Carl Stephens

Director HR - Ocean @Scenic - Luxury Cruises & Tours

GB

In my role as HR Director, I was instrumental in revitalising and bringing in-house critical HR operations, including Recruitment, Payroll, Crewing, and broader HR functions, which were previously managed by a third-party contractor. My strategic focus was on driving significant operational efficiencies, enhancing compliance, introducing innovation and optimising the entire employee journey from recruitment through to people services.I was also responsible for the day-to-day business-as-usual management of our fleet HR operations, which encompassed two brands, each operating two ships and seafarers. This included preparing for the integration of multiple new vessels into the existing fleets, ensuring operational manning readiness and alignment of HR and crewing strategies with fleet expansion plans.Key contributions in my first year included:Strategic Sourcing & Compliance: Successfully integrated two new manning agencies and managed a portfolio of multiple manning agencies, ensuring full legal compliance and optimal performance.Technology & Process Innovation: Implemented state-of-the-art platforms, including a new recruitment system and a crew document management system, alongside comprehensive updates to payroll procedures. These initiatives delivered substantial time savings, increased people efficiencies, and significantly bolstered fraud prevention capabilities.Talent Engagement & Brand Building: Achieved remarkable social media growth, averaging over new followers per month, thereby enhancing our employer brand and talent attraction efforts.