India - Corporate Operations Manager

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\u2122. \u00A0

Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Cond\u00E9 Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers\u2019 Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a \u201CWorld\u2019s Best\u201D for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Corporate Operations Manager (COM) India is responsible for the successful establishment, launch, and ongoing management of Viking River Cruises\u2019 India operation, starting with two new river vessels operating on the Brahmaputra River.

As India represents a new operating region for Viking River Cruises, the COM India will play a critical role in establishing the local operation \u00A0and leading the successful introduction of this new product, with the first vessel scheduled to launch in Fall 2027. Following launch, the role will assume full responsibility for overseeing daily operations to ensure an outstanding guest experience, strict adherence to Viking standards and achievement of defined KPIs and financial targets.\u00A0

The candidate would be ideally based in India or South East Asia, enabling extensive travel (up to approximately 70%) to vessels, suppliers, partners, and operational sites. Regular travel to the Basel Head Office is required for alignment, reporting, and strategic coordination.\u00A0

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Stakeholder management
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Acting as the operational lead for the region, the COM India will:
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Directly lead and support the onboard management teams and the crew onboard all of the India based vessels
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Work closely with the Managing Director of the local Viking office in Guwahati to support the establishment and coordination of local operations and full compliance with any applicable regulation.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Build and manage partnerships with key local suppliers required for hotel operations
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Liaise closely with all actors involved in the opening to ensure the launch is a success
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Collaborate extensively with Viking Head Office departments in Basel, including Onboard Operations, HR, Purchasing, Finance, Product, and Land Operations

A s 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)
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Lead the end to end operational project plan for the India launch, including timelines, budgets, milestones, dependencies, and risk management
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Coordinate all operational workstreams required for launch across Corporate functions and local stakeholders
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Support final product definition and lead the development, adaptation, and implementation of all required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Support recruitment, training and onboarding for all hotel crew
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Design and establish a reliable local supplier ecosystem and supply chain for operational consumables, services, and equipment.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements with vendors in alignment with Corporate Operations and Purchasing
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Ensure readiness across food & health safety, security, medical, compliance, and guest experience standards prior to launch
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Prepare regular progress updates for senior leadership and proactively escalate risks or challenges

Post-opening phase (Fall 2027 and onwards)
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Oversee the full guest journey to ensure smooth daily operations and excellent guest satisfaction
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Ensure all operations align with Viking brand standards, procedures, and guest experience expectations through audits and reviews
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Drive achievement of quality KPIs and NPS targets
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Own responsibility for achieving onboard and shore excursion revenue targets
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Ensure operations are delivered within approved cost and investment budgets (F&B, Rooms Division, equipment, furniture, and operational controllables)
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Support onboard leadership teams and collaborate with Corporate stakeholders; participate in operational pilot projects and initiatives
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Lead the local operational organization, ensuring clear communication, strong collaboration, and effective interfaces between vessels, local office, and partners
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Conduct performance evaluations of onboard management teams, covering people leadership, service quality, and operational execution
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Drive talent management initiatives, including identification, development, training, and retention of current and future leaders
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Actively manage deviations, disruptions, and operational incidents, coordinating rapid and effective recovery to protect guest satisfaction

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Experience
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Minimum 5 years of senior operational leadership experience in hospitality, ideally at Corporate or multi unit level
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Solid understanding of financials (profit & loss, budgets) from an operational perspective
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Proven track record in defining guest experiences and brand standards / SOPs\u00A0
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Strong exposure to, or experience working within, the Indian or South East Asian cultural and business environment

Leadership & Functional Skills
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Comprehensive understanding of hotel operations, with particular strength in F&B
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Experience serving guests within Viking\u2019s target demographic is a strong advantage
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Project management, organizational, and communication skills
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Proven ability to implement corporate initiatives and projects in diverse operating environments
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Strong leadership presence with the ability to lead both directly and through influence
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Excellent stakeholder management and relationship building capabilities

Personal & Interpersonal Attributes
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Professional appearance and demeanor
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Excellent English language skills (written and spoken); additional languages are an asset
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Strong guest focus with a passion for exceptional service delivery
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Positive, resilient, and flexible mindset with a hands on, solution oriented approach
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0High cultural intelligence and strong interpersonal skills
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Understanding of / experience with Indian culture is a strong plus
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Collaborative team player with a proactive, self-driven working style
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building structure in a new market
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Strong computer literacy (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Ability to work independently as well as in a remote, matrix organization
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Flexibility to work extended and irregular hours, including weekends
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Willingness to travel extensively and spend significant time in India

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.\u00A0
*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered*