The Gig:
Sr. Product Development Lead in our Shore Excursions department will be key in driving the fleets day to day onboard Shore Things operation with support from Director, Itineraries & Destinations, including recruitment, technology and revenue initiatives, as well as future development of Shore Things in various worldwide ports of calls to ensure unique on brand experiences that drive Sailor satisfaction.
This gig is based at VVHQ - our swanky Virgin Voyages Head Office in Plantation, FL where we follow a hybrid work environment. We can't wait to 'sea' you in person during our Collaboration Days, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, while you enjoy Mondays and Fridays' as remote days.
What You'll Be Up To:
Lead initiatives to ensure cohesive departmental fleet operations from ship to shore
Assist Director, Itineraries & Destinations with recruitment and rotation schedule of onboard teams
Support Director with on board Shore Excursion operations across the fleet to ensure cohesiveness
Lead the technology enhancements/initiatives with BSS and IT teams, participate in PI prioritization, mapping and approving the design, development and implementation of all back of house systems, processes, procedures, and internal controls for Shore Things technology and web/app enhancements across ship and shore
Point person for Shore Excursion vendors for the daily support of ship operations (including turn days/weekends) as needed in assigned ports/region
Lead person end-to-end set up of new ship launches, including back of house system and office/tech set-up
Travel to train new team members, support manager handovers, step in to help on board team where needed and support ship/shore as needed during incident/emergency situations
Lead any new projects or initiatives within the team including pricing promotions, pre/post tour concepts, web design and ensuring cross functionality between systems
Provide alternative excursion experiences to itinerary disruptions as needed and support shipboard team in fast-moving change requests during high-pressure situations
Communicate with the shipboard Shore Things (daily) on pertinent information pertaining to dispatch tours
Work with shoreside partners/operators to create incremental Shore Excursion product for VV Sailors
Meet with Shore Excursion vendors to ensure continued service meets or exceeds the VV standards for our Sailors - operational consistency
Source vendors that may be new to cruise market and meets VV requirements
Meet with vendors to educate them on VV Sailors and vision of Shore Things
Travel to current/future destinations to meet with new/existing vendors
Travel to industry events/conferences to meet with vendors and manage product
Work with current vendors to curate new and exciting experiences for VV Sailor
Review Sailor feedback on Shore Things and communicate with vendors as needed on performance
Audit current offerings to determine experience adjustments as needed
Review & analyze end of voyage feedback to improve future Sailor experiences
Price yield manage based on sales and Sailor participation
Negotiate best pricing with vendors while maintaining quality experiences
Communicate with Director, Shore Things Specialists, Content, Marketing, and Business Systems Solutions with regards to Shore Things (edits, changes, updates, etc)
Update training material as needed to ensure all parties have an accurate information of the product
Ensure proper tour details are being displayed for Sailors via App and Website for booking
Review price comparisons/analysis and adjust as needed based off sailor participation and industry trends
Assist with invoicing/payment process as needed
Review Shore Things financials to determine revenue opportunities (price yield management based on participation), monitor competitor price analysis, and understand industry trends.
Represent Virgin Voyages at cruise industry trade events, travel industry conventions, and other meetings as needed
Ensure proper timing for RFP submissions, AP vendor set-up, SOP approvals, COIs, operational changes, tour inventory management, system loading, contract negotiation/execution for region
Other duties as assigned.
SuperPowers Required:
Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in the area of Hospitality/Business/Tourism
Travel industry certifications are a plus.
7+ years of experience in the travel and service industry with great emphasis on product development and quality.
Experience leading projects, initiatives and departmental goals
Experience in shore excursion management and development required
Global product tour knowledge
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong multi-tasking capability in complex situations.
Detail oriented and organized
Must be a proactive, creative thinker and constantly think ahead to better serve our Sailors
Multilingual not required but a plus
AirTable, Seaware, Tableau and ARS Experience a must
Experience with Google Suite (Sheets, Slides, and Docs) and/or Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
What Matters to Us:
At Virgin, your personality matters as much as how good you are at what you do. We want you to bring it to our hangout spot and help make the place even better. So, we won’t be surprised to hear that when people talk about you they say you are clever, on top of it, able to think ahead, intuitive, passionate and someone people respect and enjoy working with because you make things happen.
Virgin Voyages is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified, eligible applicants regardless of their sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy and maternity. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals -- we seek to always embrace and celebrate our differences, providing an inclusive workplace environment that allows you to be your best self.
Virgin Voyages is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Virgin Voyages via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Virgin Voyages HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Virgin Voyages. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Virgin Voyages as a result of the referral or through other means.
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