Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across the Nordics? Are you looking for a position in which you can set the direction and help shape the onboard services for our passengers?

DFDS made the difficult decision to sell the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen (OFC) route to Gotlandsbolaget on June 11th with effect from November 1st, 2024. This means that we are now able to offer a candidate the opportunity to join Gotlandsbolaget on an exciting growth journey. You will be hired and employed by DFDS until October 31st and transfer together with +800 sea-based and shore-side colleagues to Gotlandsbolaget from November 1st.
As the Head of Onboard Services, you will be responsible for strategically managing and developing the Travel Retail and F&B categories on the two cruise vessels, Crown Seaways and Pearl Seaways. You will be working with some of the biggest global brands to service the needs of our varying passenger types. You will lead a team of six category managers, two coordinators and a clothing storage coordinator.
Gotlandsbolagets investment in the OFC route is based on the future possibilities of the service and we are embarking a very exciting development phase for the route, including all our employees. Although the route is well functioning and popular among the target group already today, development and investments in the ships and onboard experience is now being implemented to build an even more attractive route. During the fall, a new name and brand is being developed and in the beginning of next year, the ships will go into dry dock for renovation. We are truly on a journey as a route and a company – the route has existed for more than 150 years, but now we build a new company.
Do you have the drive and capabilities to support our stakeholders to become a success? These are some of the exciting challenges you can expect to meet in this role:

• Inspire and guide your team to achieve their goals by providing support, coaching, personal development, delegation of tasks to team members efficiently, recognition, and reward accomplishments.

• Development long-term category strategies and working cross-functionally with our category managers, onboard marketing, sales team, and operations to develop execution plans for the category strategies and unlock possibilities for future growth.

• Encourage efficient communication and collaborative ways-of-working within the team and internal stakeholders.

• Monitorization of team, category and route performance.

• Travel Retail and F&B representative on the Oslo-Copenhagen route management meetings.

• Communicating and executing the vision for the route both internally and externally.

• Utilizing analysis and industry insights to help the team maximize profitable sales and drive efficiencies in stock with a view to optimize cost of catalogue, improve cash-flow, and increase profit per passenger.
• Full ownership for department and responsibility for reporting performance across business.

A very exciting and challenging job with plenty of scope for working independently and an opportunity to develop your job content. The position is based at our office in the Copenhagen Terminal building, Denmark.
About you
We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. With this in mind, we think that you have great interpersonal skills and feel comfortable in engaging with stakeholders on all levels of the organization. You enjoy a dynamic and developing work environment full of challenges and thrive having a lot on your plate. Furthermore, you are a true team player with the ability to challenge the current situation based on strong communication, sharp analytical skills and change management capabilities.

• +5 years of Retail and/or F&B management experience is desirable.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, ideally in a sales/marketing or business focused degree.

• Previous experience within the Travel Retail and/or F&B industry is a distinct advantage.

• Solid track record in developing bottom line impact within the categories managed.

• Experience with leading and working in a team fostering a collaborative and value-based mentality.
• Strong collaboration skills with internal senior stakeholders.

• Proven negotiation skills.

• Your English language skills, oral and written are excellent and you are a proficient IT user.

• As a person you are result-oriented, you have strong analytical skills and a winning personality.

• This role is Copenhagen based so any candidate must have the required work permits to work in Denmark.

Working at “OFC”, a part of Gotlandsbolaget
The “OFC” will be a subsidiary to Gotlandsbolaget. You will have colleagues close by in the “OFC” organization, but also be part of a bigger group. Since we as a company is developing, we believe it is important that you also want to develop, and we will encourage you to challenge yourself to acquire new skills and perspectives.
In addition to offering a role with plenty of influential possibilities and responsibility, we offer a working environment in an informal and international organization. “OFC” is, although existing, being built up and Gotlandsbolaget is in a strong development phase. You will be part of that journey. As an employee in the group, we value dedication, cooperation and delivering on your commitment. Another core value within the group is movement, which is a good description of where we are right now.
About Gotlandsbolaget
With Gotland as the base, Gotlandsbolaget runs passenger services and cruises between Gotland, Nynäshamn, Stockholm and Mariehamn. With the purchase of the route between Copenhagen and Oslo, we will add two more Nordic countries. We invest in the shipping of the future and new technology, as well as develops sustainable destinations and places to visit. In Gotland, we own several hotels and properties. Gotlandsbolaget was founded in 1865 and is Sweden’s oldest passenger shipping company, and ever since, Gotlandsbolaget has brought Gotland and the mainland closer to each other. The Group today has 600 employees and is headquartered in Visby on the island of Gotland. During the fall of 2024, we will become approximately 1 400 employees with the integration of the Oslo-Fredrikshavn-Copenhagen route. Gotlandsbolaget is headquartered in Visby on the island of Gotland and listed on Nasdaq First North, Sweden.
Travel days
In order to perform to the expectations of the role you must anticipate 30-35 travel days a year.
Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now.
If you think your personality, skills, experience and ambition match this role, we’d love to hear from you. Send us your resume and cover letter as soon as possible as we’re keen to meet potential candidates on an ongoing basis.
Is there something you need to know, that we haven’t covered here, please do not hesitate to reach out to: Kim Heiberg – Route Director, khe@dfds.com.
All applications will be treated confidentially.
We look forward to hearing from you.