Sr. Manager, Human Resources Operations

About the Role

Royal Caribbean Group is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Manager, Human Resources Operations to lead our global crew onboarding and employee services function.

In this critical leadership role, you will ensure thousands of seafarers are onboarded efficiently, compliantly, and on time to support our worldwide fleet operations. You will be responsible for driving onboarding strategy, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading a high-performing team dedicated to delivering a seamless crew experience.

Working cross-functionally with HR, Operations, Scheduling, Compliance, Shipboard Leadership, and external partners, you will play a key role in ensuring our ships are staffed with ready-to-sail crew members while continuously improving processes, systems, and service delivery.

What You'll Do

Lead Global Crew Onboarding Operations

• Oversee the end-to-end onboarding process for seafarers across multiple brands and global markets.
• Ensure all crew members meet documentation, medical, visa, work permit, and compliance requirements prior to deployment.
• Drive execution against onboarding KPIs, workforce readiness targets, and service-level commitments.
• Monitor onboarding performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and candidate experience.

Drive Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute the onboarding strategy in alignment with business objectives and workforce deployment plans.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes through automation, technology, and operational best practices.
• Use data and analytics to improve onboarding performance, compliance outcomes, and operational effectiveness.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance crew readiness and reduce operational risk.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with maritime regulations, including MLC, STCW, flag-state requirements, and company policies.
• Establish standardized onboarding processes across all brands and operating regions.
• Lead governance efforts and ensure adherence to internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with compliance and regulatory stakeholders to address evolving industry requirements.

Lead & Develop Teams

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of onboarding specialists and documentation professionals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous learning.
• Establish clear performance goals and support career growth opportunities across the team.
• Lead workforce planning and resource allocation to meet business demands.

Partner Across the Business

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Scheduling, HR, Compliance, Recruitment, and Shipboard Leadership teams.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on onboarding operations, workforce readiness, and deployment planning.
• Manage escalated and time-sensitive cases involving visas, medical clearances, compliance issues, and crew deployment challenges.
• Build strong relationships with recruitment partners, government agencies, flag states, and external service providers.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Maritime Operations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in crew operations, onboarding, workforce deployment, HR operations, or a related function.
• Proven leadership experience managing large-scale, high-volume operational teams.
• Strong understanding of maritime regulations, including MLC, STCW, and crew documentation requirements.
• Demonstrated success driving operational excellence, process improvement, and KPI achievement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Maritime Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience within the cruise, maritime, aviation, logistics, hospitality, or other highly regulated global industries.
• Experience implementing automation, digital transformation, or workflow optimization initiatives.
• Knowledge of workforce planning, employee mobility, and large-scale deployment operations.

Why Join Royal Caribbean Group

• Lead a critical function that directly supports global fleet operations.
• Work with teams and stakeholders across multiple countries and brands.
• Drive transformation, innovation, and operational excellence at scale.
• Shape the employee experience for thousands of crew members around the world.
• Join an organization committed to growth, leadership development, and creating unforgettable experiences.