Director of Destination Management / Directoress of Destination Management

Company Overview

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel, boasting a fleet of over 100 ships that navigate 21 rivers, five oceans, and all seven continents. Tailored for curious travelers with passions for science, history, culture, and cuisine, our Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, often states that Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. With more than 450 awards to our name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans for five consecutive years by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, we are also recognized as a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has achieved simultaneous accolades from both prestigious publications.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or possess a valid work permit.

Role Description

The Director of Destination Management will serve as a strategic and operational conduit between the Executive Director and the Destination Management Team. This position is pivotal in ensuring alignment across regional operations, driving excellence in destination execution, and supporting the development of scalable, guest-centric experiences throughout our ocean portfolio. The ideal candidate will have profound expertise in destination operations, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Translate executive vision into actionable plans for the Destination Management Team.
  • Lead cross-regional alignment on destination strategy, standards, and performance metrics.
  • Support itinerary planning and destination development.
• Operational Oversight
  • Monitor and optimize destination performance across all ocean itineraries.
  • Ensure consistency in guest experience, vendor management, and compliance with internal and external guidelines.
• Financial & Reporting
  • Oversee destination-related budgeting, forecasting, and cost control strategies.
  • Monitor operational performance across regions, including vendor efficiency, guest satisfaction, and resource utilization.
  • Analyze voyage-level financials, refund trends, and revenue contribution to identify opportunities for optimization.
  • Partner with finance and analytics teams to develop dashboards and reporting tools that support data-driven decision-making.

Key Qualifications

• 8+ years in destination management, hospitality, or travel operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-regional teams.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Eligible to work in Switzerland or hold a valid work permit.

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or a related field from an accredited college or university, or the international equivalent, is preferred.

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Experience with ocean cruise operations or luxury travel.
• Ability to navigate cultural nuances and build relationships across geographies.

Community & Culture

Join a fast-growing and dynamic environment featuring a modern workspace and flexible working hours.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.