VP Itinerary Planning, Port Operations & Commercial Services

Your Purpose

MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line brand is expanding its Operations team in the USA.  Reporting to the EVP of Operations, USA the VP Itinerary Planning, Port Operations & Commercial Services will lead the planning, development, and optimization of new itineraries as well as coordinating with our UK and Geneva functional leaders in Port & Nautical operations and Commercial Services to ensure cross-collaboration, communication and alignment leveraging the expertise we have across the multiple entities of the Company.

This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week in the office, in Miami. 

Your Impact

Itinerary Development:

• Lead the planning, development, and optimization of new itineraries
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure itineraries align with the Commercial Executives instructions.
• Analyze operational constraints, including port infrastructure and seasonal factors, to create feasible and attractive itineraries.
• Continuously monitor existing itineraries, adjusting routes as needed to improve operational efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
• Coordinating with Geneva and UK Itinerary teams

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for port operations US, ensuring cost-effective strategies are implemented, in close collaboration with MSC Geneva, MSC UK under direction of SVP Commercial Services
• Drive cost efficiencies and improvements, assess cost-saving opportunities, spearhead initiatives that optimize profitability, lead RFP processes and drive negotiations with vendors. 

Port Operations Management:

• Coordinate under the Leadership of port and nautical operations in UK (Capt. Scala) as well as irregular Ops at all ports of call and turnaround call always ensuring a cross collaboration and communication across the multiple offices, location and responsibilities.
• Select vendors (under the Leadership of the SVP Global Port Relations and Commercial Services and in agreement with Port Ops UK) for all port services ensuring smooth and efficient embarkation, disembarkation, and all associated activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with port authorities, local governments, participating to events and representing the company at cruise associations (CLIA FCCA etc) as directed by the UK Leadership.

Your Journey so far

• Expertise in planning and developing cruise itineraries.
• Ability to analyze operational constraints, port infrastructure, and seasonal factors to create optimal routes.
• Strong understanding of commercial objectives and ability to align itineraries with business strategies.
• Proven experience in managing budgets, particularly in port operations.
• Strong analytical skills to assess cost-performance metrics and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ability to develop and implement cost-effective strategies to optimize profitability.
• Experience in managing irregular operations and turnaround calls.
• Ability to select and manage vendors for port services in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Familiarity with embarkation and disembarkation processes and ensuring smooth operations.

Your Essentials

• US Passport or US Permanent Resident
• MSC Cruises is an E-Verify employer

MSC Cruises USA is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. It is our policy to employ and promote qualified candidates without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications and business needs.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!