Manager of Guest Programming

DC Global Talent Inc.; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Job summary

DC Global Talent Inc. seeks a creative, resourceful Manager, Guest Programming for a luxury vessel operation based in Miami, FL.

The role leads the onboard entertainment and activities program for a discerning clientele, shaping bespoke experiences with strong commercial acumen. The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in luxury hospitality leadership on ships/yachts, exceptional stakeholder management, and a track record in delivering individualized guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience on ships or yachts.
• Luxury cruise/yacht operations experience preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in luxury hospitality leadership roles.
• Strong commercial acumen, budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and lead diverse teams.
• Multicultural awareness for global environments.
• Attention to detail and luxury standards.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Willingness to live aboard and travel.
• Degree in Hospitality Management or related field; advanced certifications a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead onboard guest programming strategy.
• Lead and develop the onboard Entertainment and Recreation team.
• Source and contract guest entertainers and local entertainment.
• Oversee themed events, productions, and all entertainment programming.
• Manage onboard entertainment systems including music, TV, and content delivery.
• Build relationships with third-party entertainment partners and agents.
• Collaborate with charter, group, and sales teams to tailor programming.
• Monitor guest feedback and refine programs to improve satisfaction.
• Manage procurement and budgets for entertainment.
• Ensure programming complies with safety and SOLAS regulations.
• Be prepared to work onboard when required.

Skills

Entertainment leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Guest programming

Team building

Stakeholder management

Education

Hospitality management degree

Advanced certifications

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are searching for a creative, resourceful, and experienced Manager, Guest Programming for a luxury vessel operation based in Miami, FL. This is a new role responsible for the overall success of the onboard recreation and activities program, delivering bespoke, destination-relevant entertainment experiences that surprise and delight a discerning, high-end clientele. The ideal candidate is an entertainment leader with deep luxury hospitality experience and the commercial acumen to plan, budget, and execute at the highest level.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Design and lead an onboard guest programming strategy that delivers unique, personalized, and destination driven entertainment experiences
• Lead, build, and develop the onboard Entertainment and Recreation team, setting performance standards and driving engagement
• Supervise the sourcing and contracting of guest entertainers, wellness speakers, performers, and local entertainment
• Oversee themed events, creative productions, and all entertainment programming across the vessel
• Manage onboard entertainment technical systems including background music, interactive TV, and content delivery
• Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party entertainment partners, port agents, and logistics providers
• Collaborate with charter, group, and commercial sales teams to develop focused programming for themed sailings
• Monitor guest feedback and continuously refine the programming to enhance satisfaction and resolve issues promptly
• Manage procurement of entertainment-related supplies and maintain relevant budgets and forecasts
• Ensure all programming is age-appropriate, health-appropriate, and aligned with maritime safety and SOLAS regulations
• Be prepared to work onboard the vessel when required, including acting in a broader entertainment leadership capacity

WHAT YOU BRING

• Current or recent experience working onboard ships or yachts is required
• Background within luxury bespoke cruise lines or yacht operations is strongly preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in luxury hospitality leadership roles, with a strong track record in entertainment, recreation, or guest programming
• Significant experience in the luxury cruise or yacht industry is highly preferred
• A proven ability to create and deliver exceptional, individualised guest experiences for a high-end clientele
• Strong commercial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage at all levels
• A natural team builder with experience recruiting, developing, and leading diverse hospitality teams
• Multi-cultural awareness and the interpersonal skills to work effectively in a global environment
• Meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of luxury standards
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Willingness to live and work onboard for extended periods and travel to various international destinations
• Degree in Hospitality Management, Arts, or a related field preferred; advanced certifications are a plus

WHAT'S OFFERED

• USD $110,000 - $115,000 per year plus annual bonus
• A pioneering role within a unique and growing luxury vessel operation
• The opportunity to shape a world-class guest programming experience from the ground up