Director, Project Financial Controls & Strategic Initiatives (Corporate)

Carnival; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the cruise industry is seeking a Director of Project Financial Controls & Strategic Initiatives in Miami. The role focuses on financial oversight of capital projects, leading business case development, managing budgets, and collaborating cross-functionally to drive strategic initiatives and optimize port costs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial management and a strong analytical background.

Qualifications

• 6-10 years of experience, including 3-5 years at a top-tier management consulting firm.
• Experience with budget ownership or strategic initiatives is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial tracking and forecasting for destination development projects.
• Manage budget variance analysis and change orders.
• Develop business cases and conduct financial modeling.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or Engineering

MBA

Job description

The Director of Project Financial Controls & Strategic Initiatives is responsible for leading high-impact financial planning and strategic initiatives across Carnival’s Global Ports portfolio. This role focuses on:

• Financial oversight of capital projects, business case development for new investments, execution of owner-supplied CAPEX, and strategic initiatives such as port cost optimization.

The Director collaborates with the AVP and works cross-functionally with Accounting, Procurement, Legal, Development, and external partners.

Essential Functions:

1. Project Financial Controls:
   • Own financial tracking and forecasting for destination development projects.
   • Manage budget variance analysis, change orders, contingency tracking, and cash flow modeling.
   • Ensure alignment with corporate reporting cycles.
2. Owner-Supplied CAPEX Execution:
   • Oversee procurement and budget tracking for FF&E, OS&E, landscaping, theming, and soft costs.
   • Ensure timely execution and delivery across projects.
3. Pre-construction Project Management:
   • Drive project progress, maintain timelines, and engage stakeholders.
   • Identify and escalate issues proactively.
4. Business Case Development:
   • Lead creation of business cases, conduct financial modeling, scenario planning, ROI analysis, and stakeholder presentations.
5. Ports:
   • Lead project management, board preparation, and funding management.
   • Coordinate with stakeholders and support board committees.
6. Sustainability:
   • Lead port cost optimization initiatives and feasibility analyses for renewable energy projects.
   • Collaborate with engineering teams and manage vendor selection processes.
7. Special Strategic Projects:
   • Lead strategic initiatives, manage external consultants, and support implementation.
   • Assist with maritime-related projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or Engineering; MBA preferred.
• 6-10 years of experience, including 3-5 years at a top-tier management consulting firm.
• Experience with budget ownership or strategic initiatives is highly valued.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead initiatives and manage stakeholders effectively.