Academy Operations Manager

Carnival; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading holiday company in Southampton is seeking an Academy Operations Manager for its Entertainment department. The role involves overseeing Production Show Operations, including budget management and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have project management experience and a relevant degree. This is a full-time position with hybrid work options, offering a range of employee benefits, including discounts and development opportunities.

Benefits

Employee Discounted Cruising

Annual bonus

Minimum 25 days leave

Extensive learning and development opportunities

Onsite restaurant

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Experience in entertainment product provision and project management.
• Ability to lead teams and implement strategies.
• Operational experience in holiday/cruise industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage Production Show Operations and rehearsal schedules.
• Lead and develop the team along with budget responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and procedures.

Skills

Project management

Team management

Leadership

Entertainment product provision

Education

Degree in Business Management or Entertainment Management

Job description

Carnival UK is a leading name in the holiday sector, dedicated to delivering unforgettable holiday happiness to our guests. Our success is built on a foundation of diverse talents and perspectives, and we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

In our continuous journey of growth and innovation at Carnival UK, we are seeking to bring fresh insights and expertise to our Entertainment department.

Role Overview

The Academy Operations Manager, Entertainment – CUK leads the Production Show Operations department, including Costume, Compliance and Rehearsal Facilities, ensuring the successful delivery of the Production product for P&O Cruises and Cunard. The role acts as a strategic partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver production shows on time and on budget, in line with the Senior Manager, Production Shows strategic vision and ensures compliance with safety policies and procedures while exceeding guest expectations.

This pivotal role will involve:

• Leadership & Planning - Manage rehearsal schedules, ensure cast compliance, source and schedule replacements, maintain Academy facilities, and deputise for Senior Manager, Production Shows
• People Management - Lead and develop team, support individual and team development, attend training, provide insight into resourcing needs
• Budget Management / Financial Responsibilities - Manage Academy budgets, monitor financial targets, maximise cost management opportunities.
• Administration Responsibilities - Manage all admin responsibilities linked to budget, planning, and team management.
• HESS Responsibilities - Lead by example in health and safety, report incidents, follow safety rules, use equipment correctly, promote safe working, demonstrate safety leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned - Deputising for Senior Manager, Production Shows, representation for Academy with key stakeholders.
• Adheres to Corporate Policies and Procedures, including Code of Conduct, Audit Procedures and any control related responsibility for financial data entered, stored, or reported via business systems within employee’s control.

This role is positioned at CUK8 level within our organization and is available on a full-time 12-month fixed term basis. We offer hybrid work including up to two days from home.

What You'll Bring

Your unique background and skills are what will make you stand out. We're looking for:

• Industry recognised qualifications (desirable)
• Degree in relevant subject (Business Management or Entertainment Management) (desirable)
• Project management qualifications (desirable)

About You: The Ideal Candidate

You are more than just your CV. You're someone who brings:

• Experience in entertainment product provision, project management, leadership, strategy implementation, product development, influencing at management level, team management, theme park/multi-venue entertainment, musical theatre/pop music production, operational experience in holiday/cruise industry (all desirable).

Application Guidance

Diversity is our strength, and we encourage applications from those with varied experiences, whether you meet every listed requirement or not. If you’re passionate about our guests’ experience and looking for an opportunity to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Working with us means more than just a role in the guest experience sector. It’s about being part of a team that values well-being and personal growth.

Read our employee experience guide to learn more about life as a Carnival UK colleague.

CUK-employee-experience-guide-July-2025.pdf

Here’s what we offer:

• Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offers
• Annual bonus
• Minimum 25 days leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday trading scheme
• Recognition scheme with prizes and awards
• Regular office events including live entertainment, lifestyle events and charity partner fundraisers
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Employee-led networks
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing programmesCompany paid Health Cash Plan and health assessment
• In-house Occupational Health help and access to digital GP
• Life Assurance
• Parental and adoption leave
• Employee Shares Plan
• Electric Car and Cycle to Work schemes
• Onsite restaurant offering range of healthy cooked and grab and go meals
• Discounted retail and leisure via discounts portal
• Contributory Defined Contribution Pension scheme
• A friendly welcome with help settling in

Due to the popularity of our roles and our commitment to finding the best talent, we might close applications earlier than advertised. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become part of a team dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday happiness. Apply today to start your journey with us.

Recruitment Journey

For more information on your recruitment journey, please visit https://bit.ly/CUKCandidateJourney.

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