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™. 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.

The Managing Director India will establish and lead Viking River Cruises' new office in Guwahati, supporting operations for two new Brahmaputra River vessels launching by 2028, with the inaugural vessel entering service in fall 2027. This role is responsible for setting up the office, supporting vessel launch, and subsequently overseeing office and vessel performance. Responsibilities include operational, financial, legal, HR, compliance, supplier, and strategic management, while acting as the company's representative with key stakeholders and authorities. The position is based in Guwahati, India, with regional travel and occasional visits to Viking's Basel headquarters. SVP Passenger Operations River, Basel, Switzerland.

Leadership & Stakeholder management
The Managing Director Will Provide Leadership By Establishing And Maintaining Clear Business Guidelines In Coordination With Viking Head Office Departments In Basel In The Following Areas
Operational 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.
Financial Management: Define budgeting processes, expense approval protocols, and reporting requirements to guarantee financial discipline and transparency in line with Corporate Guidelines.
Compliance and Legal: Communicate regulatory and legal obligations, including local laws, maritime regulations, and company policies, ensuring full adherence by all staff and partners.
Outline recruitment, onboarding, staff development, and performance evaluation practices to foster a productive and compliant workforce. Specify guidelines for selecting, negotiating, and managing relationships with suppliers, hotels and other partners important to operations.
Stakeholder Engagement: Define protocols for regular meetings, decision-making processes, and strategic planning with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure 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
Lead the end to end project plan for the India launch and opening of the branch office, including timelines, budgets,



milestones, dependencies, and risk management
Oversee the development, integration, and implementation of all necessary systems and processes for launch, ensuring seamless coordination among Corporate functions and local stakeholders
Establish 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
Design and establish a reliable local supplier ecosystem and supply chain for operational consumables, services, equipment, and furniture in coordination with the Corporate Operation Manager
Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements with vendors in alignment with the Corporate Operation Manager and Purchasing
Support the Corporate Operation Manager in final product definition and support the development, adaptation, and implementation of all required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Prepare regular progress updates for senior leadership and proactively escalate risks or challenges

Lead 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
Ensure 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
Coordinate relations with local authorities, inspection bodies, auditors and trade unions
Supervising compliance with all legal provisions applicable to the business
Supporting the planning and management of the company's growth strategy
Ensuring that any legal issues associated with the business are taken care of
Implement and ensure a robust financial management in collaboration with the finance department, including budgeting, expense approvals, procure to pay process, and regular reporting
Manage and negotiate with suppliers and other stakeholders, establishing a reliable local supplier ecosystem and supply chain based on defined product standards
Conduct performance evaluations of office teams, emphasizing people leadership, service quality, and operational execution
Coordinate talent management initiatives,



including recruitment, development, training, and retention of current and future leaders in coordination with the Corporate Operation Manager
Support the organization in actively manage deviations, disruptions, and operational incidents, coordinating rapid and effective recovery to protect guest satisfaction and business continuity
Prepare regular progress updates for senior leadership and proactively escalate risks or challenges

Education & Professional Experience
Minimum 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)
University degree in Hotel Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline is a solid plus
Proven 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
Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills
Proven ability to implement corporate initiatives and complex projects in diverse operating environments
Excellent stakeholder management and relationship building capabilities
Fluent English (executive level, written and verbal)
Hindi or Assamese/Bengali strongly preferred due to regional footprint and stakeholder engagement
Positive, resilient, and flexible mindset with a hands on, solution oriented approach
Ability to work independently as well as in a remote, matrix organization
High cultural intelligence and strong interpersonal skills
Acute awareness of organizational culture, needs, and dynamics, ensuring appropriate and effective responses to various situations
Advanced Excel Proficiency: High-level expertise in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial reporting, and handling complex calculations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for business operations and presentations
Proficiency in Dynamics 365 (Preferred): Experience utilizing Dynamics 365 for efficient management of business processes is highly desirable
Expertise in Finance, Tax, and Human Resources: Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in financial management, tax compliance, and HR practices within an organizational setting
Demonstrated willingness to travel and primarily be based in Guwahati

Please apply via our website , including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.
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📌 General Manager - Full Time. (India)
🏢 Viking
📍 India