COMPLETE Associate Destination Manager, Private Jet Operations, Adventures & Expeditions - Celebration, FL, USA

Job Posting Title:

Associate Destination Manager, Private Jet Operations, Adventures & Expeditions

Req ID:

10068264

Job Description:

Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions offer immersive, guided travel experiences for families, friends, individuals, and couples to explore the world’s greatest destinations.

The Associate Destination Manager will be a member of the Private Jet Operations team. You will be responsible for successfully managing the operation and finances of an assigned portfolio of repeat National Geographic Expeditions or Adventures by Disney Private Jet programs. You will be accountable for the operational excellence and profitability of assigned programs, budget management, supplier relationships, and guest satisfaction. You will liaise with internal and external partners as needed, including Marketing, Sales, Legal, Trip Development, Talent Management, and Expedition Staffing. You will be responsible for communication and setting direction with Expedition Staff, Experts, and on-trip physician. Travel required for site inspections, trip departures, and advance work (as assigned). Participates in staffing the team’s 24/7 Emergency Help Line.

You will report to the Destination Manager - Private Jet Operations

Responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for all aspects of program operation for assigned portfolio of repeat jet programs. Manage relationships with suppliers globally to finalize all operational details of each departure including accommodations, transportation, activities, meals, special events, local talks, special needs, etc. Make modifications and adjustments as needed.

• Manage and nurture third-party supplier relationships. Communicate effectively and on a timely basis with vendors globally via email and videoconferencing. Hold suppliers accountable for maintaining or exceeding quality standards.

• Accountable for profitability of all assigned programs. Ensures that each departure maximizes profitability by operating at or below budgeted costs. Update and maintain associated budgets, review and reconcile invoices, and create new budgets as needed. Independently manage bookings for trip departures by monitoring room counts, release dates, attrition clauses and deposit and payment dates for each trip. Accountable for accurate implementation of operational finance procedures.

• Prepare all operational items necessary for team of approx. 20 people (Expedition Leader, Assistant Expedition Leaders, Hosts, Advance staff, Experts, Physician) to successfully lead each departure. Works closely with Expedition Staffing and Talent Management teams as subject matter expert for each itinerary; assists with itinerary, travel arrangements, and visa processing questions.

• Travel as needed to advance, scout, and inspect destinations to ensure a high-quality product.

• Prepare accurate guest-facing documents on deadline. Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Trip Services teams to ensure deadlines are met for Guest communication. Proof marketing materials to ensure accuracy catalogs, brochures and web.

• Strive to improve itineraries by responding to Guest surveys and Expedition staff, Expert, Advance, hosts, and Office Staff trip reports. Accountable for itinerary-change management.

• Work closely with the Contact Center regarding inventory, Guest information and special requests.

• Available 24/7 while assigned programs are on the ground. Partner with Risk Management to ensure safety of on-the-ground travelers; communicate with local agents to implement and enforce established emergency safety and security procedures as needed. Participates in 24/7 Emergency Help Line after-hours emergency phone coverage service.

• Support and drive business initiatives.

• Actively foster an environment of diversity and inclusion amongst our team, products and services.

• Other duties as necessary or assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 4 years relevant work experience in the group travel industry.

• Successful candidates will be self-starters who are able to work well in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with a variety of partners. Candidates should maintain an open and positive perspective that reflects confident professionalism and an unconditional dedication to providing consistently superior products and services.

• Demonstrated experience with coordinating complex logistics as well as strong implementation skills.

• Proven planning and project management skills. The ability to handle multiple, high-priority projects, meet deadlines and produce deliverables in a timely manner is essential.

• International destination knowledge and travel experience.

• The ability to create and maintain budgets; comfort working in Excel.

• Demonstrated negotiating skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Candidates should have the ability to clearly and effectively correspond with global suppliers, whose first language may not be English.

• The ability to anticipate and recognize problems, identify their causes and find creative solutions to challenging situations.

• Knowledge of the travel and hospitality industry.

• Strong administrative and organizational skills.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy is critical.

• Ability to work on assigned projects with minimal supervision.

• The ability to navigate a large corporate structure and associated processes.

• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to partner with others.

• Experience working in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and common internet browsers and applications.​

Preferred Qualifications:

• International group travel operations, private jet experience strongly preferred.

• Foreign language skills.

• A background using QuickBase or other CRM software.

  

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

                  

#DCLPJ

Job Posting Segment:

Adventures & Expeditions

Job Posting Primary Business:

Trip Operations

Primary Job Posting Category:

Adventures By Disney Operations

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Celebration, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2023-10-24