Manager Product Development

Purpose of Position

The Manager Product Development is part of the Ocean 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 for our Ocean-going vessels. The Manager Product Development will work in cooperation with the Ocean Product Development TEam and the Vice President Product Development. He/she works with the team’s copywriter 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 Operational Head Office in Basel, Switzerland. Thus, we can only accept candidates who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a relevant work permit.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare comprehensive product definition, detailing shore excursions, profit & loss, 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, logistics or tourism
• Significant experience and proven track record of managing logistics and overseeing budgets
• 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
• Excellent creative and conceptual skills in developing travel products
• Passion for providing a learning travel experience 
• Knowledge of geography, 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 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 MS Office skills

WHAT WE OFFER

• Flexible working hours
• Regular company events, e.g. company run, barbecue, cooking classes
• Onsite employee restaurant (incuding complimentary coffee and soft drinks)
• A modern working environment with height-adjustable desks
• A dynamic and fast-growing environment where you can drive your future
• A free cruise for you and your +1 every two years
• A highly talented, passionate and international team
• Discounts on cultural events and sports activities