Sr. Product Development Lead - Shore Excursions (Shoreside)

The Gig:

Sr. Product Development Lead in our Shore Excursions department will be key in driving the fleets day to day onboard Shore Things operation with support from Director, Itineraries & Destinations, including recruitment, technology and revenue initiatives, as well as future development of Shore Things in various worldwide ports of calls to ensure unique on brand experiences that drive Sailor satisfaction. 

This gig is based at VVHQ - our swanky Virgin Voyages Head Office in Plantation, FL where we follow a hybrid work environment. We can't wait to 'sea' you in person during our Collaboration Days, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, while you enjoy Mondays and Fridays' as remote days.

What You'll Be Up To:

• Lead initiatives  to ensure cohesive departmental fleet operations from ship to shore

• Assist Director, Itineraries & Destinations with recruitment and rotation schedule of onboard teams

• Support Director with on board Shore Excursion operations across the fleet to ensure cohesiveness 

• Lead the technology enhancements/initiatives with BSS  and IT teams, participate in PI prioritization, mapping and approving the design, development and implementation of all back of house systems, processes, procedures, and internal controls for Shore Things technology and web/app enhancements across ship and shore

• Point person for Shore Excursion vendors for the daily support of ship operations (including turn days/weekends) as needed in assigned ports/region

• Lead person end-to-end set up of new ship launches, including back of house system and office/tech set-up

• Travel to train new team members, support manager handovers, step in to help on board team where needed  and support ship/shore  as needed during incident/emergency situations  

• Lead any new projects or initiatives within the team including pricing promotions, pre/post tour concepts, web design and ensuring cross functionality between systems

• Provide alternative excursion experiences to itinerary disruptions as needed and support shipboard team in fast-moving change requests during high-pressure situations 

• Communicate with the shipboard Shore Things (daily) on pertinent information pertaining to dispatch tours 

• Work with shoreside partners/operators to create incremental Shore Excursion product for VV Sailors

• Meet with Shore Excursion vendors to ensure continued service meets or exceeds the VV standards for our Sailors - operational consistency

• Source vendors that may be new to cruise market and meets VV requirements 

• Meet with vendors to educate them on VV Sailors and vision of Shore Things 

• Travel to current/future destinations to meet with new/existing vendors

• Travel to industry events/conferences to meet with vendors and manage product 

• Work with current vendors to curate new and exciting experiences for VV Sailor

• Review Sailor feedback on Shore Things and communicate with vendors as needed on performance

• Audit current offerings to determine experience adjustments as needed

• Review & analyze end of voyage feedback to improve future Sailor experiences

• Price yield manage based on sales and Sailor participation

• Negotiate best pricing with vendors while maintaining quality experiences 

• Communicate with Director, Shore Things Specialists, Content, Marketing, and Business Systems Solutions with regards to Shore Things (edits, changes, updates, etc)

• Update training material as needed to ensure all parties have an accurate information of the product

• Ensure proper tour details are being displayed for Sailors via App and Website for booking

• Review price comparisons/analysis and adjust as needed based off sailor participation and industry trends

• Assist with invoicing/payment process as needed

• Review Shore Things financials to determine revenue opportunities (price yield management based on participation), monitor competitor price analysis, and understand industry trends. 

• Represent Virgin Voyages at cruise industry trade events, travel industry conventions, and other meetings as needed

• Ensure proper timing for  RFP submissions, AP vendor set-up, SOP approvals, COIs, operational changes, tour inventory management, system loading, contract negotiation/execution for region

• Other duties as assigned.

SuperPowers Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree required,  preferably in the area of Hospitality/Business/Tourism

• Travel industry cert