Vice President Business and Technology Operations

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey.

We’re looking for an experienced Business and Operations Technology Executive to fill this role. The Vice President will report directly into the leader of Holland America Line (HAL) and Seabourn (SBN) IT organization and is responsible for leading the strategic direction, implementation, and management of the applications teams who provide internally developed and/or 3rd party business and operations technologies to HAL/SBN’s shipboard and shoreside teams. This also includes partnering with other internal stakeholders to deliver shared applications as applicable to sister brands, properties, etc. These applications may include property management, point of sale, dining, IPTV, supply chain, HR, guest facing technologies (i.e., MBark), etc. The VP also partners with the corporate Marine Technical IT team to understand their roadmap and impact on HAL/SBN systems. The VP executes complex IT projects according to business priorities, in a timely manner, and within budget.

Here’s a summary of what Holland America Line is looking for in its VP, Business and Technology Operations. Is this you?

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and communicate a clear vision and strategy for leveraging technology to optimize business processes, enhance operational efficiency, and drive innovation.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align technology initiatives with business goals and priorities.
• Oversight of the senior leadership team; responsible for management, modernization, and support of shipboard and shoreside business and operations technologies.
• Establishes expectations for and is accountable for the execution of all projects and initiatives, in addition to insuring stability of the applications and technical environments in partnership with the infrastructure team.

Technology Planning and Execution:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive technology roadmap that supports short-term and long-term business objectives.
• Presents technical roadmaps and in-depth business cases and financial reports to the head of technology and the rest of the HAL/SBN executive leadership team.
• Collaborates with various business teams to fully understand their strategies and to identify opportunities for enhancements and integrations.
• Utilizes product knowledge to ensure accurate product and development recommendations are provided by the team.
• Oversee the implementation of technology solutions, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and alignment with business requirements.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build and lead a high-performing team of technology professionals, globally diverse onshore and offshore teams, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to meet commitments within budget and provided timelines.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the technology organization.

Budget and Operations:

• Responsible for the team’s strategic roadmap and responsibilities, capital and annual operating budgets including G&A, vendor selection and contracts, and all related security and compliance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs while maintaining a balanced number of resources to address changing business priorities.
• Implement best practices and standards for technology governance, project management, and risk management.

Vendor Management and Partnerships:

• Meets with vendors to evaluate products that meet the needs of the business prior to team engagement.
• Approves complex technical and architectural decisions to ensure modern application development, security, privacy, and ADA compliance standards and best practices are achieved and maintained.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Collaborates with infrastructure senior leaders to evaluate product and architectural strategies and dependencies impacting their technical roadmaps.
• Communicates with business senior leaders related to all responsibilities including sister brands (e.g., PCL) who use HAL IT’s team services.
• Clearly articulates business impact for all decisions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, IT, Management Info Systems, Business Administration, master’s degree preferred, PMP or relevant technology certifications may be beneficial
• 15+ years proven business and/or operations technology product management experience preferably in the cruise or hospitality space
• 10+ years business management experience managing financials and creating business cases
• 5+ years’ experience with evaluating, adopting & integrating new and evolving technologies where appropriate
• Deep understanding and expertise with product management and development, support, and system integrations is required
• Solid understanding of application architecture, design, Integration, and administration
• Experience with systems integration and development
• Experience leading large-scale technology initiatives, managing budgets, and delivering measurable results
• Strong project management skills and experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions
• Minimum Qualifications:
• 10+ combined years of executive leadership and senior management experience in the hospitality industry preferred, with a track record of successfully driving business transformation through technology
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to translate business needs into technology solutions
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Strong customer-service orientation
• Highly self-motivated and directed
• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Working knowledge of corporate IT disciplines and group dynamics

What You Can Expect:

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family
• Health Benefits
• 401(k)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Training & Professional Development
• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement
• Rewards & Incentives
• Base Salary Range: $210,000.00 to $260,00.00. The range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. Final base salary is directly related to each candidates' qualifications and experience uniquely.

Our Culture…Stronger Together

Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/our-company/mission-values.html

Holland America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Holland America will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact recruiting@hollandamericagroup.com