Head of Human Resources / Crewing (m/f/d) | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Arbeitnow
• Location: Lübeck
• Job Type: Full-Time

Job Description

TT-Line has been the bridge across the Baltic Sea for over 60 years—connecting Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and Sweden with reliable, high-quality, and environmentally conscious ferry services. With nine modern Ro-Pax ferries, we carry nearly 1 million guests and over 500,000 freight units each year. Our team of more than 900 employees from 33 nations is proud to shape the future of sustainable sea transport.

Tasks

The area of responsibility includes:

• Overall responsibility for Human Resources and Crewing incl. our seagoing personnel and the reliable manning of our fleet
• Development and implementation of a future-oriented HR and Crewing strategy aligned with fleet deployment, route network, growth and operational reliability
• Leadership, development and professionalisation of the HR/Crewing team, including clear structures, KPIs, processes, reporting and digital tools
• Strategic workforce planning, recruitment, selection, retention and succession planning for nautical, technical, hotel/catering and other shipboard functions
• Responsibility for crew planning, rotations, reliefs, travel, certificates, medicals, training records and audit-ready documentation in accordance with MLC, STCW, flag-state and safe-manning requirements
• Negotiation, management and monitoring of collective bargaining agreements, crewing/manning contracts, service agreements and relationships with maritime unions, crewing agencies and external partners
• Budget responsibility for personnel and crewing costs, forecasts, reporting and continuous improvement of cost, quality, compliance and crew availability
• Reporting directly to Management Board and working closely with Ship Management, Technical, Nautical, Operations, Finance and external stakeholders
• Development of crew welfare, performance management, leadership, training and employer-branding initiatives to strengthen TT-Line as an attractive maritime employer

Requirements

To be expected:

• Leadership experience in shipping, maritime HR, crewing, manning or fleet personnel management
• Strong knowledge of crew planning, crew management systems, manning agencies, seafarer recruitment and the international crewing market
• Sound knowledge of maritime labour regulations and standards, in particular MLC 2006, STCW, flag-state/safe-manning requirements and audit/compliance processes
• Experience with collective bargaining agreements, ITF/IBF or comparable maritime CBA structures, crewing contracts, union/stakeholder negotiations and international employment models
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex structures, conflicting priorities and time-critical operational issues
• Entrepreneurial mindset, high level of integrity, resilience, hands-on mentality and the ability to combine strategic thinking with operational excellence
• Business-fluent written and spoken English is required

Benefits

We offer:

• Management role with high strategic relevance and direct influence on fleet reliability, crew performance and company success
• Employment in a strategically important function with broad scope for impact and development
• International working environment with modern ferries, diverse teams and a strong market position in the Baltic Sea
• Short decision-making paths, entrepreneurial scope and the opportunity to professionalise and further develop a key function
• A dynamic and committed team with a friendly atmosphere and strong team spirit
• Subject-specific training and development opportunities

This is a management position reporting directly to the Management Board „Geschäftsführer”. The role carries substantial responsibility for the people, processes and partnerships that ensure the safe, compliant and reliable operation of our fleet. As a trusted strategic partner you will shape the HR and Crewing function and ensure that TT-Line has the right crew, capabilities and structures for its current operations and future development.

You can look forward to an interesting, varied and challenging management position in a successful and growing shipping company. We are looking for an experienced, trustworthy and resilient leader with HR/Crewing expertise, strong judgement and the ability to act as a credible partner to the Management Board, crews and external stakeholders.

We look forward to receiving your application, including your possible starting date.

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Expert Career Tips for Head of Human Resources / Crewing (m/f/d) Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Head of Human Resources / Crewing (m/f/d), you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Head of Human Resources / Crewing (m/f/d) requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Lübeck and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Lübeck, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Head of Human Resources / Crewing (m/f/d) position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.