Shipboard Human Resources Director at Minneapolis

Job Description

The Human Resources Director leads and manages the ship’s overall Human Resources function on board with an emphasis on core functions such as: employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, promotions, training and development, transfer, progressive discipline, time and attendance, employee turnover and retention, berthing compliance, and ongoing HR management and administration. Provides assistance and support to all Senior Officers and onboard management when dealing with human resources issues. The HR Director serves as the contact for Compliance and Ethics and is responsible for ensuring procedural compliance with the Code of Conduct, as well as Business Ethics.

The HR Director is expected to consult with Human Resources and/or Fleet Personnel on matters for which they feel further direction and guidance is required. This position will also be charged with ensuring that the shipboard HR practices are consistent with fleet’s HR practices.

In order to consistently exceed guest expectations and provide the highest levels of product and services, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Serve as a strategic partner to the ship’s leadership by providing human resource direction and guidance on all employee related issues. Participates in all Captain’s hearings as an objective advisor to provide input and guidance in all ship HR matters.
• Support shipboard training regarding senior level HR topics (e.g.: sexual harassment, etc.).
• Promote organizational effectiveness through advising, implementing, and monitoring issues such as employee relations, conflict/grievance mediation and resolution, performance management, succession planning, career path and tracking, ensure compliance of various Collective Bargaining Agreements, with the goal of consistency in application across the vessel.
• Responsible for crew well-being, comfort, and engagement by working closely with the Personnel Manager and Training Specialists ensuring preparation and distribution of all pertinent information for all employee benefits, compensation changes, and Human Resources policy implementation, including, but not limited to: cruise “comp" privileges, nutrition (quantity/quality of food in Crew Messes), general life onboard, uniforms, sign-on/sign-off process, updates to entitlement grid, succession list compliance, internal promotion procedures, leave of absence (compassionate leave, medical, and maternity), retirement, service awards, Vacation Hero Awards Program and other company/morale building programs.
• Evaluate and ensure that ship specific HR practices are in compliance with all legal, shipboard and company safety requirements.
• Nurture an international environment that fosters a committed team that continually builds upon service excellence in all areas of ship operations.
• Attend meetings, training and courses that work to ensure that the Human Resource function strives for international best practices within the stated corporate objectives of Norwegian.
• Support the Master in communicating company initiatives and strategic objectives to all crewmembers.
• Acts as the ships liaison with regards to all contract discrepancies, permanent position changes and all inquiries received by the Fleet Personnel office.
• Oversees time/attendance and scheduling policies and procedures for all shipboard employees.  Performs random audits on time sheets to ensure accuracy, and compliance with MLC 2006 mandates regarding crew work and rest hours.
• Conducts all Human Resources related investigations, such as: sexual harassment, discrimination, harassment, retaliation claims, and performance management issues.  HRD will then present findings and suggested course of action to the Staff Captain who is in charge of discipline onboard. 
• Coordinates with ship management regarding crew disciplinary issues to make sure that the methods, means, and rationale for progressive discipline are fair and consistent.
• Coordinates with the security officers when needed, to collect information regarding HR matters and investigations.  Supports the security officer in conducting the necessary investigations regarding issues such as: workplace violence, drug/alcohol violations, theft, and other related issues.
• Monitors the company’s performance management system.  Coaches ship management on the methods and means of fair and consistent performance management processes.
• Coordinates with Human Resources and/or Fleet Personnel in order to provide recommendations for job description updates. 
• Coordinates with medical staff to properly manage all medical and workers’ compensation cases.
• Directs and manages the cabin assignment process.  Performs cabin audits as needed.
• Manages the Vacation Hero Awards process and ensures that this program is conducted on schedule.
• Must have regularly scheduled office hours to be available to meet with employees regarding any issues they may be experiencing.
• Assist union representatives when visiting to ensure that they have accommodations and a regular meeting place to interact with the corresponding crew members.
• Acts as the ship’s Compliance Officer with regards to all MLC 2006 audits.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as directed. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
• Must be familiar with the Safety and Environmental Protection Policy and the SEMS, and carry out the policies and procedures appropriate for his/her position.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND ATTRIBUTES

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Three to five years of human resources experience preferably in an international environment. 

To be considered for this position, non-native English speaking candidates must be able to pass a college-level TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

 
EDUCATION

 

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Psychology or related field of experience.  Master’s degree in aforementioned areas is preferred.

 
ATTRIBUTES 

 

• General knowledge of human resources management
• Excellent communications, leadership, team building, and management skills
• Conflict resolution in a multi-cultural environment
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs: Word, Outlook, Excel

• Passionate about hospitality and customer service driven
• Must have a professional appearance and good hygiene
• Respect for all co-workers and guests
• Pride in your work by creating positive energy, excitement and fun
• Able to work 7 days a week
• Demonstrate positive behaviors; smiling, being polite and courteous
• Able to develop a camaraderie with team members
• Ability to live in close quarters, share limited space with other cabin-mates

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

• While performing the essential functions of this job, all team members are required to stand; walk long distances on the ship; use hands to touch, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk, hear, taste and smell.  All vessel positions require repetitive motion of bending, climbing, going up and down stairs and lifting more than 25 pounds.  This job requires specific vision abilities to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• All team members must be physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills. All vessel positions require full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of lifeboats. 

• Work within different temperature changes—indoors to outdoors.
• Able to pass basic safety course.

• This is a minimal description of duties. Other work requirements may be necessary and assigned as business or maritime law dictates.

Country: USA, State: Minnesota, City: Minneapolis, Company: Norwegian Cruise Line.