As the Director of Strategy, Cruise & Tour, you will serve as the strategic linchpin between our key supplier partners and our internal growth engines. This senior-level, remote role is responsible for leading partnership efforts with global cruise lines and tour operators to drive revenue, margin, and member value.
The ideal candidate is a high-impact individual contributor who possesses a deep background in cruise products and a unique ability to translate supplier offerings into winning marketing and sales strategies. You will not only negotiate exclusive deals and co-op marketing plans but also ensure those promotions are flawlessly executed and communicated across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Supplier Relationship Management: Lead key partnership functions, including relationship management, special offer procurement, and product promotion.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate with leadership to establish overall supplier strategy, identifying new partners and generating incremental opportunities with existing ones.
- Co-op Marketing: Develop and negotiate supplier co-op marketing plans to meet or exceed annual budgeted revenue and profit targets.
- Operational Integrity: Manage promotional content and fare codes within the Compass system to ensure exclusive and open-market offers are operational, bookable, and visible.
- Marketing & Sales Liaison: Select and recommend specific cruise/tour products to the marketing and sales teams, providing strategic content direction for key initiatives.
- Market Intelligence: Interact regularly with supplier contacts to gain insights on market trends, new ship deployments, and macro-market conditions to adjust strategies proactively.
- Internal Advocacy: Share strategies and champion partnership wins with the Senior Leadership Team and key leaders across the organization.
- Issue Resolution: Act as a high-level liaison between suppliers and internal staff to resolve escalations regarding service or customer issues.
- Performance Analysis: Conduct proactive analysis to maximize supplier revenue while supporting product sales and membership program goals.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of travel marketing experience with a deep, specialized understanding of cruise sales, distribution sources, and individual brand knowledge.
- Education: Degree in Hospitality or Business required; a Master’s Degree or MBA is preferred.
- Technical Savvy: Familiarity with external data sources and 3rd-party research; ability to master internal booking systems and fare code management.
- Communication: Outstanding presentation skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
- Mindset: An intellectually curious, resilient, and proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, remote environment.
- Detail-Orientation: Exceptional attention to detail is required to ensure promotional accuracy and operational excellence.
Who We Are
Welcome to arrivia. We specialize in making brands better through the power of travel. With more than 55 years of combined experience, we are a merger of three powerhouse brands: ICE, SOR Technology, and WMPH Vacations. We embrace diversity and a passion for travel across our global staff. We’re on a mission to help people around the world travel better and experience more.
Our Core Values:
- Stay Curious - Explore new challenges and make space to learn, grow and improve.
- Keep it Real - Earn trust through open, honest, and clear communication.
- Own it - Seek ways to make an impact and take action.
- Win Together - Create a culture of connection and inclusion where everyone can be their best.