Manager Product Development

Purpose of Position

The Manager Product Development is part of the Product Development Team, whose primary responsibility is the development, positioning and defining of shore excursions on selected itineraries. This position is expected to create the shore excursion experience within content guidelines.

The Manager Product Development will work in cooperation with the Senior Manager Product Development, the Senior Analyst and the VP of Group Product Development. He/she works with the team’s copy writer to provide details to the Los Angeles, London and Sydney sales offices needed to position and sell shore excursions. The position supports the onboard staff with training and any needed advice regarding the execution of shore excursion programs. He/ she also provides assistance to local vendors where needed in hiring, training of staff and mapping out shore excursion execution.

This role is based in our Head Office in Basel, Switzerland. Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare comprehensive product definition, detailing shore excursions, P&L, competitive review and quality data for core products
• Conceptualize enhancements to existing products and develop solutions for current quality challenges –own the entire development cycle, from concept to test to implementation to quality evaluation for core products
• Liaise with vendors and ship operations resources to implement product changes
• Spearheading price negotiations, initiate bidding processes and finalize contracts, set rates etc.
• Review content of all pertinent documentation (e-mails, daily newsletter, handouts, itinerary descriptions) that is part of product delivery (pre-, post-and during cruise) for content and pertinence
• Provide operational support to operational teams during crisis situations

QUALIFICATION PROFILE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in fields of communication or logistics
• Significant experience and proven track record of managing logistics, overseeing budgets
• Previous experience working as a Product Manager or Tour Guide in the Baltics and Russia
• At least 3 years of experience in all aspects of product development and delivery, including day-to-day operations and crisis management; feasibility, P&L and competitive analysis; product definition and positioning
• At least 5 years of travel industry experience
• Fluency in Russian and English; knowledge of any Baltic languages will be a plus
• Excellent creative and conceptual skills in developing travel product
• Passion for providing a learning travel experience
• Comprehensive general education and knowledge of geography, history, natural history, culture and current affairs of the core product area
• Highly detail-oriented and organized work style
• Excellent conceptual and communication skills, an ability to work well under pressure, willingness and wherewithal to make decisions, a thorough and proven understanding of guests’ expectations in the framework of organized travel; a well-developed sense of quality in delivery; the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and function effectively within a diverse, international group of colleagues.
• Excellent dexterity with MS Office Suite knowledge