Manager, Port Operations

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess is the world’s leading international premium cruise line and tour company, carrying millions of guests each year to hundreds of destinations around the globe.  We give our guests the Medallion Class experience others simply can’t. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. 

We are looking for a Manager, Port Operation. This position manages and establishes the relationships with vendors and local authorities to ensure required in port services to accommodate company vessels are appropriately arranged for and effectively executed from a timing, quality, and cost perspective per company requirements. This position will manage port services for company vessels calling at unique ports across the globe. The incumbent will work with local service providers, vendors, and coordinate with local authorities, while considering local rules, regulations, and customs to ensure vessel operations are conducted timely and effectively within the set out budgetary constraints. This is a highly dynamic position, where made plans and arrangements are constantly subject to change and will require constant involvement and direction to drive the best outcome. The incumbent will drive vendor performance per company set standards and interact with the various departments within the organization to ensure their specific interests in these operations are validated and covered. This position will require strong interpersonal skill, to establish dependable partnerships for the benefit of the company’s success and profitability. In collaboration with fellow managers and leadership across the corporation, the incumbent will have full overview of their region and authority to tender, execute and complete vendor assignments, with responsibility and control over forecast content, updates and financial reporting for the assigned region. This is an exciting and fast-paced role offering continuous opportunity to expand and apply a diverse knowledge base.

Here’s a summary of what Princess is looking for in the Manager, Port Operation.  Is this you? 

Responsibilities: 

• Ensure all activities in the ports supporting the company vessels in the assigned regions are performed within set guidelines, performance standards, and budgetary restraints. Execution and performance will be driven through close coordination with vendors and local stakeholders, with outcomes tracked via regular operational reviews, KPIs, and cost reporting.

• Verify performance of the various port operations against the departmental objectives; analyze and prepare reports to verify effectiveness and drive required improvement and implement initiatives. This will be executed through data analysis and reporting including statements of operation for your region in month end finance reviews, with progress monitored via defined performance metrics and periodic review cycles.

• Responsible for the coordination of vendor services according to contracts, and agreements, to meet company requirements. Execution will be managed through contract oversight and vendor engagement, with service delivery tracked against agreed SLAs, implemented initiatives and performance standards.

• Assist in the annual budget preparation, process invoices for port expenses and support a monthly financial review process driving operational initiatives for expense reduction. This will be executed through budget tracking and invoice review, with performance monitored through monthly financial reviews and variance analysis.

• Participate in the planning, development and management of port operation programs and vessel deployment and itineraries. Execution will be supported through cross-functional planning, with effectiveness monitored against operational knowledge, readiness and delivery timelines.

• Develop professional relationships with local port communities and their representatives; represent the company at local organized meetings, public functions, and events. This will be executed through ongoing stakeholder engagement, with effectiveness monitored through relationship strength and operational outcomes.

• Responsible for regional performance of the port operations across global destinations. Execution will be driven through regional oversight and coordination, with performance monitored via key operational and financial metrics.

• Waste oversight and optimization support across assigned regions to ensure alignment with operational expectation, company objectives and sustainability goals.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Scope: This role manages port operations globally, coordinating with vendors and local authorities to ensure timely and cost-effective vessel services. It requires navigating local regulations and customs, driving vendor performance, and collaborating across departments to meet operational goals. Strong financial interest and understanding will be instrumental in presenting performance and achieving personal and company goals. 

• Problem solving: The role involves managing dynamic and constantly changing port operations, requiring real-time adjustments, vendor coordination, and resolution of logistical challenges to maintain service standards and budget compliance.

• Impact: The role directly influences the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of global port operations, vendor relationships, and service delivery, contributing to the company’s operational success and profitability.

• Leadership: While the role does not have direct reports, it requires leadership in managing vendor relationships, coordinating cross-functional teams, and representing the company externally. It involves budget oversight and strategic planning for port operations.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. BS or BA in Maritime Studies, Business Administration, logistics. Equivalent work experience in related area, Senior Marine expert with shoreside expertise of a shipping company, incl. port operation.

• 5+ years’ experience in a management or leadership role with progressively more responsibility. Prior experience in port-related management and/or marine operations, preferably passenger vessel operations.

Travel:   Less than 25% non-shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions: Work may require employees to work inside and outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery. May be requested to work a different shift. Work beyond normal business hours or on weekends may be required occasionally to support business needs, projects, or operations

Physical Demands: Requires regular movement throughout PCL facilities.

This position is classified as “in-office.”  As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Princess office Monday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Fridays.  

Princess provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:

What You Can Expect  

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family 
• Health Benefits 
• 401(k)  
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
• Training & Professional Development 
• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement 
• Rewards & Incentives  

Our Culture… Stronger Together 

Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees.  Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at: princess.com/en-us/company-information 

Princess is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Princess will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws.  If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact [email protected]. 

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