VP Marine Operations

Hurtigruten is one of the world’s great journeys, sailing and caring for the Norwegian coast since 1893. We are proud to be a national icon for generations of Norwegians and to have a special place in the hearts of our guests from around the world.

We are seeking an experienced and forward thinking VP Marine Operations to lead the safe, efficient, and futureready operation of our fleet. In this executive role, you will ensure daily operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a strong safety culture across all vessels while shaping the longterm direction of our maritime operations.

As VP Marine Operations, you will:

• Oversee the daytoday operation of all vessels.

• Ensure qualified maritime crew and full compliance with Norwegian and international regulations.

• Maintain strong cooperation with port authorities, charterers, regulators, and other key stakeholders.

• Ensure accurate, updated documentation within the management system.

• Lead Marine Operations within the company’s emergency response organization.

• Manage the department’s budget and financial performance.

• Drive continuous improvement across processes and operational activities.

• Take on additional responsibilities as defined in the management system or delegated by the COO.

Strategic Impact

• Shape and influence long-term operational strategy.

• Translate strategy into clear operational goals and foster cross-functional collaboration.

• Drive development of sustainable competitive advantages in maritime operations.

• Drive simplicity, standardization, and operational excellence across the fleet.

• Maintain a holistic, company-wide perspective in all decisions.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead through change with agility, supporting teams in complex and evolving environments.

• Communicate vision and direction clearly to teams and stakeholders.

• Coach and develop leaders and crew; set clear goals and provide constructive feedback.

Your Profile

• Relevant higher education (Bachelor’s degree or higher).

• Theoretical qualifications for the highest deck/engine officer certification.

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience.

• Experience as Captain on a passenger vessel is preferred.

• Deep understanding of vessel operations—including human, technical, and regulatory dimensions.

• Strong communication and influencing skills.

• Strategic mindset, business acumen, and ability to manage complexity with autonomy and foresight.

• Norwegian as your native language, proficient in written and spoken English

Why This Role Matters

This is a highimpact, highvisibility executive position. Your decisions will shape operational performance, longterm competitiveness, and the safety of our people and vessels. You will interact regularly with executives, authorities, and external partners—representing the company on matters of strategic significance.

Location: Oslo or Tromsø

Hurtigruten er et norsk rederi og reiselivsselskap som seiler den legendariske kystruten mellom Kirkenes og Bergen, ofte omtalt som «verdens vakreste sjøreise». I tillegg til den tradisjonelle ruten tilbyr Hurtigruten også signatur-rutene Nordkapplinjen, Svalbardlinjen og Hamburg-Nordkapp med en flåte på totalt ti skip.

Siden oppstarten i 1893 har Hurtigruten fraktet både lokale passasjerer, viktig gods, kjøretøy og turister trygt til 34 havner langs norskekysten.

Hurtigruten er en av Norges største maritime arbeidsgivere, med 1500 sjøfolk og lærlinger om bord. Selskapet samarbeider med lokale leverandører for å servere lokalmat i verdensklasse og tilbyr utvalgte utflukter til sine gjester, i samarbeid med lokale aktører.

Miljø og bærekraft står sentralt hos Hurtigruten. I 2009 kuttet Hurtigruten ut tungolje, og flåten består nå av fire hybridskip. Målet er et utslippsfritt skip innen 2030 gjennom det ambisiøse Sea Zero-programmet.