Job Title: Lead, Product Development - Shore Excursions and Port of Call Experiences
The Lead, Product Development for Shore Excursions and Port of Call Experiences is responsible for crafting unique tour experiences, pre- and post-cruise packages, and other enriching port experiences for guests sailing with Celebrity River Cruises. This role involves developing comprehensive product recommendations and briefs, with a forward-looking perspective spanning 12 to 18 months ahead of the cruise season or itinerary.
This position not only evaluates existing tours and experiences offered at various ports of call and homeports but also identifies strengths and opportunities for differentiation to enhance brand loyalty and revenue. The Lead must possess a deep understanding of both the cruise and land competitive landscape while forecasting future trends in the industry.
The successful candidate will pinpoint both short- and long-term opportunities encompassing pre- and post-cruise travel as well as associated land vacation experiences. This includes enhancing our tour options, hotel accommodations, and transfer services, and may also involve unique shopping experiences while in port and destination-related onboard activities.
Responsibilities & Ownership
- Develop goals based on thorough assessments, research, and site visits aimed at introducing innovative and differentiating experiences for our brand.
- Define the scope for specific regions, selecting ports of call, potential partnerships, and target customer segments to recommend product opportunities.
- Collaborate with product owners and management to ensure effective execution and delivery of shore excursions, cruise and land packages, and pre/post-cruise travel.
- Engage with various internal stakeholders, conducting research to uncover new opportunities and deliver comprehensive competitive assessments that inform long-term strategic offerings.
- Implement a structured roadmap, prioritizing and managing product goals and priorities for designated itineraries and regions.
- Prepare long-term product recommendations that gain support from departmental leadership.
- Deliver presentations and memos based on market research and competitive data to enhance the team’s strategic product recommendations.
- Draft and present product briefs, guest experience documents, and success criteria for tours and packages.
- Partner with the brand’s Destination Development, Revenue Management, and Deployment Strategy teams to support the growth of destination experiences.
- Work with new tour operators and partners in key regions and destinations.
- Carry out research audits, scouting trips, and trend assessments to identify opportunities.
- Draft product briefs, addressing go-to-market, sales, and pricing strategies for tours, excursions, and packages in a timely manner.
- Recommend how destination experiences could enhance onboard offerings during strategic itineraries.
- Conduct risk assessments of products to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the proposed product strategy.
- Represent the brand in cross-functional conversations, events, and projects.
- Operate with limited direction in complex environments, delivering rigorous, fact-based recommendations to executives and management.
- Liaise with various internal partners including Deployment, Destination Development, Sales, Marketing, and IT.
- Engage in partnerships, product development, and negotiations with external entities such as tour operators and hotels.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in tourism or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
- 3-5 years of experience in the cruise industry or destination product development; longer experience is favorable.
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages is an asset.
- Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with demanding timelines.
- Experience in high-performing and multicultural teams is essential.
- Preferred background in project management, consumer insights, or strategy-focused roles.
- Experience developing market strategies and executive-level recommendations is highly valued.
- Willingness to travel 45-55% of the time.
Knowledge and Skills
- Collaborative mindset with exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to transform data into actionable strategies.
- Proactive problem solver with a proven track record of working effectively in group settings.
- Inspirational leader capable of motivating teams and stakeholders.
- Highly organized with a methodical approach to research and implementation.
- Meticulous attention to detail and process management.
- Exceptional project management abilities, skilled in driving consensus across functional teams.
- Capacity to think strategically and frame complex issues effectively.
- Engaging storyteller, able to connect technical and business concepts seamlessly.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity with maturity and the ability to influence across various organizational levels.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.