A personal link in the nautical chain

Forward planning is key

Making sure every vessel has a confirmed docking reservation that matches the sailing schedule and customer demand, requires careful planning and responsibility. This is the most important part of the job of one of our Locks & Docks Managers, Jessy Lindeman.

Jessy’s ability to anticipate sudden changes, stay proactive, and remain calm under pressure is what ensures a satisfying end to every shift.

The main focus of the Locks & Docks team is based on the current cruises and daily schedules, which may change due to weather or river conditions. However, planning for future seasons is an important part of the process and adds excitement for what’s to come. As a continuous process, the booking of berths (docking spots) for the next season are on the radar as planning starts well in advance. The team always works one to two seasons ahead, ensuring that reservations and schedules are ready for the future and in line with the tour operators’ wishes. It is our aim to give the guests the trip with the stops and overnights they booked.

Some administration and traveling too

Aside from the planning and reservations, administrative tasks such as checking invoices and orders also fall within the scope of this exciting role. These invoices could be for dockings, bunkering of water, fuel, electricity, or even city taxes – ensuring there is never a dull moment.

For the most part, the position is based in Arnhem, but Locks & Docks Managers operate in an international environment with colleagues on the fleet, various rotating colleagues in the office, and customers from all over the world. Occasionally, travel is required for the annual Rivertech kick-off, client visits, or other events.

This is an added bonus for Jessy, who has a love of travel and foreign languages. After studying Tourism, she gained some years of experience in the river cruise industry, before she started at Rivertech, where she never left. She has been with Rivertech for a long time now. She had her 10-years work anniversary years ago!

A personal word from Jessy Lindeman

As a Locks & Docks Manager, you have a lot of responsibility. If the port bookings aren’t in order, the ships cannot dock. That responsibility, along with the planning, the contact with ports, captains, and clients makes the job both fun and challenging.

During high or low water periods (which seem to be happening more often), it can be stressful, but when you’ve ensured that all ships have a berth and the clients are happy, you go home satisfied!

This is the job:

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Book harbors, dockings, and other (water, fuel, waste) for river cruisers.
• Check and validate invoices and produce reports at customer or management wish.
• Administrative work, related with locks & docks and other requested tasks that may occur.
• Adjust sailing programs, in automated programs or Excel.
• Process E-mails accurately
• Plan & Schedule ahead in line with customer/ touroperator’s demand
• Cooperate with colleagues and customers
• Coordinate workload for own work, your colleagues and weekend back-up.

Education & Skills:

• Medium vocational level.
• Administrative education in finance or operations.
• Good with MS-Office, with Excel and E-mail in specific.
• Knowledge of river cruising or river related tourism/gastronomic is a plus.
• Geographical knowledge of European waterways
• Very good proficiency in English. German or French are a plus.
• Familiar with Microsoft-Office and other automated systems.
• Flexible and positive team player.
• Accurate, very precise, and stress resistant.

Given the dynamic nature of the role, the Locks & Docks Manager is expected to be proactive, highly organized, and capable of working under pressure. This position is essential to the success of our river cruise operations, and it requires attention to detail, excellent coordination skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Should you be interested in working as a Locks & Docks Manager at Rivertech, please read more and apply.