Associate Destination Manager, Trip Operations-Land & Cruise, Adventures & Expeditions

Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions offer immersive, guided travel experiences for families, friends, individuals, and couples to explore the world’s greatest destinations. Adventures by Disney, spanning two decades, offers over 40 guided-group adventures, including land, river, and expedition cruises, with Disney-trained Adventure Guides ensuring hassle-free, immersive vacations. National Geographic Expeditions, with a 135-year legacy, provides global access through Signature Land, Expedition Cruise, River Cruise, and Private Jet options, supporting the National Geographic Society's exploration, research, and education efforts.

As a vital member of the Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expedition Land & Cruise team, the Associate Destination Manager will oversee the comprehensive program operations of a designated portfolio of international and/or domestic group travel products. Collaborating closely with internal partners, colleagues, On Trip Staff, and suppliers, this role is dedicated to ensuring outstanding guest satisfaction and seamless logistics. You will work independently to complete assigned projects, meet deadlines effectively, and actively participate in revising or altering itineraries for existing trips as needed.

The Associate Destination Manager, Land & Cruise will report to the Destination Manager, Trip Operations–Land & Cruise and sits in Celebration, FL.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with On Trip Staff and suppliers, ensuring the highest standards in execution and brand adherence.

• Collaborate with various internal teams, including Call Center, Finance, Marketing, Legal, Risk Management, Guide Operations, and Trip Services.

• Manage and oversee program operations, including preparing trip-related documents, invoicing, and managing staff responsibilities, using SAP for invoice payment and assisting Destination Manager as needed.

• Conduct intricate logistical planning, update, and manage budgets, review and reconcile invoices, monitor room counts, and supervise deposit and payment dates for assigned itineraries.

• Cultivate relationships with third-party suppliers, effectively communicate, negotiate terms and conditions, and hold suppliers accountable for logistical execution and quality standards.

• Ensure accurate completion and communication of documentation, including product builds, legal paperwork, itinerary overviews, and training procedures.

• Collaborate with Guide Operations, Talent Teams, Trip Services, and the Contact Center to implement operational requirements, handle inventory, and address special requests.

• Oversee all operational aspects of assigned itineraries, negotiating annual program elements with favorable rates and terms from suppliers.

• Improve itineraries based on Guest surveys and Guide trip reports, while handling itinerary-change processes and collaborate on new itinerary development.

• Onboard and review the work product of On Trip Staff, providing coaching, counseling, and development to ensure adherence to company standards.

• Implement and oversee travel and entertainment requirements for On Trip Staff, supporting business initiatives.

• Partner with Trip Development team to ensure a seamless flow from itinerary development to execution.

• Review and edit marketing materials for accuracy, including brand-specific websites, brochures, and other printed/online material.

• Foster diversity and inclusion within the team, products, and services.

• Implement and enforce safety and security procedures and contribute to the company’s internal Emergency Operations process.

• Participate in after-hours emergency phone coverage on a rotating basis and perform other vital or assigned duties.

Required Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in operations, travel, logistics, or project management, ideally within trip operations, the travel or hospitality industry.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and third-party partners.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, collaborating seamlessly with various collaborators.

• Upholds a positive outlook, exuding confidence, and professionalism, with an unwavering commitment to consistently delivering exceptional products and services.

• Expertise in coordinating intricate logistics and a track record of strong implementation capabilities.

• Proven proficiency in planning and project management, showcasing the ability to handle multiple high-priority projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results in a timely manner.

• Proficient in creating and managing budgets, ensuring financial efficiency in program operations.

• Advanced skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to effectively analyze, present, and communicate information.

• Demonstrated negotiation skills, coupled with a keen attention to detail and accuracy when dealing with suppliers and contractual agreements.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the ability to navigate potential language barriers while effectively engaging with global suppliers.

• Proactive problem-solving skills, demonstrating the ability to anticipate and identify issues, offering creative solutions to challenging situations.

• Strong administrative and organizational capabilities, enabling effective project management with minimal direction.

• Proficient navigation through a large corporate structure and associated processes.

• Proven interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration with diverse teams and collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possess a valid Passport.

• Prior experience within the travel or hospitality industry.

• Knowledge of international travel regulations, customs, and standard processes.

• Experience handling operational aspects of luxury travel or high-end experiences.

• Experience working and negotiating with global suppliers.

• Multilingual proficiency, demonstrating the ability to communicate fluently in multiple languages.

• Familiarity with QuickBase or other CRM software.

• Knowledge of international and domestic destinations with travel experience.

• Previous experience in implementing and carrying out safety and security procedures.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Management or relevant field, or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Education:

• Certification in Project Management, Logistics, or Hospitality.

Additional Information:

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

About The Walt Disney Company:

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.