Port Development Manager

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

The Manager of Cruise Business Development is responsible for leading, strategising, and executing initiatives to expand our new legal entity of the MSC Cruise Division’ port development portfolio in the EMEA, APAC and Latin America regions. This senior leader will drive new business opportunities, cultivate key partnerships, and ensure the successful integration of cruise port infrastructure with the company business growth objectives. Reporting to the VP Business Development Ports and Destinations, the role demands deep sector knowledge, strong commercial acumen, and visionary leadership.

Your Impact

• Identify and pursue new port development opportunities, including partnerships, and strategic alliances with industry stakeholders.

• Lead negotiations for agreements with ports, cruise terminals, local authorities, and global partners.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with port authorities, government officials, regulatory bodies, and collaborators in the cruise industry.

• Conduct market analysis and feasibility studies to assess trends, demand drivers, and competitive landscape in cruise port development.

• Ensure port infrastructure projects align with the company’s sustainability goals and operational standards.

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and P&L management for new business ventures.

• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows, enhancing brand visibility and business opportunities.

• Collaborate with internal departments, including Construction, Legal, Finance, and Operations, to ensure seamless execution of port development projects.

• Prepare compelling presentations, proposals, and reports for senior management and stakeholders.

• Track, analyse and report on key performance metrics, providing insights for continuous improvement.

Your Journey so far

• University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Maritime Studies, or related field; advanced degree is preferred

• + 6 years of business development experience in the cruise, maritime, or port development sectors.

• Demonstrated track record of delivering successful port development projects and partnerships.

• Experience with P&L management and budgeting in large-scale projects.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/sales enablement tools.

• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Your Essentials

• Deep knowledge of port operations, cruise industry regulations, and commercial contract negotiation.

• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to come up with solutions to loosely defined business problems; put structure to unstructured problems.

• Strong in governance skills, i.e., in managing business scope and technical requirements and prioritising project work.

• Self-motivated, organised and capable of meeting quick deadlines.

• Data driven and capable of analysing and effectively communicating results.

• Ability to work in a multicultural and international environment

• Fluent in English, both oral and written. Any additional European language is an advantage.

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!