At Starboard Cruise Services and Onboard Media we take action so that no one is discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability (physical, mental or sensory), ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, genetic information, family care status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment decisions will be made based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications.

So come onboard with us and celebrate a culture that attracts top talent with shared values and forms the foundation for a great place to work.