Sales Operations Manager (Princess Cruises) - 12mths FTC

Costa Crociere S.p.A.; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cruise line operator based in Southampton seeks a Sales Operations Manager to create and execute training strategies for travel agents. This full-time role involves leading a team, managing budgets, and ensuring effective communication. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience, excellent organizational skills, and a solid understanding of the travel and cruise industries. Benefits include hybrid working, training opportunities, and an annual bonus.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Annual bonus

Employee Discounted Cruising

Private medical and dental insurance

Life Assurance

Regular office events

Qualifications

• Proven experience of leading a small team/function.
• A valid UK driving license is essential.
• Experience in developing online learning & training programmes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the training team.
• Develop and deliver the travel agent strategy and online training programme.
• Manage the Sales and Operations budget.
• Enhance brand visibility through communication and event strategies.

Skills

Leadership qualities

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Understanding of travel & cruise industries

Creativity in design processes

Job description

Overview

Princess Cruises' success is built on a foundation of diverse talents and perspectives, and we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are seeking a Sales Operations Manager to bring fresh insights and expertise to our team based at Carnival UK. Working within the Princess Team here at Carnival UK, the Sales Operations Manager is in charge of creating and executing the Princess sales training strategy for our travel agent partners, ensuring that the education is relevant, on brand and engaging. This role will form an integral part of the Sales function, with oversight for any agent communications for Princess Cruises UK, Ireland & Europe and working closely with our US head office. Based in Southampton but with extensive travel, this is an exciting opportunity to shape strategy and drive engagement across multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

• Leading and motivating the National training manager, Senior Executive, Sales Support & Sales Operations Executive
• Responsible for the development and delivery of the Princess travel agent strategy and online training programme, Princess Academy Online, delivering training content and benefits that are relevant and engaging for Travel Agent partners
• Working in partnership with marketing and commercial teams to deliver training and collateral in line with company objectives
• Ownership of the Sales and Operations budget, maximising return on investment
• Responsible for driving our brand share of voice within trade through both communication and events strategies and execution of events across three markets (UK, Ireland and Europe)

Role and Qualifications

• Our role categories range from CUK15 (entry level) to CUK1 (Brand President) so you can clearly see internal development opportunities. This role is a CUK07 and is offered on a full time, 12 months fixed-term contract basis with at least three days based in our Southampton office.
• Due to the travel requirement for this role, a valid UK driving license is essential, as well as flexibility and willingness to work and travel outside of traditional core hours
• Proven experience of leading a small team/function
• Excellent organisation skills
• A good understanding of the travel & cruise industries
• Knowledge of creative design and production processes
• Experience in developing online learning & training programmes (preferred)

About You

• A Catalyst for Change. We believe that diversity enriches our team. We are interested in candidates who:
• Have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Leadership qualities and a collaborative mindset
• Have a keen eye for detail and understanding of brand
• Generate new ideas and hands-on in working as part of a team to develop these
• A proactive, adaptable and resilient approach

Holidays are one of life's greatest pleasures. Having the chance to relax, escape and explore is a magical thing. And there is no better holiday than a cruise.

Why Join Us & Benefits

Why Join us? Working with us is about more than a job. It\'s about creating unforgettable holiday happiness for our guests and a fulfilling career for you. Our benefits package reflects our commitment to your wellbeing:

• Home and office-based hybrid working (up to 2 days can be worked from home)
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Annual bonus
• Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offers
• Recognition scheme with prizes and awards
• Company paid private medical and dental insurance and health assessment
• Life Assurance
• Regular office events including live entertainment, lifestyle events and charity partner fundraisers
• Employee-led networks
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing programmes
• Contributory Defined Contribution Pension scheme
• In-house Occupational Health and access to digital GP
• Parental and adoption leave
• Discounted retail and leisure via discounts portal
• Employee Shares Plan
• Electric Car and Cycle to Work schemes
• Onsite restaurant offering range of healthy cooked and grab and go meals