Manager, Port Costs

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; Celebration (FL); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus and/or long-term incentive units

Medical benefits

Job summary

Disney Cruise Line in Celebration, FL is seeking a Manager of Port Costs to lead the global port cost function, oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial control across port expenses. You will partner with Marine Operations, Port Agency, and senior leadership to deliver insights, optimize costs, and ensure timely payments while guiding a multidisciplinary team.

This role requires strong FP&A, stakeholder management, and the ability to travel occasionally; a relevant degree and prior

Qualifications

• Significant experience in FP&A, operational finance, or cost control within a complex organization.
• Proven experience managing large-scale operating budgets.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing talent in finance/operations.
• Experience in maritime, cruise, logistics, or related industries is highly desirable.
• Strong stakeholder management across operational and financial functions.
• Experience presenting financial insights to senior leadership and executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of global port costs.
• Own the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting for port expenses.
• Present budget variances, risks, opportunities, and cost-saving recommendations to senior leadership.
• Prepare financial presentations, executive summaries, and KPI reporting.
• Oversee port cost invoices and month-end close activities to ensure accuracy.
• Partner with Marine Operations to understand itinerary changes and operational impact.

Skills

Team leadership

Coaching and mentoring

Workforce planning

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

Masters in accounting or finance

Tools

Excel

Power BI

MXP Systems

Job description

Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional,

The Manager of Port Costs is responsible for leading the global Port Cost function, with accountability for the financial management, governance, and operational oversight of a large-scale port operating budget. The role oversees both Port Cost and Port Payments teams, ensuring financial control, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across all port-related expenditure while reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Port Services.

As the lead, the Manager serves as the primary subject matter expert for port costs, providing strategic financial insight and recommendations to Marine Operations, Finance, Port Agency, and senior leadership. The role drives financial performance through forecasting, reporting, and analysis, and is responsible for communicating risks, opportunities, and cost drivers to support executive decision‑making.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Lead the end-to-end management of global port costs.
• Own the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting process for port expenses.
• Review financial performance, challenge assumptions, and present budget variances, risks, opportunities, and cost‑saving recommendations to senior leadership.
• Prepare and deliver financial presentations, executive summaries, and KPI reporting to support strategic decision‑making.
• Lead long‑term financial planning for port operating costs through strategic forecasting, trend analysis, and performance reporting.
• Drive initiatives to improve cost efficiency while maintaining operational requirements.

Payments

• Oversee the timely and accurate processing of all port‑related invoices and payments.
• Ensure compliance with payment terms and contractual obligations.
• Provide oversight and direction on complex invoice disputes and payment escalations, ensuring timely resolution while maintaining strong financial controls.
• Approve and verify Port Cost invoices in accordance with delegated authority thresholds.
• Provide oversight of month‑end financial close activities, ensuring the accuracy of accruals and financial reporting.

Operational Partnership

• Partner with Marine Operations to understand itinerary changes and operational impacts on port costs.
• Provide commercial and financial guidance to operational teams.
• Provide strategic oversight and financial approval of cost estimates for new itineraries, ports, and operational initiatives.
• Participate in contract negotiations alongside the Manager of Port Agencies by providing financial analysis and historical cost data.
• Act as the liaison between internal stakeholders and Port Agencies for any conflicts with payments when necessary.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Port Cost and Port Payments team, fostering a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear departmental objectives, priorities, and performance expectations aligned to business goals.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and development planning to support team growth and succession planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Marine Operations, Finance, Port Agency, Procurement, and external port service providers to support effective decision‑making.
• Represent the Port Cost function in senior leadership forums, cross‑functional meetings, and strategic initiatives.
• Present financial performance, forecasts, risks, and recommendations to executive stakeholders in a clear and structured manner.

Skills

• Team leadership and performance management
• Coaching and mentoring
• Workforce planning and prioritization
• Change management

Financial & Commercial

• Budget ownership and financial governance
• Advanced financial analysis and interpretation
• Forecasting and strategic planning
• Cost control and optimization
• Executive‑level reporting and presentation

Required Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial management, FP&A, operational finance, or cost control within a complex, international organization.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale operating budgets.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing talent in a finance or operational environment.
• Experience working within maritime, cruise, logistics, transportation, or similarly complex operational industries is highly desirable.
• Strong track record of stakeholder management across operational and financial functions.
• Experience presenting financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership or executive stakeholders.
• Ability to travel occasionally as needed
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non‑financial stakeholders
• Strong presentation skills
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modelling

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working within maritime, cruise, logistics, transportation, or similarly complex operational industries.
• MXP Systems knowledge preferred but not necessary.
• Reporting and dashboard development, Power BI or equivalent

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, related field or equivalent work experience

Desired Education

• Masters in accounting or finance

#DCLPJ

The hiring range for this position in Celebration, FL is $120,700 to $147,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.