Marine Claims Manager

TUI; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

TUI is seeking a Marine Claims Manager within its Marella Cruises legal team to oversee passenger personal injury claims from investigation to resolution. This is a strategic role at the intersection of maritime law, risk mitigation, and high-stakes litigation, requiring both legal rigor and commercial empathy.

The successful candidate will manage a diverse caseload, draft responses for small claims and arbitration, and collaborate with ship-based teams and external counsel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing personal injury claims and disputes from initial notification to resolution.
• Experience in in-house legal, private practice, or insurance/litigation support.
• Skilled in drafting claims correspondence, small claims, arbitration, and county court processes.

Responsibilities

• Triage and investigate claims by coordinating with ship-based crew and operations to build accurate chronologies.
• Draft robust defences and manage correspondence for small claims, arbitration, and county court workstreams.
• Lead settlement discussions within defined parameters to reach early resolution.
• Analyze recurring themes to identify systemic process gaps and improve safety and quality standards.

Job description

Proven experience managing personal injury claims and disputes from initial notification to resolution; experience in in-house legal, private practice, or insurance/litigation support; skilled in drafting claims correspondence, small claims, arbitration, and county court processes.

Full Opportunity Brief

Navigating the High Seas of Legal Liability: The Marine Claims Manager Role at TUI

In the complex ecosystem of global tourism, few sectors demand as much precision, legal acumen, and crisis management capability as the cruise industry. As TUI - a titan in the travel and hospitality sector - opens its doors for a Marine Claims Manager within its prestigious Marella Cruises legal team, legal professionals are presented with a unique opportunity to pivot into a highly specialized niche of maritime and personal injury law. This is not merely a claims processing role; it is a strategic position that sits at the intersection of commercial risk mitigation, passenger advocacy, and high-stakes litigation.

The Strategic Importance of Maritime Claims Management

Maritime law, or Admiralty law, is a distinct field that governs activities on navigable waters. When a cruise line operates, it is subject to a complex web of international conventions, domestic regulations, and specific passenger contract terms. A Marine Claims Manager acts as the primary shield for the brand, ensuring that every passenger injury or quality complaint is handled with both legal rigor and commercial empathy. The role requires a deep understanding of the Athens Convention and other regulatory frameworks that govern liability in the cruise industry.

"The role of a Claims Manager in the cruise sector is to balance the protection of the corporate brand with the necessity of fair, efficient, and legally sound dispute resolution. It is a role that demands the analytical mind of a litigator and the soft skills of a diplomat."

Mastering the Workflow: From Incident to Resolution

The successful candidate will be tasked with managing a diverse caseload. This involves more than just reading files; it requires active investigation. You will be expected to:

• Triage and Investigation: Rapidly assess the validity of claims by coordinating with ship-based crew and operational teams to build accurate chronologies.
• Litigation Support: Draft robust defences and manage correspondence for small court claims, arbitration, and county court workstreams.
• Negotiation and Settlement: Lead settlement discussions within defined parameters, identifying opportunities for early resolution to avoid protracted legal battles.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze recurring themes in claims to identify systemic process gaps, thereby contributing to the overall safety and quality standards of the cruise line.

Career Trajectory and Professional Development

Joining TUI is not just about filling a vacancy; it is about entering a global organization that prioritizes professional growth. The company offers access to the TUI Learning Hub, providing a structured path for employees to level up their skills. For a legal professional, this role offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cross-border disputes and complex insurance-related litigation. The exposure to both internal legal teams and external counsel provides a robust platform for networking and career advancement within the travel and hospitality legal sector.

Preparation Strategy for Aspiring Candidates

To stand out in the application process, candidates should emphasize their ability to handle high-pressure environments. Whether you come from a private practice background or an in-house insurance role, your application must highlight:

• Technical Proficiency: Evidence of your experience in drafting court documents and managing the lifecycle of a personal injury claim.
• Communication Skills: Your ability to translate complex legal jargon into plain English for stakeholders who may not have a legal background.
• Commercial Awareness: A demonstrated understanding of how legal outcomes impact the bottom line and the reputation of a major hospitality brand.

Given the hybrid nature of the role—based in either Luton or Southampton—candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work autonomously while maintaining strong collaborative links with the ship-based teams. The deadline for this application is September 4th, 2025, making it imperative for interested professionals to refine their CVs and cover letters immediately to reflect the specific competencies requested by TUI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What specific legal background is required for this role?
A: TUI is looking for candidates with proven experience in managing personal injury claims and disputes. This can include backgrounds in in-house legal departments, private practice law firms, insurance companies, or dedicated litigation support roles.

Q: Is this a fully remote position?
A: No, this is a hybrid role. The successful candidate will be expected to work from either the Luton or Southampton office at least once a week, fostering a balance between flexible working and necessary in-person collaboration.

Q: What is the primary focus of the Marine Claims Manager?
A: The core focus is on managing passenger personal injury claims and quality complaints. This includes everything from initial investigation and liability assessment to negotiation, settlement, and litigation support in small claims and county courts.

Q: How does this role contribute to the broader TUI organization?
A: Beyond managing individual claims, the role is vital for identifying recurring issues or process gaps. By flagging these, the Claims Manager helps the company improve its operational procedures, ultimately enhancing the safety and satisfaction of future passengers.