INDIA - General Manager

ppViking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. /p pViking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. /p h3Role Description /h3 pThe Managing Director India will lead the establishment and ongoing operations of Viking River Cruises’ new office in Guwahati. The branch office will support the business in this new operating region for Viking, with two new river vessels operating on the Brahmaputra River by 2028 and the first inaugural vessel operating in fall 2027. /p pThe Managing Director will be responsible for establishing and setting up the new office, and overseeing the successful launch of the new vessels. Following launch, the Managing Director India will be fully accountable for overseeing the performance and management of the branch office and of the river vessels operating in the region. /p pThe position oversees all operational, financial, legal, and human resources activities for both the office and the ships operating in India, including team management, budgeting, compliance, supplier relations, and business strategy implementation. It also involves representing the company in institutional settings, coordinating with partners and external auditors, and supporting negotiations and staff development. /p pThe role will be based in Guwahati, India and requires limited travelling mostly in the region to visit the vessels, suppliers, partners, and operational sites across India. Occasionally, travelling to the Basel Head Office is required for alignment, reporting, and strategic coordination. /p pThe position is part of the Viking River Cruises Corporate Operations team and reports directly to the SVP Passenger Operations River, based in Basel, Switzerland. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 pbLeadership Stakeholder Management /b /p ul liOperational Procedures: Support the Corporate Operation Manager in defining standards for vessel operations, guest services, and safety protocols to ensure consistent performance across all ships and offices. /li liFinancial Management: Define budgeting processes, expense approval protocols, and reporting requirements to guarantee financial discipline and transparency in line with Corporate Guidelines. /li liCompliance and Legal: Communicate regulatory and legal obligations, including local laws, maritime regulations, and company policies, ensuring full adherence by all staff and partners. /li liHuman Resources: Outline recruitment, onboarding, staff development, and performance evaluation practices to foster a productive and compliant workforce. /li liSupplier and Partner Relations / Supply chain: Specify guidelines for selecting, negotiating, and managing relationships with suppliers, hotels and other partners important to operations. /li liStakeholder Engagement: Define protocols for regular meetings, decision-making processes, and strategic planning with internal and external stakeholders. /li /ul pThe Managing Director guarantees communication among the different stakeholders and is responsible for the effective integration across all business areas to guarantee operational excellence. /p pAs the position is expected to lead two closely interconnected phases with slightly different responsibilities, here is an overview of what each of the phases entails. /p pbPre-opening phase (2026+2027) /b /p ul liEnsure the organization is fully prepared for launch by setting up robust systems and processes to meet all regulatory requirements, implementing comprehensive safety and security measures, and defining clear financial procedures such as budgeting, expense approvals, and reporting in line with corporate guidelines. /li liLead the end to end project plan for the India launch and opening of the branch office, including timelines, budgets, milestones, dependencies, and risk management. /li liOversee the development, integration, and implementation of all necessary systems and processes for launch, ensuring seamless coordination among Corporate functions and local stakeholders. /li liEstablish a Human Resource Management that oversees recruitment, employee development, performance management, compliance, and strategic planning to ensure a motivated, efficient, and legally compliant workforce in alignment with Corporate HR guidelines. /li liDesign and establish a reliable local supplier ecosystem and supply chain for operational consumables, services, equipment, and furniture in coordination with the Corporate Operation Manager. /li liNegotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements with vendors in alignment with the Corporate Operation Manager and Purchasing. /li liSupport the Corporate Operation Manager in final product definition and support the development, adaptation, and implementation of all required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). /li liPrepare regular progress updates for senior leadership and proactively escalate risks or challenges. /li /ul pbPost-opening phase (Fall 2027 and onwards) /b /p ul liLead and manage the branch’s team across departments including finance, HR, procurement and compliance and ensure clear communication and strong collaboration between headquarters in Basel, local office, vessels, and partners. /li liEnsure all operations align with Viking standards, guidelines and procedures at office and ship level through audits and reviews in close cooperation with the Corporate Operation Manager. /li liCoordinate relations with local authorities, inspection bodies, auditors and trade unions. /li liSupervise compliance with all legal provisions applicable to the business. /li liSupport the planning and management of the company's growth strategy. /li liEnsure that any legal issues associated with the business are taken care of. /li liImplement and ensure a robust financial management in collaboration with the finance department, including budgeting, expense approvals, procure to pay process, and regular reporting. /li liManage and negotiate with suppliers and other stakeholders, establishing a reliable local supplier ecosystem and supply chain based on defined product standards. /li liOversee and manage payments to suppliers and payroll, while establishing clear priorities. /li liConduct insurance negotiations with multiple providers, including those for labor accident. /li liConduct performance evaluations of office teams, emphasizing people leadership, service quality, and operational execution. /li liCoordinate talent management initiatives, including recruitment, development, training, and retention of current and future leaders in coordination with the Corporate Operation Manager. /li liSupport the organization in actively managing deviations, disruptions, and operational incidents, coordinating rapid and effective recovery to protect guest satisfaction and business continuity. /li liOversee planned and corrective maintenance in coordination with chartering partners and Corporate technical teams. /li liServe as the company's institutional representative at events, conferences, etc. /li liPrepare regular progress updates for senior leadership and proactively elevate risks or challenges. /li /ul h3Key Qualifications /h3 pbEducation Professional Experience /b /p ul liMinimum 5 years of senior operational leadership in business management in a multinational context (experience in hospitality, ideally at Corporate or multi unit level is a plus). /li liUniversity degree in Hotel Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline is a strong plus. /li liProven expertise in greenfield operations, including establishing an entity or branch office, implementing local governance and policies, recruiting leadership teams, launching new service lines, routes, properties, or vessels, or undertaking comparable start-up initiatives within a large corporate setting. /li /ul pbLeadership Functional Skills /b /p ul liExcellent project management, organizational, and communication skills. /li liProven ability to implement corporate initiatives and complex projects in diverse operating environments. /li liProven accountability for PL ownership and budgeting in an operating environment. /li liStrong leadership presence with the ability to lead both directly and through influence. /li liExcellent stakeholder management and relationship building capabilities. /li /ul pbPersonal Interpersonal Attributes /b /p ul liProfessional appearance and demeanor. /li liFluent English (executive level, written and verbal). /li liHindi or Assamese/Bengali strongly preferred due to regional footprint and stakeholder engagement. /li liPositive, resilient, and flexible mindset with a hands on, solution oriented approach. /li liCollaborative team player with a proactive, self-driven working style. /li liAbility to work independently as well as in a remote, matrix organization. /li liHigh cultural intelligence and strong interpersonal skills. /li liAdvanced analytical skills to objectively evaluate complex information, identify challenges, and assess solutions using logical reasoning. /li liAcute awareness of organizational culture, needs, and dynamics, ensuring appropriate and effective responses to various situations. /li liAdvanced Excel Proficiency: High-level expertise in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial reporting, and handling complex calculations. /li liProficiency in Microsoft Office: Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for business operations and presentations. /li liProficiency in Dynamics 365 (Preferred): Experience utilizing Dynamics 365 for efficient management of business processes is highly desirable. /li liExpertise in Finance, Tax, and Human Resources: Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in financial management, tax compliance, and HR practices within an organizational setting. /li liFlexibility to work extended and irregular hours, including weekends. /li liDemonstrated willingness to travel and primarily be based in Guwahati. /li /ul h3How to Apply /h3 pPlease apply via our website including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role. /p p*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered* /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr