Manager, Projects

Disney; Celebration (FL); On-site; USD 121,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Disney Celebration, FL is seeking a Manager, Projects to lead capital project delivery across Island & Destination Planning, balancing scope, schedule, budget, safety, and guest experience.

The role collaborates with Operations, Engineering, Creative and external partners to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions with minimal disruption from initiation to close-out.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience, full lifecycle.
• 5+ years of leadership with direct team oversight.
• Experience delivering complex capital projects and/or portfolios.
• Strong experience in contract administration, cost management, and claims resolution.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle delivery across a portfolio of large-scale projects.
• Own performance across scope, schedule, budget, safety, quality, and risk mitigation.
• Develop and execute delivery strategies aligned with business priorities and constraints.
• Anticipate risks and implement mitigation strategies based on insights.
• Partner with Strategic Sourcing to develop bid strategies, scopes of work, and contract structures.
• Oversee contract administration, change management and claims resolution.
• Ensure accurate forecasting, EFC, and financial reporting.
• Integrate project delivery with island and destination operations to minimize disruption.
• Lead coordination across internal partners, contractors, municipalities, and site stakeholders.
• Manage field execution, directives, change orders, and closeout processes.
• Serve as primary point of accountability for project communication to partners and leadership.
• Deliver updates on project status, risks, financials, and operational impacts.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to enable alignment and decision-making.
• Develop and implement project controls, standards, and governance processes.
• Leverage SAP and project management tools to drive visibility and portfolio planning.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Job Posting Title

Manager, Projects

Req ID

10157630

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, Projects leads the successful delivery of capital projects across Island & Destination Planning, driving end-to-end execution from concept through close-out. This role ensures alignment with strategic priorities while balancing scope, schedule, budget, safety, and operational continuity.

Accountable for a portfolio of complex projects, the role integrates cross-functional stakeholders-including Operations, Engineering, Creative, and external partners-to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions with minimal operational disruption.

Responsibilities

• Project & Portfolio Delivery Lead full lifecycle project delivery (initiation through close-out) across a portfolio of large-scale or multiple concurrent projects
• Project & Portfolio Delivery Own performance across scope, schedule, budget, safety, quality, and risk mitigation
• Project & Portfolio Delivery Develop and execute delivery strategies aligned with business priorities, operational constraints, and guest experience standards
• Project & Portfolio Delivery Anticipate risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies based on historical insights and forward-looking analysis
• Planning, Contracting & Commercial Management Partner with Strategic Sourcing to develop bid strategies, scopes of work, and contract structures that optimize cost and delivery outcomes
• Planning, Contracting & Commercial Management Oversee contract administration, change management, and claims resolution
• Planning, Contracting & Commercial Management Ensure accurate forecasting, Estimate at Completion (EFC), and financial reporting
• Execution & Operational Integration Integrate project delivery with ongoing island and destination operations to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency
• Execution & Operational Integration Lead coordination across internal partners, contractors, municipalities, and site stakeholders
• Execution & Operational Integration Manage field execution, including directives, change orders, and project closeout processes
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Serve as the primary point of accountability for project communication to partners and executive leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Deliver clear, concise updates on project status, risks, financials, and operational impacts
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Build strong cross-functional relationships to enable alignment and decision-making
• Program Controls & Continuous Improvement Develop and implement project controls, standards, and governance processes
• Program Controls & Continuous Improvement Leverage systems (SAP, project management tools) to drive visibility, discipline, and portfolio planning (e.g., Integrated Facility Plan)
• Program Controls & Continuous Improvement Identify and implement process improvements and best practices across the portfolio
• Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop project team members to deliver high-impact outcomes
• Leadership & Team Development Build organizational capability through training, standards, and knowledge sharing
• Leadership & Team Development Foster an inclusive, high-performing team culture focused on accountability and results

Core Leadership Capabilities

• Strategic & Critical Thinking - Translates strategy into executable plans
• Decision Quality & Ownership - Makes timely, data-informed decisions with accountability
• Executive Communication - Deliver concise, compelling messaging to leadership
• Collaboration & Influence - Drives alignment across diverse stakeholders
• Adaptability & Resilience - Performs effectively in dynamic, high-pressure environments
• Talent Development - Builds and develops high-performing, diverse teams

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience, including full lifecycle delivery
• 5+ years of leadership experience with direct team oversight
• Demonstrated success managing complex capital projects and/or portfolios
• Strong experience in contract administration, cost management, and claims resolution
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in operational environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in themed entertainment, hospitality, or destination-based operations
• Advanced understanding of estimating, cost drivers, and risk-based decision-making
• Experience working in active operational environments with minimal disruption requirements

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Desired Education

• Advanced degree (MBA or technical master's)

#DCLPJ

The hiring range for this position in Celebration, FL is $120,800 to $161,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may var