BASEL OFFICE - Director of Destination Management at Viking Cruises

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

30 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

01 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Destination Management, Team Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Vendor Management, Budgeting, Forecasting, Cost Control, Guest Experience, Operational Performance, Itinerary Planning, Cultural Nuances, Relationship Building, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Luxury Travel

Industry

Travel Arrangements

Description

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time. Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit. ROLE DESCRIPTION The Director of Destination Management will act as a strategic and operational conduit between the Executive Director and the Destination Management Team. This role ensures alignment across regional operations, drives excellence in destination execution, and supports the development of scalable, guest-centric experiences across the ocean portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in destination operations, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership • Translate executive vision into actionable plans for Destination Management Team • Lead cross-regional alignment on destination strategy, standards, and performance metrics • Support itinerary planning and destination development Operational Oversight • Monitor and optimize destination performance across all ocean itineraries • Ensure consistency in guest experience, vendor management, and compliance with internal and external guidelines Financial & Reporting • Oversee destination-related budgeting, forecasting, and cost control strategies • Monitor operational performance across regions, including vendor efficiency, guest satisfaction, and resource utilization • Analyze voyage-level financials, refund trends, and revenue contribution to identify opportunities for optimization • Partner with finance and analytics teams to develop dashboards and reporting tools that support data-driven decision-making KEY QUALIFICATIONS • 8+ years in destination management, hospitality, or travel operations • Proven leadership experience managing multi-regional teams • Strong analytical and communication skills • Fluent in English; additional languages a plus • Eligible to work in Switzerland or hold a valid work permit EDUCATION • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or related field from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent preferred NICE TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS • Experience with ocean cruise operations or luxury travel • Ability to navigate cultural nuances and build relationships across geographies COMMUNITY & CULTURE • Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours 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.

Responsibilities

The Director of Destination Management will ensure alignment across regional operations and drive excellence in destination execution. This role involves overseeing destination performance and supporting the development of guest-centric experiences.