Manager-Shore Excursion Product Development

The Manager of Shore Excursion Product Development is a mid to senior-level leader within the Port Strategy Team, responsible for driving strategic initiatives that will differentiate and elevate Disney Cruise Line's port adventure programs within the industry. Leading a team of Port Adventures Product Managers, this role involves overseeing the management of third-party vendors and providing strategic direction to create and implement exceptional port adventures across various destinations. The Manager will focus on enhancing guest experiences, contributing to revenue growth, and ensuring alignment with brand goals. This role will oversee the management of strategic ports, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, innovative products that meet both guest expectations and business objectives.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement medium- to long-term strategies focused on premium family and luxury experiences, elevating Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) port adventure offerings.

• Build and strengthen relationships with third-party operators globally, ensuring destination stewardship, compliance with contractual terms, and the delivery of exceptional, high-quality experiences.

• Directly manage the product development of select destinations that hold strategic value for Disney Cruise Line (DCL).

• Evaluate the financial performance by developing pricing strategies, maintaining take rates, and analyzing performance metrics to assess profitability.

• Identify strategic partnerships that align with DCL's long-term growth trajectory while enhancing guest experience and ensuring profitability.

• Continuously develop an innovative Port Adventure program to improve brand identity and destination engagement.

• Manage the Product Team and position them for success, execute on key initiatives for each port adventure tour program for selected geographical areas.

• Lead and inspire the Regional Product Managers’ team to be creative and think outside the box to manage their performance, accountability, and negotiation. Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer service.

• Manage strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams (Itinerary Planning, Risk Management, Shared Services, and legal) to ensure alignment on goals and successful project execution.

• Oversee third-party vendors by regularly reviewing contracts, pricing, delivery, and performance metrics to ensure alignment with DCL standards and policies.

• Responsible for developing exclusive Disney-branded tours that offer an immersive experience reflective of the brand’s values.

• Participate in FCCA Operations Committee: Engage with government entities and ministries to support and facilitate improvements in destinations.

• Stay updated on industry trends within and outside the cruise sector to guide strategic decisions and innovations. Lead all departmental projects related to port adventure initiatives and strategies.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 7 years of proven experience in the cruise line industry, with a focus on strategy, shore excursion/product development.

• Deep knowledge of destinations and expertise in setting up sophisticated destination experience programs.

• Proven track record of successfully managing third-party vendors, including negotiating contracts, optimizing partnerships, and ensuring adherence to service standards, compliance, and performance metrics

• Experienced strategic planner with strong technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and operational focus.

• Experience in luxury cruise and/or tour operator programs is required.

• Experience building and leading successful port adventure teams that deliver results.

• Leadership skills to help drive the strategic direction of the product/experience.

• Experience establishing relationships and collaborating with all levels of leadership within the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with third-party vendors, preferably in the travel/tour industry.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree/equivalent and/or a minimum of 5 years of related experience in Product Management, preferably in tour operations and/or cruise line environments.

Preferred Education

• Degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, Tourism, Product Development or equivalent experience.

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