Senior Cruise Operations Consultant

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Florida; On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discovery Medical Aid (50% company)”

Pension Fund (50% company)”

Risk Benefits

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd seeks an experienced Senior Cruise Operations Consultant for our Cruise Division in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. This hands-on role coordinates and manages on-the-ground logistics for international cruise ships visiting South Africa, Mozambique and Angola.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in inbound tour operations, strong supplier management skills, and advanced Excel capability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in inbound tour operating or travel operations at senior level.
• Strong travel operations, logistics and supplier management knowledge.
• Excellent English communication, both written and spoken.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage on-the-ground logistics for international cruise ships visiting Southern Africa.
• Source, negotiate, and manage supplier rates and relationships.
• Ensure bookings and services are confirmed and operationally ready.
• Prepare movement schedules, welcome letters, and operational documentation.
• Liaise with cruise agents, onboard teams, guides, port managers, and partners.
• Support port operations during vessel calls and handle changes.

Skills

Travel operations

Logistics management

Supplier management

Advanced Excel

Administration

English communication

Independent work

Prioritization

Tools

Excel

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Cruise Operations Consultant to join their Cruise Division in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. This is a hands-on operations role focused on coordinating and managing the on-the-ground logistics for international cruise ships visiting South Africa, Mozambique and Angola.

Please note: This is not a cruise reservations or cruise sales role. The successful candidate will be responsible for operational delivery, supplier coordination, logistics management and service execution during the cruise season.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the operational delivery of shore excursions, overland programmes, hotel stays, turnaround services, and pre/post cruise arrangements.Re-quote services and ensure operational feasibility of all programmes.
• Source, negotiate, and manage supplier rates and relationships.
• Ensure all bookings, reservations, and services are confirmed and operationally ready.
• Prepare movement schedules, welcome letters, guide packs, and operational documentation.
• Liaise with cruise agents, onboard teams, guides, port managers, suppliers, and operational partners.
• Coordinate and support port operations during vessel calls.
• Manage waitlists, confirmations, amendments, and service changes.
• Process supplier invoices and assist with final client invoicing.
• Maintain service excellence, accuracy, and strict turnaround times.
• Assist with operational problem-solving and emergency support when required.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience within an inbound tour operating or travel operations environment at senior consultant level.
• Strong understanding of travel operations, logistics, and supplier management.
• Excellent knowledge of Southern African travel products and destinations.
• Experience with costing, quoting, and managing operational budgets.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong administration and coordination abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure.

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Supplier negotiation experience
• Relationship-building skills
• Customer service excellence
• Problem-solving ability
• Time management and deadline-driven approach
• Stress tolerance and adaptability
• Strong commercial awareness and operational knowledge

Ideal Candidate:

We are looking for a hands-on operations professional who thrives in a busy environment, enjoys managing complex logistics, and has a passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences.Candidates with cruise operations, inbound tourism, destination management, tour operating, or hospitality coordination experience will be highly regarded.

Benefits

• Discovery Medical Aid (50% company contribution for main member plus one dependant)
• Pension Fund (50% company contribution)
• Risk Benefits
• Opportunity to work within an international cruise and travel environment
• Exposure to large-scale cruise operations across Southern Africa