Interim Manager, Expedition Team Scheduling

3 days ago

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Quark Expeditions Full-time US$72,000 - US$80,000 Contract
Quark Expeditions is the leading polar expedition travel company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. We operate cruises to Antarctica and Arctic regions (Greenland, North Canada, Svalbard) on board of 3 modern polar expedition ships – Ultramarine, Ocean Explorer, and World Explorer. Since 1991, Quark has been establishing a tradition of firsts in polar travel: as the first to transit the Northeast Passage with adventure travellers; the first to take travellers to the far side of Antarctica; and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests. Quark Expeditions is part of Travelopia, the world's leading experiential travel business, owned by KKR. We are looking to hire a Manager of Expedition Team Scheduling to join our team Reporting to our Director, Expedition Staffing, you'll lead end-to-end Antarctic season scheduling — from pre-season planning through in-season adjustments — while supporting a diverse contractor workforce that includes guides, presenters, educators, expedition leaders, and field specialists. This is a unique opportunity to bring your passion for people and polar adventure together, shaping world-class expedition teams that deliver extraordinary guest experiences. Please note: this is a fixed-term contract position for 18 months, covering for a parental leave. What we'll offer:
• Competitive base salary (CAD $72,000 to $80,000)
• Generous paid time off and birthday day off
• Group-wide travel discounts

What you'll do
• Maintain professional, timely, and effective communication with expedition team members on scheduling, assignments, and operational changes
• Monitor current and future staffing requirements, proactively adjusting schedules to address vacancies, operational changes, and emerging needs
• Analyse operational demands and make sound scheduling decisions that support guest experience, safety, team effectiveness, and commercial objectives
• Build and nurture strong working relationships with Expedition Team members and key stakeholders, including through EL Summits and field and gateway presence where possible
• Lead the Antarctic season scheduling process through all phases — pre-schedule planning, active scheduling, and in-season modifications — and support Arctic scheduling needs alongside the Co-Manager
• Maintain a thorough understanding of industry regulations, certification requirements, and operational standards to ensure compliance across all staffing assignments
• Review sailing schedules and plan deployment blocks based on contract length, product needs, training opportunities, and gateways
• Leverage performance feedback, end-of-season evaluations, Expedition Leader input, and operational insights to inform staffing and scheduling decisions
• Partner with the Manager, Expedition Team Scheduling, to identify recruitment needs, support workforce planning, and lead selection activities for expedition team positions
• Collaborate with the Manager, Expedition Team Development, to support onboarding, training, and the ongoing success of both new and experienced team members What you'll bring:
• Proven experience in workforce scheduling, crew planning, recruitment, or talent management
• Proven experience working with seasonal, remote, or contractor-based workforces
• Familiarity with expedition cruise operations and relevant industry certification requirements
• A genuine understanding of and empathy for the realities of working in the field as an expedition team member
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Teams, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and Microsoft Copilot
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across a diverse, global contractor workforce
• Strong organisational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment We believe people perform best when they can be their true selves and diverse teams drive better results. We're committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. Travelopia ensures an inclusive workplace for all. If you need accessibility support during the recruitment process, please inform us here: Talent@Travelopia.com