Assistant Product Manager

Travel Limited; Chorley; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company in Chorley is seeking an Assistant Product Manager to oversee online booking performance and manage relationships with cruise suppliers. You will be responsible for negotiating contracts, analyzing performance metrics, and ensuring timely delivery of marketing materials. The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of relevant experience in the cruise sector and excellent organizational skills. This role offers a salary of £28,000 - £32,000 and hybrid work options.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Contributory company pension scheme

Discounts on cruises

Training contributions

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience within the Cruise Sector.
• Experience in people or workstream management.
• Mature, confident, and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage online booking performance and deliveries.
• Negotiate rates and contracts with cruise lines.
• Conduct detailed performance analyses of packaging.

Skills

Cruise Sector experience

People management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Reporting to the Product & Tour Operator Manager, the Assistant Product Manager will be responsible for the management and delivery of our online booking performance, implementing strategic initiatives and delivering on expected growth. They will be taking ownership of our exclusive groups and allocations across cruise and non-cruise suppliers. This will involve contracting, sourcing, and building competitive product, negotiating special rates and regular training to Concierge to improve knowledge.

The Assistant Product Manager will be a part of the wider Product team, being responsible for managing deadlines for email and direct mail activity and supporting the Product Executive in creating and promoting the strongest cruise line messages across all channels.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Product & Tour Operator Manager on actions to deliver budget for Gross Margin, Packaging, and our online bookings within the financial year.
• Own our online booking platform, ensuring all campaigns, promotions, and discounts are launched accurately and maintained in line with commercial objectives. Continuously implement new ideas and strategic initiatives to drive growth through this channel.
• Build relationships with all key cruise line partners, including attending regular trading calls, and meetings to maintain and strengthen our partnerships.
• Negotiate and proactively work with cruise lines on exclusives or reduced rates to support our packaging growth and online booking performance.
• Conduct regular competitor website reviews, implementing new ideas and opportunities to ensure we are competitive across our packaging portfolio and within our online booking journey.
• Work with Product and our development team, including 3rd party providers, to improve and maintain the online booking journey and Cruise & Stay micro-site.
• Perform regular, detailed analysis of packaging and online booking performance, implementing strategic actions to support growth and achieving budget.
• Manage all our cruise line groups and allocations, monitoring rooming lists to deliver growth. This includes gaining regular updates on performance from the cruise and non-cruise suppliers.
• Develop and maintain current relationships with DMC's and non-cruise suppliers by scheduling regular meetings face to face and via team, gaining trading updates on performance and opportunities.
• Develop a network support centre for sales concierge for easy reference to packaged material and user guides, including delivering regular pre-shift briefs and enhancing destination training alongside our training department.
• Deliver strong and engaging briefs to concierge showcasing our cruise and stay deals.
• Coordinate with the wider Product and Marketing Teams on all product launches throughout the year, planning in all key tasks across all departments and working with cruise and non-cruise suppliers to provide all relevant information.
• Own the email and direct mail scheduling alongside marketing to ensure all deadlines are met within product for briefing.
• Deputise for Product & Tour Operator Manager, and Head of Product & Commercial, including attending trading meetings.
• Work with Senior Managers and Head of Product & Commercial on any projects where required, and other duties as assigned.
• Manage with the Product Executives all internal documents that are shared with sales and marketing are accurate and up to date.
• Product Executive cover when required, including taking ownership on cruise line management and briefing scheduled activity.

Requirements:

• 2-3 years' experience within the Cruise Sector.
• Experience in people or workstream management.
• Mature, confident, and proactive approach.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines, whilst maintaining accuracy.
• Excellent organisation & communication skills.
• A strong team player, who will influence both internally and externally.
• Great analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to 'think on your feet'.
• Lively and outgoing personality.

About Us:

World Travel Holdings UK was co-founded in June 2008. We are one of the largest and fastest-growing multi-brand cruise distributors in the UK, based in the Lancashire town of Chorley. No matter what we are selling or servicing, our mission is to deliver a remarkable experience through providing superior customer service.

Benefits:

• Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 dependent on experience.
• Hours: 40 hrs per week (Monday to Friday) Hybrid Working: 2 x days office & 3 x days home.
• 30 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays) which increases with service.
• Hybrid working.
• Contributory company pension scheme.
• Company paid parking permit.
• Discounts on cruises and holidays for you & your family.
• Annual uncapped concession towards your own cruise holiday.
• Discounted travel insurance.
• Paid leave day for volunteer charity work or to participate in a fundraising event.
• Annual attendance bonus.
• Access to an employee discount platform which offers savings on everyday purchases.
• Enhanced maternity package.
• Enhanced paternity pay.
• Refer a friend bonus.
• Paid day off work on your birthday.
• Training contributions.