National Geographic Explorer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

Join us as a Product Manager, Voyage (VPM), where you will play a pivotal role in shaping unforgettable travel experiences rooted in the company's legacy of responsible exploration. This position is at the heart of Lindblad's best-in-class expeditions, overseeing the entire voyage experience from embarkation to disembarkation. You'll be responsible for the conceptualization, creation, budgeting, management, and preparation of operational details of the voyage.

In this dynamic role, you will collaborate closely with a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and enriching experience while driving revenue growth. Your efforts will not only enhance our operational excellence across all programs but will also elevate our brand, making each journey truly memorable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily on a proactive and pre-determined timeline.  Additional duties may be added or assigned at any time.  Duties listed below are in the context of the voyage portion of the expeditions.

VOYAGE DEPLOYMENT

• Collaborate with appropriate field staff, Product Managers - Pre & Post Experience, Marketing Managers, and other internal and external partners to create exemplary programming with compelling experiences to strengthen the company's commitment to responsible exploration
• Collaborate with Sr. Management on annual ship deployments and deployment changes
• Create and maintain voyage sailing schedules (aka "technicals") in collaboration with the Marine and Port Ops departments
• Proactively evaluate future vessel deployment operational needs to source and confirm services and deadlines.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to articulate unique voyage selling propositions and review and approve relevant content in order to bring those programs to market based on a launch schedule
• Maintain a deep knowledge of permitting compliance laws and regulations, collaborating with the marine and port operations team to ensure voyages comply with these considerations
• Develop community/industry relationships and partnerships that add value to the guest experience and maintain a positive brand relationship in the areas we operate
• Create and conduct product training presentations for internal stakeholders during the launch of new itineraries
• Seek opportunities to build experiences with LEX-NG Fund supported projects and/or individuals into voyage offerings and communicate environmental and social/community impacts and opportunities tied to voyage activities with internal Conservation, Education, and Sustainability Team
• Collaborate with National Geographic Expeditions staff to bring the NGE name and experience into voyage programming
• Create paid shore excursions as appropriate to augment included experiences and generate additional revenue

VOYAGE EXECUTION

• Create and distribute working itineraries with operational instructions, contact information and other essential information to execute the voyage to the highest standards
• Maintain contact with the shipboard leadership throughout operational seasons and assist with deviations, as appropriate
• Maintain voyage P&L and ensure voyages operate within voyage land cost budget, while optimizing profitability. 

ADMINISTRATION

• Negotiate favorable voyage land costs and create voyage land costs budget annually
• Review, process, and reconcile invoices for voyage costs
• Review and ensure the accuracy of final voyage documents
• Create and maintain internal documents and systems to ensure accuracy for cross-departmental users during any contingency or emergency situation.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Consistently review and respond to various reports and inquiries in collaboration with Guest Relations team.
• Implement action plans based on guest and shipboard feedback to ensure quality and operational standards.

RESEARCH AND FIELD WORK

• Seek continual improvement of geographical knowledge, representing your assigned regions and programs as a subject matter expert 
• Visit and liaise with ship personnel, field staff, local vendors, local guides, conduct site inspections, and gather other appropriate on-site field information as necessary
• Conduct training with field staff, local guides, and other appropriate field personnel
• Have deep knowledge of the competitive market to collaborate with Marketing to ensure voyages are competitive in terms of experience, and other relevant aspects.
• Represent the organization in regional associations, such as IAATO and AECO, as necessary 
• At all external trainings and events, be equipped with current knowledge and examples of the company's environmental and social/community impact programs, and prepared to share this knowledge with others in the industry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism, or a related field or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience:
• At least 3 years of experience in ship voyage development, travel planning, or a similar role.
• Knowledge:
• In-depth professional knowledge of geographical regions relevant to the company's voyages.
• Basic understanding of permitting compliance laws and regulations related to maritime operations.
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial management.
• Skills:
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and training abilities to guide field staff and local vendors.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management tools.
• Experience with mapping/chart programs to aid in navigation and technical sailing schedules.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
• Master's degree in Hospitality, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in ship voyage development or similar roles within the small-ship cruise travel or expedition industry.
• Knowledge:
• Comprehensive understanding of competitive market positioning.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Preliminary experience with MXP and database management.