Director, Hotel Business Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Drive the long-term growth strategies for Lindblad Expeditions’ Hotel Operations division.

• Collaborate with the SVP of Hotel Operations to convert enterprise and departmental objectives into actionable plans, scalable processes, and quantifiable business results.

• Oversee the integration and readiness of Hotel Operations for new charter vessels, vessel transitions, and group charters.

• Act as the representative for Hotel Operations in newbuild, acquisition, charter, and M&A processes from due diligence to implementation.

• Manage the fleet-wide guest rental and parka program, which includes forecasting, ordering, production, replenishment, logistics, delivery, onboard storage, inventory management, and distribution.

• Spearhead intricate cross-functional initiatives across Hotel Operations, Finance, Marine, Technical, Expedition, Sales, Marketing, HR, IT, and other areas.

• Create structured integration and operational readiness plans for new vessels, programs, and partnerships.

• Oversee brand governance across shipboard operations and related channels, including licensing and external collaborations.

• Ensure that brand and contractual obligations are fulfilled across shipboard interactions, entertainment systems, and onboard portal integrations.

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance with partnership agreements.

• Assist in CAPEX planning, review, and monitoring, which includes financial reporting, budget consolidation, and reconciliation with Accounting and Finance.

• Organize and prioritize maintenance-period work scopes in collaboration with Hotel Operations and the Senior Superintendent.

• Prepare strategic recommendations, analyses, presentations, and decision-making materials for the SVP of Hotel Operations and senior leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

• A BA/BS degree in Business, Hospitality, Operations, or a related field is required.

• 8–12 years of progressive experience in hospitality, cruise, travel, operations, strategy, consulting, or business transformation.

• Proven experience in leading complex cross-functional projects and executing initiatives across various operating units.

• Experience in vessel integration, new builds, acquisitions, charters, hospitality openings, or other large-scale operational transitions is highly preferred.

• Strong understanding of financial planning, business cases, budgeting, and operational performance metrics.

• Excellent strategic thinking skills with the capability to translate strategy into execution.

• Exceptional project and program management skills.

• Strong financial and analytical abilities.

• Capacity to navigate ambiguity and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

• Strong cross-functional leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

• A mindset focused on process improvement and change management.

• Ability to balance guest experience, operational needs, financial performance, and scalability.

• Proficient in executive presentation and communication.

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and business analytics/reporting tools.

• Capability to read, write, and comprehend English-language policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.

• Effective written and oral communication skills with a professional demeanor.

• Candidates applying for the New York and Seattle positions must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the designated office.

🏝️ Benefits

• Travel benefits for employees and their families.

• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests.

• Health insurance, including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses.

• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit.

• 7-8 Paid Holidays.

• 1 Floating Holiday Option.

• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated based on the anniversary year).

• Parental Leave.

• Sick/personal days as per city & state ordinances.

• Pet Insurance discount.

• Hybrid work schedule for New York and Seattle office-based positions, with remote work available on Mondays and Fridays.