Cruise Operations Specialist - Urgent Hire

About the business

Abercrombie & Kent was founded in 1962 and has grown into an international travel group encompassing 55 offices across 30 countries.  Abercrombie & Kent’s Cruise division, Akorn Destination Management, is a specialised division offering first class services in shore excursions, extended land programs and turnaround services to the cruise industry.

About the role

We are seeking a full-time Cruise Operations Specialist to join the Melbourne Cruise team.  This role reports to the Operations Manager and is responsible for managing cruise accounts, throughout all the ports of Australia, ensuring meticulous pre-season planning and smooth delivery of the operation.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide high quality ground services for cruise ships visiting Australia working with the set processes and procedures for the cruise division.
• Manage Cruise Accounts & become the A&K face in handling all operational queries related to shore excursions.
• Travel to cruise ports around Australia to operate ship calls as required and ensure seamless delivery of the Cruise operational process
• Liaise with the on-board Shore Excursions Manager to ensure ground service quality in all ports
• Resolve problems on the ground reporting any QC issues to the Operations Manager & Head of Cruise
• Accurately book and manage all services required for the successful operation of shore excursions and tours within budget. 
• Work closely with the Commercial team to ensure all supplier rates are contracted and products are available for sale.
• Provide accurate confirmations, reconfirmation, and tour documentation for all suppliers for ship calls including guides
• Ensure all reporting and documentation is correct for invoicing of files
• Accurately cost any additional product requests or changes
• Ensure that all itineraries are unique, creative, and complete with all relevant requirements
• Attend functions outside of work hours when required

Other Information

• Must be prepared to travel extensively and for extended periods throughout Australia 
• Due to the nature of the cruise industry the role will include working extra hours when operationally required and across weekends and public holidays.
• Must have full working rights for Australia.

The successful applicant will have:

• Knowledge and understanding of the cruise industry is essential
• Prior experience in the travel / cruise industry
• Excellent product knowledge of Australia and Cruise ports.
• Knowledge of the Australian Inbound Cruise Market 
• Previous account management experience would be an advantage
• Good level of understanding of the logistics of large people movements preferably in a Cruise environment. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)
• Experience using an in-house Reservations System would be considered an advantage 
• High attention to detail
• The ability to face challenges head on and a ‘can do and hands on’ attitude
• Commitment to the highest level of customer service
• Team player with an enthusiastic approach to the job
• Excellent time management skills and flexible working attitude
• Ability to work alone and unsupervised when travelling
• Mature outlook and ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills
• Good initiative and ability to handle challenging situations quickly and effectively

Why work for A&K?

Our valued team of travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand each share a passion for making travel dreams a reality. These enthusiastic individuals come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

What you can expect with A&K

• Flexible and inclusive workplace where staff are encouraged to expand their skill set, take on challenges and contribute positively to our collective team. 
• Supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K
• Investment in our staff with both in-house and external training opportunities
• Opportunity to progress your career, not just in Australia but as part of our global business 
• 3 extra Wellbeing leave days per year (in addition to your Annual and Personal Leave entitlements)
• Paid Parental leave – 18 weeks at full pay
• Work in the enviable CBD office location close to public transport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Monthly Birthday celebrations
• Opportunity to work from home as part of our hybrid working from home/office model
• Staff discounts and Travel Benefit program
• An organisation that is mindful of the environment, conscious of waste and seeks to minimise our eco-footprint. 

We're also a company that makes a difference.  Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has proudly supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years.

For more details and to view the full Job Description visit our website https://www.abercrombiekent.com.au/careers/current-vacancies

If you meet the selection criteria and have appropriate work rights, we would love to hear from you. Apply by sending your resume and covering letter outlining why you'd be perfect for the role.

*Previous candidates need not apply