Position Details
Position: Fleet IT Manager
Location: Arnhem, Netherlands
Operational Manager: Technical Team Lead Portside
Reporting Line: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Strategic Direction: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Close Cooperation: IT Application & System Manager; Rivertech Group entities CY, NL, CH
Role Description
The Fleet IT Manager is responsible for the technology infrastructure connecting Rivertech Group’s shore-based offices to its river cruise vessels operating on European waterways. Core areas of responsibility include vessel management software, and hardware maintenance, ensuring seamless and reliable ship-to-shore communication.
The primary focus of this role is IT on board and first-line support for the fleet. Working closely with the Technical Team Lead Portside and onboard IT service provider and in direct cooperation with the IT Application & System Manager, the Fleet IT Manager is the main contact for vessel IT matters across the group.
A second key element of the role is serving as holiday cover and operational back-up for the IT Application & System Manager. This requires familiarity with the back-office IT environment of the Rivertech Group entities in Cyprus (CY), Switzerland (CH), and the Netherlands (NL), and the ability to maintain continuity
during absence periods.
Key Responsibilities
Onboard IT & First Line of Support – Primary Focus
- Act as the first point of contact for all IT-related issues on board the river cruise fleet, providing timely support both remotely and during vessel visits.
- Align with It partners to maintain onboard network connectivity and communication infrastructure, ensuring stable and secure connections between vessels and shore.
- Support, maintain, and where necessary configure vessel management software and other onboard applications used by crew and operations.
- Install, configure, and troubleshoot onboard hardware (workstations and software) across the fleet.
- Coordinate with captains and crew to resolve IT incidents efficiently and with minimal disruption to vessel operations.
- Monitor the health of onboard systems, carry out routine checks, and maintain up-to-date configuration documentation and incident logs.
- Plan hardware replacements and software updates in line with operational schedules such as layups and port turnarounds.
Cybersecurity
- Carry out periodic security checks and report findings to the Technical Team Lead Portside.
Holiday Cover & Back-Up – IT Application & System Manager
- Serve as the designated holiday cover and operational back-up for the IT Application & System Manager (Rivertech Group CY, CH, NL).
- Maintain continuity of back-office IT operations across the Rivertech Group entities in Cyprus, Switzerland, and the Netherlands during cover periods.
- Handle day-to-day application and systems support tasks as required and liaise with group colleagues and vendors in the absence of the IT Application & System Manager.
- Maintain sufficient working knowledge of group back-office systems to respond effectively when covering this role.
Software & Licence Management
- Install and maintain business-critical software applications.
- Track software licences and ensure compliance with licensing agreements.
- Liaise with software vendors and service providers.
Security & Access Management
- Create and manage user accounts and permissions.
- Implement and maintain IT security policies (MFA, password protocols, access control).
- Identify, assess, and report potential security risks.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR)
Future-Oriented Fleet & Infrastructure
- Keep onboard and office IT infrastructure future-ready – continuously assess and evolve systems.
- Monitor market developments relevant to river cruising: data bundles, connectivity, privacy, compliance, and emerging technologies.
- Attend industry fairs, trade events, and technology conferences to stay ahead of developments.
- Translate market insights into concrete proposals for fleet-wide implementation.
- Build and maintain a network of IT vendors, innovators, and industry peers in the river cruise sector.
- Advise management on strategic IT investments and the long-term technology roadmap for the fleet.
- Identify opportunities to improve guest and crew experience through technology.
Education & Background
- MBO Level 4 (Secondary Vocational Education) or equivalent.
- Fluent in English, both written and verbal, other languages a plus
- Broad IT experience across office and operational (vessel) environments; background in the river cruise or maritime industry is a strong advantage.
- Willingness to attend industry fairs and events and bring back actionable insights.
Technical Requirements
- IT and network administration, with a focus on Microsoft technologies: Office 365, MS Dynamics, Business Central, Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, and Azure.
- First-line support and troubleshooting across IT services and platforms (systems in use: Microsoft, FreshService, Mastex, SharePoint, WordPress).
- Knowledge of threat protection protocols and internet security.
- Experience with device installations: telephone, tablet, laptop, and desktop.
- Strong project management skills.
- Ability to set up and scale a helpdesk – including workflows, ticketing processes, and documentation.
Skills & Competencies
- Pro-active problem solver with a solution-focused approach.
- Cooperative and hands-on mentality.
- Accurate and precise with strong attention to detail.
- Flexible team player.
- Stress resistant, able to prioritise and perform in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and a service-oriented mindset.
- Forward-thinking and innovation driven.
- Affinity with the maritime and river cruise industry.
Working Conditions
Work Environment: Office-based, Arnhem — normal office hours
Team: Small team, fast-paced and collaborative
Travel: Occasional travel required; willingness to visit vessels and attend
industry/IT events
