Travel Operations Manager

“Disney Cruise Line is a world-renowned leader in hospitality and entertainment and has been recognized as the top cruise line for families. Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew, and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community.”

The Travel Operations Manager for Disney Cruise Line will lead the Programs Team, overseeing the pre-voyage booking experience for onboard and port adventures, as well as rotational dining room seating assignments, while supporting Hotel and Entertainment Operations. This role ensures that inventory is accurately represented on guest websites and data flows seamlessly to onboard systems across the fleet. You will manage cruise dining product inventory and yield strategies, including recruiting, hiring, and developing associates to meet or exceed revenue and operational goals. By fostering a culture of empowerment and creativity, you’ll drive innovative solutions within company policies, procedures, and strategic business plans. Additionally, you will build strong relationships with Cast and Crew to find opportunities for improvement in assignment standards, championing change, and leading the adoption of system enhancements. By planning resources throughout the project lifecycle, you will ensure successful project completion while balancing business needs with operational goals.

The Travel Operations Manager for Disney Cruise Line will report to the Manager, Product Inventory Programs and sits in Celebration, FL.

Responsibilities:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of Disney Cruise Line offerings to support shipboard dining operations effectively.

• Forecast dining inventory needs, adjust system limits based on trends and critical metrics, and communicate plans across fleets to meet revenue targets.

• Influence team performance to enhance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, achieving measurable results.

• Prioritize and coordinate tasks with shoreside and shipboard teams, ensuring alignment with service level agreements.

• Collaborate with marketing, technology, and revenue management partners to drive operational improvements.

• Use policies, systems expertise, and data to make informed decisions, perform time-sensitive actions, and share critical information organization-wide.

• Lead diverse departmental responsibilities while managing shifting priorities and aligning team strategies with business objectives.

• Mentor and develop a diverse team, providing regular training, feedback, and growth opportunities to achieve operational excellence and individual development.

• Apply Disney leadership principles to guide and inspire Cast Members, fostering their success through structured goal-setting and ongoing support.

• Oversee compliance training and ensure Cast Members meet development goals, providing coaching and feedback to enhance performance.

• Serve as the primary contact for escalated requests, analyzing issues and delivering solutions aligned with policies and operational constraints.

• Cultivate a positive and inclusive team environment, empowering Cast Members to innovate and respond to changing priorities.

• Oversee fleetwide dining seating practices, ensuring assignment deadlines are met and operational needs are supported.

• Collaborate with shoreside partners on itinerary changes affecting dining inventory, ensuring seamless adjustments.

• Stay informed on industry trends, competitive insights, and guest expectations, ensuring Disney Cruise Line offerings remain innovative and market-leading.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of leadership experience, including auditing performance attributes and coaching teams to drive performance improvements.

• 5+ years of experience with extensive knowledge of merchandise, food & beverage, or entertainment products, applying expertise to optimize revenue and enhance the Guest experience.

• Proven ability to influence partners and deliver results at all organizational levels, showcasing strategic and tactical leadership skills.

• Strong expertise in yield management, analytics, and business innovation, with a demonstrated background in process improvement and strategy development.

• Comprehensive knowledge of inventory systems, operational procedures, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize efficiency.

• Familiarity with Disney Cruise Line products, policies, and organizational structures to support both operational and guest-facing strategies.

• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects, balancing priorities, and maintaining confidentiality.

• Analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to address technical and operational challenges while thinking strategically.

• Proven ability to lead teams through change and ambiguity, adapting priorities to align cross-functional teams with organizational objectives.

• Proficiency in inventory systems, product development, and reporting tools.

• Travel may be required for this role.

• Possess a valid Passport.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in project management, business transformation, or technology within operations or related fields.

• Extensive experience managing the full system lifecycle, from requirements gathering to implementing technical projects.

• Advanced system administration and technical support expertise.

• Proficiency in systems such as Seaware, SilverWhere, Business Objects, AffairWhere, and Excel.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Education:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field.

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

About The Walt Disney Company

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.