Job Description
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey.
Job Description
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey.
The Food & Beverage Product Strategy Manager is responsible for driving the design, testing, and launch of new and enhanced food and beverage offerings and product development across Holland America Line (HAL) and Seabourn (SBN), with a strong focus on innovation and automation. This role manages the end-to-end innovation pipeline, translating business strategies into scalable products, programs, and process improvements that can be successfully implemented across the fleet. The position identifies emerging trends, evaluates new technologies, and recommends automation opportunities that improve consistency, efficiency, and overall business performance. The Food & Beverage Product Strategy Manager leads product testing, pilot programs, and performance analysis, using data and stakeholder feedback to measure results and guide continuous improvement. Working closely with Culinary Operations, Information Technology, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams, this role ensures cross-functional alignment and successful execution of strategic initiatives. The position serves as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on food and beverage product strategy, innovation, and operational best practices that support organizational goals. The ideal candidate possesses strong project management, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with experience in hospitality, food and beverage operations, product development, and technology-enabled innovation.
Here’s a summary of what Holland America Line is looking for. Is this you?
Responsibilities
Food & Beverage Product Strategy & Innovation
- Manages the development and advancement of food and beverage product strategies that support guest satisfaction, revenue growth, and operational objectives across HAL and SBN. Identifies opportunities to enhance existing offerings and introduce new products, services, and experiences that align with evolving guest preferences and market demands. Conducts industry research and trend analysis to evaluate emerging concepts and determine their potential value to the business. Maintains a structured portfolio of development initiatives and ensures priorities align with strategic objectives and available resources. Develops recommendations that balance guest experience, operational feasibility, and financial considerations. Partners with stakeholders to define project goals, timelines, and implementation requirements. Serves as a subject matter expert on product strategy and innovation, providing guidance that supports long-term business growth and differentiation.
Automation & Technology Solutions
- Evaluates emerging technologies and automation solutions that enhance food and beverage operations, improve consistency, and increase efficiency across the fleet. Researches new tools, platforms, and digital capabilities to determine their applicability within onboard and shoreside environments. Develops business cases that assess anticipated benefits, investment requirements, operational impact, and implementation considerations. Collaborates with Information Technology and business leaders to support the evaluation, selection, and adoption of approved solutions. Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve scalability through technology-enabled processes. Supports implementation activities and promotes sustainable adoption by ensuring solutions align with operational needs. Monitors outcomes and recommends adjustments that maximize value and support continuous improvement objectives.
Product Testing, Analytics & Performance Optimization
- Designs and manages product testing initiatives to evaluate new concepts, enhancements, and operational improvements before broader deployment. Establishes clear success measures and key performance indicators to assess initiative effectiveness and business impact. Collects and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data from guests, crew, operational teams, and financial results. Translates findings into actionable recommendations that support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Evaluates performance trends to identify opportunities for refinement, expansion, or optimization. Measures product effectiveness against defined objectives and communicates results to leadership and key stakeholders. Maintains reporting and documentation that support transparency, knowledge sharing, and future innovation efforts.
Project Leadership & Execution
- Leads multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule, within scope, and aligned with business priorities. Develops project plans, implementation strategies, and milestone tracking tools to support successful execution. Coordinates activities across departments and business partners to ensure alignment and timely completion of key initiatives. Facilitates project discussions, working sessions, and reviews to maintain momentum and accountability. Identifies risks, dependencies, and resource constraints and develops solutions to mitigate potential impacts. Provides regular updates regarding progress, challenges, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership teams. Applies strong organizational and project management practices to drive efficient execution and sustainable results.
Stakeholder Partnership & Industry Expertise
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external partners to support collaboration, innovation, and successful execution of strategic initiatives. Partners closely with Culinary Operations, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, and other business areas to align priorities and achieve desired outcomes. Provides expertise and recommendations related to food and beverage strategy, product development, market trends, and industry best practices. Represents the department in cross-functional initiatives and business discussions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Communicates complex information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences. Shares knowledge, guidance, and best practices with colleagues to support professional development and operational excellence. Maintains awareness of emerging hospitality and guest experience trends that may influence future business opportunities.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Scope: The Food & Beverage Product Strategy Manager plays a key role in advancing the food and beverage strategy across HAL and SBN by translating business priorities into innovative products, programs, and operational improvements. This position supports both shoreside and shipboard stakeholders, ensuring new concepts can be successfully implemented and sustained across the fleet. Working across multiple disciplines, the position partners with Culinary, Operations