Job 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 Conde 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 role is based in Basel, Switzerland and requires travelling on a need-basis for about 10-20% of the time. Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or are in possession of a valid Swiss work permit. The Nautical Manager plays a crucial role in the Nautical Service Center (NSC), concentrating on year-round crew planning to ensure each ship is manned in compliance with regulations and within budgetary constraints. The NSC is operational seven days a week in the sailing season in support of the Nautical Operation River fleet, divided into East and West crew scheduling teams that oversee their respective fleet. This role requires close collaboration with Captains, Officers, Corporate Captains, and Nautical Instructors to align staffing and training needs while reporting to the Senior Manager of Planning. The position is based in our Operational Head Office in Basel, Switzerland, and may require occasional travel.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Switzerland or hold a valid work permit.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Nautical Manager ensures that each crew member has an up-to-date schedule and that every vessel is compliant and manned. This includes keeping the vessels fully staffed while meeting licensing, skills, and training requirements. Swift, accurate, and efficient scheduling is central to this role, with collaboration from the crew and corporate team extending to locks and docks, waste management, and administrative support tasks. Specific responsibilities and projects will be assigned as needed but always centeredcenter on maintaining safe, efficient nautical operations across the assigned fleet.
The Nautical Manager is responsible for:
Oversees and manages nauticalcrewing operations for a designated fleet of vessels
The Nautical Manager schedules the nautical crew using Viking Planner Portal Software and ensuring the system remains consistently updated and accurate
Effectively manages the crew's balance of workdays and off days, while also facilitating cost-effective travel management for training and assignments
Coordinates nautical crew replacements according legal obligations in terms of licenses and certificates
Maintaince and engages in daily communication with Corporate Captains, Nautical Instructors, and the Captains and Officers onboard
Participates in frequent department meetings, often leading Nautical Operations River (NOR) call segments and informing the fleet about any relevant updates
Collaborate closely with Human Resource Managers on absences to ensure effective planning and proper staffing is maintained. Interrelation between Human Relations Team and Recruiting Team is vital in this role
The Nautical Manager serves as the main contact for crew members, regularly visiting the ships to build strong relationships and address their needs. They also gather requests from the crew and include them in the planning process
The Nautical Manager aids the NOR team with ad-hoc tasks as needed by the Senior Nautical Manager
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, with advanced expertise in Excel
Experienced in planning, organization, and administration, with a strategic and critical thinking approach to decision-making
Skilled in cost-effective and efficient task management
Fluent in English and German, both written and spoken
Adept at people management and capable of performing under stress
Strong business acumen and a customer-oriented mindset
Proactive and clear communicator with strong online and interpersonal communication skills
Collaborative and positive team player with a flexible, open-minded attitude
Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and driven to achieve results
Strong customer-centric focus and exceptional service-oriented mindset
High social and intercultural competence
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in business administration, Maritime Management, Nautical Sciences, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience in nautical crew planning or maritime operations
A combination of relevant professional certifications (e.g., crew management, nautical operations, maritime logistics) and substantial experience in a similar role may also be considered in lieu of formal education
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.
For more details about this position, contact us under +41 61 638 60 11.