MSC Cruises
Port Operations Director
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Where passion meets opportunity
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Your Purpose
The Director, Port Operations plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering MSC Cruises' global port operations strategy. Responsible for overseeing all port operations across our expanding worldwide network, this position ensures the safe, seamless, and cost-effective execution of port services that support one of the fastest-growing cruise brands in the world.
Working at the heart of the business, the Director partners closely with Fleet Operations, Marine Operations, Commercial teams, regional offices, and the MSC Cargo Division to drive operational excellence, enhance guest and vessel experience, and support the continued growth of MSC Cruises' global footprint.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of port operations on a truly international scale—leading strategic initiatives, strengthening relationships with key port stakeholders, and ensuring operational readiness across a diverse portfolio of destinations. The role offers significant visibility, global impact, and the chance to contribute directly to the long-term development of MSC Cruises' world-class port network as the company continues its ambitious growth journey.
Your Impact
- Lead the strategic planning, management, and continuous improvement of port operations across the globe, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and operational standards.
- Develop regional port strategies to support fleet deployment, itinerary development, and future business expansion.
- Provide expert operational and technical guidance on new and existing itineraries, working closely with the Vice President, Global Port Operations and key internal stakeholders.
- Lead the operational evaluation, feasibility assessments, and risk analysis for new ports of call, ensuring compliance with company safety, security, marine, environmental, and guest experience standards.
- Oversee comprehensive port inspections, terminal assessments, and operational readiness reviews in collaboration with Marine Operations, Fleet Operations, Security, Destination Experiences and local management.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with port authorities, terminal operators, government agencies, pilots, harbour masters, port agents, and other strategic partners.
- Oversee the procurement and delivery of all port-related services, including tender operations, shuttle transportation, terminal services, and other operational requirements across all ports worldwide.
- Ensure operational resilience by proactively identifying risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and leading contingency planning for port disruptions and itinerary changes.
- Support negotiations and carry out performance reviews with port agents and service providers, ensuring contractual compliance and high standards of service delivery.
- Cooperate with Port Cost Control Team to plan and monitor global port operating budgets, identifying cost risks, optimization opportunities and possible rooms for negotiation while ensuring service quality.
- Partner with Commercial and Port Cost Control Team to develop, manage, and monitor regional port operating budgets, identifying cost optimization opportunities while maintaining service quality.
- Represent the Port Operations function in cross-functional projects, senior leadership meetings, and strategic initiatives.
- Attendance to conferences and meeting as Company representative in the Port Operation scope of activity (CLIA, Seatrade, Cruise Europe, MedCruise etc.)
- Participate to quarterly revisions process to modify cost assumptions based on the service performances in all ports.
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Your Journey so far
- Professional maritime qualification as Chief Officer or Master Mariner, or 5 years equivalent maritime experience within Port Operations.
- Significant experience within cruise, maritime, port operations, or marine operations, including leadership responsibilities within an international environment.
- Previous experience managing complex port operations, itinerary planning, marine logistics, or related operational functions.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders across diverse geographical regions.
- Experience in budget management, supplier negotiations, and contract management is highly desirable.
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Your Essentials
- Fluent in English; additional languages (particularly Italian or other European languages) are advantageous.
- Strong strategic planning and analytical capabilities.
- Excellent leadership, people management, and coaching skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
- Outstanding stakeholder management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of international maritime regulations, port operations, safety, and risk management.
- High level of organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational management systems.
- Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis, often at short notice.
- Existing right to live and work in the UK
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!
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