RIVER - Corporate Captain

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Please note that we can unfortunately only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or are in possession of a valid work permit. Please do only apply for the position if you comply with those conditions.

Role Description

• Reports to a Senior Corporate Captain Nautical Operations, the Corporate Captain supervises a group of Viking river ships and makes sure they sail safely, on time and to Viking standards, in a fleet growing to about 90 ships.
• Handles disruptions such as high or low water and lock closures from start to finish together with the port and lock planning team, so that guests are affected as little as possible, and steps in as Captain when needed.
• Keeps ship and shore in close contact, coaches the captains and officers on board, and contributes to the long-term planning of captains and officers.
• On safety, follows the fleet standard led by the Senior Corporate Captain Fleet Safety: drills, the Safety Day and ship audits on the assigned ships. Travels about 80% to the ships.

Key Responsibilities

Nautical operations

• Make sure the assigned ships sail safely, in line with regulations and company standards, and with the right crew on board; solve operational problems quickly to protect the guest experience.
• Handle disruptions from start to finish: align sailing schedules and alternative ports with the port and lock planning team, and keep the documentation complete.
• Keep ship and shore informed with clear, timely updates; uphold the presentation of the ships to Viking standards.

Safety on board

• Make sure the assigned ships hold and evaluate their emergency drills and deliver the Safety Day.
• Carry out one internal safety management audit per assigned ship each year, and Green Award audits as scheduled, following the fleet method; close findings within 60 days.
• Put improvements from incident investigations in place on the assigned ships.

Leadership & stakeholder management

• Coach captains, officers and the nautical team on board; uphold performance and discipline in line with company policy.
• Contribute to the long-term planning of captains and officers, so that licenses, training and staffing keep pace with the fleet.
• Work with HR and the ships’ leadership on welfare and staffing matters.

Key Qualifications

Leadership and Functional Skills

• Proven record in handling disruptions, internal audits and developing people; clear ship–shore communication.
• Practical command of onboard emergency response and drills.

Professional Experience

• Licensed inland captain for the relevant waterways (e.g., Rhine, Danube) with current certificates.
• At least four years as Captain or in fleet-level operations, multi-vessel experience preferred.

Soft Skills

• Guest-focused, organized and calm under pressure; culturally aware.
• An effective coach who brings feedback from the ships forward.

Other Skills And Requirements

• English at business level; German or French at business level.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365; comfortable with fleet management, AIS and traffic tools, and dashboards.
• Travel about 80%.

Measurable Goals

• Assigned ships sail safely and on schedule; disruptions handled with minimal impact on guests.
• Drills and the Safety Day held on every assigned ship; audits on schedule and findings closed within 60 days.
• Captains and officers on the assigned ships coached and developed, with licenses and training in order.

EDUCATION

• Degree in inland shipping, nautical science or maritime operations, or equivalent professional formation.
• Internal auditor training for ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, or the willingness to obtain it in the first year.

Nice-to-have Qualifications

• Other languages spoken in the fleet (e.g., Romanian or other Slavic languages).

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours.

How To Apply

Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com , including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered*