Fleet Manager - Cruise Retail Leadership at Sea

Fleet Manager - Cruise Retail Leadership at Sea 

What if your next leadership role did not just grow your career, but gave you the chance to make an impact across an entire fleet? 

This is retail leadership at a different level. Not one store, not one team, not one location. A role where every assignment is different, every ship brings a new challenge, and your leadership can shape performance across the world. 

At Harding+, we lead the way in onboard cruise retail, partnering with world-class cruise lines to create exceptional guest experiences at sea. This opportunity sits within our Viking partnership, supporting a premium fleet known for quality, service and understated luxury. 

The Role 

As a Fleet Manager, you will be employed by Harding Bros Guernsey, and deployed across the Viking fleet to support retail operations wherever you are needed most. 

That could mean stepping in to cover leave, stabilising performance, coaching leaders, supporting new initiatives, training teams, or identifying commercial opportunities onboard. 

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in new environments, and can quickly build trust and credibility with different teams. 

You will move from ship to ship depending on business need, with each deployment offering a new focus and fresh challenge. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Travel across the Viking fleet, supporting different ships and retail teams  

• Step into stores and quickly assess opportunities, risks and priorities  

• Provide leadership cover during holidays, gaps or peak trading periods  

• Coach and develop onboard managers and teams to raise performance  

• Support training, new launches and operational improvements  

• Build strong relationships with cruise line partners and onboard stakeholders  

• Drive high standards in guest experience, presentation and execution  

• Share best practice across the fleet to improve consistency and results  

Why This Role Is Different 

No two assignments will be the same. 

One trip may be about coaching an established team to the next level. Another could be covering leadership on a busy ship, supporting a new opening, or helping turn around performance. 

It is a role for someone who wants more than routine. You will see different ships, work with different people, and make a visible impact wherever you go. 

Through our partnership with Viking, you will work within one of the most respected premium cruise environments at sea. 

Guests value quality, service and expertise. The retail experience is considered, premium and guest-focused, with an emphasis on service over hard selling. 

Who We’re Looking For 

You may currently be a Store Manager, Cluster Manager, Regional Manager or multi-site retail leader looking for something more dynamic. 

You will bring: 

• Strong retail leadership experience  

• Confidence leading teams and improving performance quickly  

• Experience coaching managers and developing capability  

• Commercial awareness and a strong customer mindset  

• The ability to adapt to new environments and different personalities  

• Resilience, maturity and a hands-on approach  

• Credibility with senior stakeholders and frontline teams alike  

Cruise, travel retail, hospitality or premium retail experience would be valuable, but strong leaders from other backgrounds are welcome too. 

What You’ll Receive 

• A unique global leadership role with real variety  

• The opportunity to travel as part of your job  

• Accommodation and living expenses covered while onboard  

• The chance to work across a premium fleet environment  

• Career development with an award-winning global retail business  

• Full onboarding and travel support  

Ready for Something Different? If you are a strong retail leader who can step into any environment, build trust quickly and make things better, we would love to hear from you.