Product Manager, Luxury Expedition Cruise

Position Summary
The Product Manager is responsible for the planning, development, and delivery of itineraries, including shore services and excursions, pre and post-cruise services for A&K’s Luxury Expedition Cruise programs, and related extensions. The Product Manager conducts all activities in accordance with A&K’s overall strategy and commercial sales goals. This includes negotiating, managing the product lifecycle, gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, and working with internal and external partners to develop and deliver creative, innovative, and game-changing products that beat revenue targets and exceed quality goals. Work collaboratively with the Luxury Expedition Cruise team to ensure seamless coordination between product strategy, development, operations, sales and marketing, and quality control.


Goals & Responsibilities

• Design and operate Luxury Expedition Cruise products to achieve sales and margin goals
• Support product research, design, development, and pricing activities to ensure appropriate product quality, positioning, and profitability
• Negotiate and finalize in a timely manner favorable contracts with DMCs and vendors, including itemized costs
• Where applicable, coordinate charter flight planning, contracting, and coordination
• Perform ongoing competitive monitoring, raise issues and recommendations to improve products
• Oversee hotel and excursion inventory management, review, and release schedules
• Ensure established product guidelines and standards are met and continue to improve upon A&K’s guests’ experiences
• Develop and internally deliver product training, destination knowledge, and ongoing assistance to reservations and sales teams to help drive sales
• Offer input and opportunity-based recommendations to drive competitive advantage and guest experience enhancements
• Ensure products operate within established budgets and review invoicing
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships through ongoing communication, site visits, feedback, and quality control
• Manage product operations by working closely with all suppliers to finalize, confirm, and coordinate all operational details and services

Maintain timely and accurate deliverables in accordance with the product calendar

• Confirm all product components, departure dates, and supplier/vendor arrangements within the established timeframe
• Ensure timely delivery of Luxury Expedition Cruise pricing and product information to various departments and entities, including IT, Finance, Sales and Marketing teams, and TOCs for product build and marketplace activities
• Deliver all Creative materials in accordance with established “handover” and proofing timelines
• Deliver all related product costs in accordance with the established pricing timeline, and be prepared to justify related cost rationale including competitive positioning
• Complete all internal Program Charts for all Luxury Expedition Cruise products and related extensions
• Proof and approve all marketing and documentation materials and ensure accuracy
• Proof all product and marketing-related information to ensure products are accurately and appropriately positioned
• Train and support all sales staff including Travel Consultants and Sales Directors

Ensure product quality and guest feedback to meet or exceed company goals

• Ensure DMCs and suppliers understand and fulfill all necessary product requirements and arrangements per A&K Luxury Expedition Cruise product standards
• Oversee program operations and support onsite staff and suppliers
• Educate staff and vendors on A&K Luxury Expedition Cruise product quality standards and requirements
• Travel as necessary to scout new destinations, inspect product inclusions, and meet with vendors to ensure product quality and delivery standards
• Review Guest Questionnaires, identify issues, and develop action plans to address with suppliers

Requirements

Skills and Abilities

• Skilled in budgeting, contract negotiation, and group program management
• Skilled in verbal and written communication, problem-solving, workload management
• Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, resourcefulness, and a collaborative perspective
• Robust knowledge of world geography and the travel industry
• A strong individual who thrives with new challenges and champions change
• Team player
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in travel and event management preferred
• Proven experience in group luxury travel product planning and operations required
• Experience in luxury expedition/small ship product development and operation is strongly preferred
• Proven experience in itinerary and excursion design and costing required

Special Requirements

• Must maintain a valid passport
• Attendance to after-hours trade functions and site inspections
• Ability to travel frequently and, sometimes, with little advance notice
• Office location Downers Grove, IL

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Wellness Resources