Vice President of Marine Operations

Awarded World’s Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three sailing yachts and three all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 342 guests and cruise around the world.

Our Mission: We imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary

Our Vision: Enriching people’s perspective through inspired travel

Our Values: Welcoming, Innovative, Now, Discipline, Serve, Teamwork, Authentic, Responsible

The Vice President (VP) of Marine Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the overall safety, efficiency, compliance, and performance of the company’s fleet. This senior leadership role provides direction to all marine departments including Marine, Port, and Nautical Operations, and plays a critical part in cross-departmental collaboration to enhance the guest experience and operational excellence. The VP ensures that fleet operations meet all regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and company policies, while also delivering high levels of service, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Strategic & Operational Leadership:
• Develop and implement long-term goals, strategic plans, and operational standards that support safe, compliant, and efficient vessel operations across the fleet.
• Provide leadership oversight of the Marine Department, ensuring safe navigation, environmental compliance, and adherence to international and flag-state regulations.
• Manage and control significant operational budgets including Fuel, Port, and Nautical costs, identifying opportunities for savings and operational improvements.
• Act as primary liaison to executive leadership on all matters related to fleet performance, risk, safety, and compliance.

Marine & Nautical Oversight:
• Supervise and support Captains and senior shipboard officers through regular reviews, direct communications, and onboard assessments.
• Oversee Nautical Operations including itinerary review, navigational planning, fuel strategy and procurement, and small craft management.
• Ensure vessel operations comply with Classification Society standards, SEMS, Flag-State requirements, and internal policies.
• Act as company liaison for all maritime affairs, such as CLIA, FCCA, USCG, BMA and BV.

Port & Itinerary Management:
• Oversee all Port Operations, including cost control, port agency relationships, invoice approvals, and emergency port changes.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management and Commercial teams to review and develop itineraries aligned with operational capabilities and brand strategies.
• Provide support and guidance for expedition and remote port planning as required.

Safety, Risk & Compliance:
• Promote and strengthen a culture of safety across the fleet.
• Lead safety performance reviews and ensure regulatory training programs are implemented onboard and through recruitment partners.
• Manage risk assessment processes, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and corrective action plans for substandard operational findings.
• Collaborate with Risk and Compliance leaders to review and enhance the company’s Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS).

Leadership & People Management:
• Lead, mentor, and develop marine department managers and shipboard officers to build a high-performing, safety-focused team.
• Participate in hiring and succession planning for key marine leadership roles in collaboration with HR and recruitment agencies.
• Conduct performance reviews and career development planning for direct reports and senior marine personnel.

• Captain's license (Unlimited Tonnage) or equivalent marine engineering or operations credential.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of senior leadership experience in marine operations, preferably within the cruise industry or complex fleet management.
• Deep understanding of international maritime regulations, classification society requirements, and environmental standards.
• Proven track record in budget management, operational planning, and cost control.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage risk, drive compliance, and implement safety culture improvements.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment, analytical abilities, and a results-oriented mindset.

EEO: Windstar is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.