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Royal Caribbean Group’s Shipboard Talent Acquisition Team has an exciting career opportunity for a full-time Lead Background Check Specialist reporting to the Background Check Manager, TA Operations.

This is an in-person role in Miami, Florida.

Position Summary:

The Lead Background Check Specialist is a vital role within our Talent Acquisition team, entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of our hiring process. This role requires a proactive approach, independent judgment, and the ability to make confident decisions that balance risk mitigation with operational efficiency. As the primary driver of the pre-employment background screening process, you will lead efforts to ensure all background checks are conducted with precision, compliance, and timeliness for shipboard new hires, rehires, and third-party contractors.

Essential Job Duties

Background Check Management:

• Takes ownership of the background check process, independently managing complex cases and prioritizing competing demands with minimal supervision
• Exercises sound judgement in reviewing and adjudicating background screening reports, making risk informed decisions aligned with company policies
• Lead the development of continuous improvement of best practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality controls to optimize efficiency and maintain a high standard of accuracy.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external vendors, and candidates, proactively resolving issues, escalating concerns when appropriate, and influencing process enhancements.
• Serves as subject matter expert within the background screening function, providing guidance to team members and internal stakeholders.
• Anticipates potential risks or issues in the screening process, offering proactive solutions and strategic insights to leadership.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Analyze and interpret background check results to identify any discrepancies, red flags, or inconsistencies that require further investigation.
• Summarizes complex findings into clear and concise reports that enable informed decision-making by leadership.
• Develop recommendations based on data insights, demonstrating independent judgement and strategic perspective

Compliance:

• Ensure all background checks comply with company policies, federal and state laws, and industry regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements for background checks to ensure compliance with local and national laws.
• Evaluate and implement process changes to stay compliant, mitigate risks, and uphold ethical standards.

Communication:

• Drives cross functional alignment by clearly communicating expectations, updates, and decisions related to background checks, ensuring seamless collaboration and accountability.
• Liaise with candidates, hiring managers, and external vendors to obtain necessary information and provide updates on the status of background checks. Resolve any issues that arise during the screening process.

Operational Excellence & Process Optimization:

• Lead ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance the background check process, leveraging technology, and best practices to improve the user experience and process speed.
• Identify opportunities for automation, system integration, or policy evaluation, presenting well informed proposals to leadership for approval and implementation.

Confidentiality & Data Integrity:

• Handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and integrity.

• Maintain meticulous documentation and records, ensuring data accuracy, and compliance with data protection laws.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with the ability to independently manage complex tasks and influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong decision-making skills, leveraging data and risk assessment to guide action.
• Proven ability to analyze detailed information, identify red flags, and make sound judgments.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of clearly articulating findings, recommendations, and process improvements to diverse audiences.
• Deep knowledge of applicable regulations and industry standards regarding background screening and privacy laws.
• Process-oriented mindset with a continuous improvement approach, proactively seeking efficiencies and best practices.
• High levels of discretion, professionalism, and ethical judgment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in conducting background checks or a related Compliance, Audit, or HR role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Human Resources (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).
• Experience working with international background checks.
• Familiarity with Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance.

We know there's a lot to consider. As you go through the application process, our recruiters will be glad to provide guidance, and more relevant details to answer any additional questions. Thank you again for your interest in Royal Caribbean Group. We'll hope to see you onboard soon!

It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment and promotion opportunity to qualified candidates without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Royal Caribbean Group and each of its subsidiaries prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.