Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-run business that has been offering exceptional cruise experiences for over 170 years. With a fleet of ships that provide intimate, friendly, and immersive voyages, we are committed to delivering world-class service with a personal touch. Join us and be part of a proud heritage that is all about making lasting memories for our guests.
As we continue to grow, we are now strengthening our Port Operations team with a Port Costs Manager on a 6-month fixed-term contract. After initial onboarding, you will be supported to work on a remote basis, with visits to our Ipswich Head Office twice per month.
This is a specialist, project-focused role designed to establish and embed robust port cost controls, reporting processes, and governance procedures across the business. The successful candidate will be a subject matter expert in both cruise port costs and the MXP Port Cost Management module, working independently to build the function from the ground up whilst ensuring accurate cost management, forecasting, auditing, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the implementation and development of the port cost management function within MXP.
- Build, document, and continuously optimise processes, procedures, and controls for managing port costs across the fleet, leveraging process efficiencies and emerging technologies (including AI) to drive automation, improve data accuracy, and deliver enhanced commercial insight.
- Ensure all port costs are managed in a prudent and commercially responsible manner.
- Review and maintain the accuracy of port cost data held within the MXP Enterprise Platform.
- Act as the business expert for MXP Port Cost Management, providing guidance and support across the organisation.
- Maintain accurate port tariff databases and charging structures within MXP.
- Compare forecasted port costs against actual expenditure, investigating and explaining significant variances to the wider team.
- Liaise with budget holders to review cost discrepancies, agree corrective actions, and document explanations within MXP.
- Support the Port Operations team with validating and auditing preliminary and final invoices against supporting documentation and agreed services.
- Act as the MXP Port Costs subject matter expert for both shipboard and shore-based teams.
About You:
- Strong understanding of port tariffs, harbour dues, and global port agency operations.
- Previous experience implementing or developing port cost management processes.
- Demonstrable experience using the MXP Enterprise Platform, specifically the Port Cost Management module, is desirable but not essential.
- Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Commercially aware and financially focused.
- Able to challenge and influence constructively.
- UK-based, with the ability to travel to our Ipswich Head Office twice per month.
This is a full-time, fixed-term role for a period of 6 months. You would work Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week on a remote basis, with visits to our Ipswich Head Office twice per month. You would be expected to work in our Ipswich Head Office during your initial induction period.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer a wide range of benefits including AXA Health medical, Life Assurance, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, discounted holidays and cruises, plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme.Attached to this advert you will find a full job profile and details of our Company benefits on offer.
Our Values:
- We are caring - “We trust and care for each other, our guests and our environment”
- We are positive - “We live and share a positive attitude”
- We are real - “We are always ourselves and respect others”
- We are a team - “We are more than a team; we are a family”
As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
