Commercial Planning Senior Manager

Carnival; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cruise company in Southampton is seeking a Commercial Planning Senior Manager to shape the commercial strategy for its Cunard brand. The ideal candidate will lead the development of an annual sales plan, ensuring alignment with global distribution strategies. With a focus on proactive commercial change and stakeholder management, this role entails working in a dynamic environment. We offer a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package including employee discounts and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Employee Discounted Cruising

Extensive learning opportunities

Recognition scheme with prizes

25 days leave plus bank holidays

Wellbeing programmes

Health Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial planning in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to deliver commercial change effectively.
• Proven competence in managing stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of annual sales plan.
• Guide business leaders in campaign planning.
• Manage implementation plans for commercial changes.

Skills

Business acumen

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Proactive commercial change

Education

Degree in relevant subject

Job description

Cunard provides the definitive ocean travel experience perfected by over 185 years at sea and is continuously redefining the voyage experience for future generations. 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 a Commercial Planning Senior Manager to bring fresh insights and expertise to our Cunard department.

Role Overview

As the Commercial Planning Senior Manager within our Cunard Planning team, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the commercial strategy for the Cunard Brand, collaborating with teams globally to deliver commercial planning and change activity. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead development of our overarching annual sales plan across Cunard’s global markets, ensuring it is aligned to our distribution strategy.
• Guide our senior business leaders to develop cohesive annual global campaign plans that align with our commercial objectives, ensuring commercial readiness to deliver these plans.
• Establish effective governance to manage and monitor our cross‑functional commercial activity, and chair cross‑functional forums.
• Manage commercial change that impacts multiple Cunard directorates, identifying impacted areas, developing and managing implementation plans, and leading working groups to ensure a seamless delivery.
• Provide actionable insights through robust analysis of financial and guest data, supporting decision‑making at all levels.

Position Requirements

Our ideal candidate will bring experience, fresh ideas and different perspectives to Cunard’s commercial planning.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• High level of business acumen and commercial awareness.
• Experience at proactively delivering commercial change in a dynamic environment, developing options to mitigate risks, and leveraging opportunities.
• Experience of embedding effective governance processes to drive results.
• Proven experience of effectively managing and collaborating with a range of stakeholders, challenging and influencing effectively across all levels of seniority.
• Degree in a relevant subject and project management experience is desirable.

About You

You are someone who thrives in a fast moving, collaborative environment yet is capable of working independently with a high degree of accuracy and accountability. Your qualifications are just the start; we're looking for team members who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to our collective success.

Personal Qualities

• You are a collaborative partner, able to influence and align stakeholders without direct authority.
• Comfortable working with numbers and data, you bring clarity and insight to complex challenges.
• You thrive in a global, fast‑paced environment, adapting quickly to change and driving continuous improvement.
• You communicate openly, listen actively, and empower others to succeed.

Why Join Us?

Positioned within our internal structure from CUK15 (entry level) to CUK1 (Brand President), this role is classified as a CUK06, offered as a full‑time position, on a permanent basis, with hybrid working including up to two days from home.

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

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

We offer a dynamic and inclusive workplace where your work makes a real impact. Beyond competitive salaries and benefits, here’s what we offer:

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

Application Note

Given the opportunities we provide, we encourage prompt applications. We are committed to finding the right blend of talent and passion, and our recruitment process may close earlier than advertised for roles with high applicant volumes.

Don't miss this chance to leverage your accounting qualifications in a role where you can truly shine. Apply today and let’s explore how your skills and ambitions align with our opportunities!

Recruitment Journey

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

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