Job Summary
The Chief Stewardess (often referred to as Chief Stew) on a large yacht plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of the yacht's interior and, most importantly, the comfort and satisfaction of the guests and owners. This is a highly demanding position that requires a blend of hospitality expertise, managerial skills, attention to detail, and discretion.
Duties
1. Guest Experience and Service Excellence:
* Ultimate Guest Satisfaction: This is the overarching responsibility. The Chief Stew is dedicated to anticipating and exceeding the needs and desires of the owners and guests.
* Impeccable Service Delivery: Overseeing all aspects of guest service, including formal and informal dining, cocktail service, wine service, table settings, and presentation. This often involves knowledge of various service styles (e.g., silver service).
* Cabin and Amenity Management: Ensuring guest cabins are always immaculate, preparing for turn-down service, and managing amenities, toiletries, and personalized touches.
* Guest Liaison: Acting as the primary point of contact for guests, addressing their requests, questions, and any issues that arise. This requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
* Orchestrating Guest Activities & Events: Planning and coordinating onboard events, parties, themed dinners, and guest excursions, working with other departments (deck, chef) to ensure smooth execution.
2. Interior Department Management:
* Team Leadership and Management: Leading, training, mentoring, and supervising a team of junior stewardesses. This includes creating schedules, delegating tasks, managing workload, and ensuring high standards are maintained.
* Housekeeping and Maintenance: Overseeing the daily cleaning, detailing and maintenance of all interior areas of the yacht, including cabins, salons, dining areas, and common spaces.
* Inventory and Provisioning: Managing and controlling inventory of all interior supplies, including cleaning products, linens, glassware, china, bar stock, and guest amenities. This involves careful planning, ordering, and maintaining relationships with suppliers.
* Budget Management: Handling the interior department's budget, tracking expenses, and ensuring cost-effective provisioning.
* Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developing, implementing, and maintaining detailed SOPs for all interior operations to ensure consistency and efficiency.
* Care of Valuables: Overseeing the proper care and maintenance of valuable interior items such as artwork, silks, fine woodwork, marble, crystal, and china.
3. Administrative and Operational Duties:
* Reporting to the Captain: The Chief Stew reports directly to the Captain and is responsible for keeping them informed of all interior department matters.
* Communication and Coordination: Liaising effectively with other departments (Galley/Chef, Deck, Engineering) to ensure seamless operations, especially concerning meal service, guest activities, and technical requirements.
* Logistics: Assisting with guest arrivals and departures, coordinating transport, and sometimes handling customs documents or charter paperwork.
* Financial Administration: Depending on the yacht, this can include managing petty cash, expense reports, and interior accounting.
* Crew Uniforms: Managing the purchasing and maintenance of crew uniforms for the interior team.
* Stowage for Sea: Ensuring the yacht's interior is properly stowed and secured for sea passages.
Key Skills and Attributes:
* Exceptional Hospitality & Service Skills: A true understanding of luxury service and a proactive, guest-focused approach.
* Leadership and Team Management: The ability to motivate, train, and manage a team effectively.
* Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in every aspect of cleaning, presentation, and service.
* Organizational and Planning Skills: Strong ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
* Communication (Verbal & Written): Clear, concise, and diplomatic communication with guests, crew, and management.
* Problem-Solving: Quick thinking and adaptability to handle unexpected situations and guest requests.
* Discretion and Professionalism: Maintaining confidentiality and a highly professional demeanor at all times.
* Wine and Spirits Knowledge: Often expected to have extensive knowledge of fine wines, spirits, and cocktail preparation
.* Flower Arranging and Table Decor: Creative flair for creating beautiful arrangements and elaborate table settings.
* IT Literacy: For inventory, accounting, and communication.
* Stress Resistance and High Energy: The role can be demanding with long hours, especially during guest trips.In essence, the Chief Stewardess is the "face" of the yacht's interior, responsible for creating a luxurious, comfortable, and unforgettable experience for everyone on board.
Salary is negotioable.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $3,505.52 - $4,221.70 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: In person