Crew Employment Specialist

About us

As the leading Yacht Management company, Hill Robinson operates at the heart of the global superyacht industry, ensuring the smooth sailing of some of the world’s most luxurious and complex vessels. With offices spanning the globe, we don’t just manage yachts—we deliver unparalleled expertise, innovation, and excellence across every aspect of yacht, aviation, and estate management.

Our powerhouse team of over 250 professionals are the driving force behind our success. From Charter Management and Yacht Operations to Crew Placement and Technical Services, we offer a full-spectrum service that keeps some of the world’s finest assets running at their best.

But what truly sets us apart?

We create extraordinary opportunities, tackle challenges head-on, and go above and beyond to make the impossible possible. Whether it’s on sea, land, or air, we are the trusted partners who turn ambition into reality.

The role

The Crew Employment Manager works under the direction of the Head of Crew Employment and is to:

Oversee all aspects of crew employment, crew human resources, crew wellbeing and crew payroll on all Hill Robinson vessels.

Undertake the planning and operation functions of crew in compliance with the regulatory, company and client’s requirements. 

Monitor the fleet payroll. Work in collaboration with yacht managers, yacht administrators, compliance managers, account managers and colleagues to ensure smooth and safe operation of the yachts from a crew employment perspective.

Skills required

• Experience in overseeing the employment procedures for maritime crew, especially yacht crew, is imperative.


• Working knowledge and understanding of employment regulations such as Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), crew employment planning, compensation, benefits, employee relations, disciplinary and grievances procedures are all necessary attributes.


• Human Resources experience preferable but not essential.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Fluent in the English language – written and spoken.


• Ability to work with Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint.


• BambooHR or other human resources software system experience helpful but not essential.


•  Ability to work under pressure often juggling an assortment of tasks and priorities.


•  Able to assume responsibility and ownership for the assigned tasks.


•  Excellent communication skills to ensure all affected parties are continually included and updated


•  Accuracy and attention to detail, acting with patience and empathy whilst dealing with crew and colleagues.


•  Flexible – understands the merits of others perspective and is willing to modify a strongly held   position in the face of contrary evidence.


• Teamwork:


• Positive attitude to supporting colleagues and the entire team/company.

Employment and Crew Support duties

Working closely with the Head of Crew Employment:

• Assist in the development of clear processes and pathways for the employment of crew
  Review of current contractual procedures to identify inconsistencies, areas for improvement and developmental requirements.


• Review of grievance and disciplinary procedures to create clear communication pathways across the fleet. Assist with development of grievance and disciplinary support and guidelines for specific scenarios. 


• Take the lead in any grievance and disciplinary situations and/or investigations.


• With the employer and in conjunction with Compliance and the Yacht Managers, act as document control point for flag approved SEAs and crew handbooks to ensure consistency across the fleet. Maintain continual review, development and maintenance of such documents.   


• Procedures and guidelines with regards to appraisals/reviews, promotions and pay increases.


• Constantly review potential for improvements in Client Services as it pertains to crew employment.


• In conjunction with the Hill Robinson Academy, ensure all captains, yacht managers and identified personnel are trained in dealing with grievances and employment related issues.


• Act as neutral point of contact for Crew Welfare as required outside onboard chain of command. Liaise with DPA as may be required.


• Creation and maintenance of job descriptions and welcome packs to provide crew information.  


• Monitoring crew salaries and industry trends for benefits, salaries and training packages. 

Operational support

• Assist yacht managers in overseeing reviews and appraisals, creating personal development cycles for all crew.  


• Update and develop fleet appraisals/personal development cycles as necessary.


• Review current onboarding and offboarding procedures across the fleet to create standardised procedures, templates and associated documentation.

The role also covers areas of well-being and community, as well as communication and systems development.

It is a truly diverse and rounded role that will provide the person with an opportunity to make a difference to crew employment life cycles.