Sr Mgr-Port Services

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, apply today. 

The Sr. Manager, Port Services will be a pivotal leader responsible for the comprehensive oversight and strategic management of all dockside operations, logistics, and associated financial processes across our global fleet. This role ensures efficient, cost-effective, and seamless port calls while maintaining strong relationships with port authorities, agents, and service providers. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in maritime logistics, agency management, stevedoring, and financial oversight within the cruise industry.

Responsibilities:

Vendor & Partner Management

• Lead contracting and management of Stevedore and Porter operations at all home ports.

• Oversee contracting and management of Port Agents for all home and transit calls.

• Onboard Port Agents and Stevedore/Porter leadership teams, ensuring alignment with Disney’s guest service standards, training, processes, and procedures.

Operational Oversight

• Manage port agency services for vessel calls, including documentation, immigration compliance, pilot and labor orders, potable water, waste removal, and regulatory adherence.

• Collaborate with Marine + Technical Department to ensure docking plans are developed for each port that accommodates dock restrictions and vessel requirements.

• Oversee and manage accurate record keeping of all port fees in system of record (MXP) to facilitate timely calculation of port fees and costs.

• Collaborate with Revenue Management and Finance partners to communicate costs. Responsible for the set-up of Port Bundling which determines costs paid by the Guests and by Disney Cruise Line.

• Oversee and enhance all financial processes related to port operations, including budget management, forecasting, and invoice processing, with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.

• Ensure accurate coding, processing and tracking of all port operations related invoices, and maintain up-to-date records.

• Support periodic budget forecasting and provide analytical support for cost trending and port-specific activities, ensuring financial objectives are met and supporting data-driven decision-making.

• Operate crew mail facilities and processes for Florida home ports, including Port Canaveral and Port Everglades. Facilitate crew mail process at all other home ports worldwide.

• Ensure processes are in place to address last-minute vessel needs, including food items, crew terminations, medical debarks (guest/crew), medication ordering, marine/technical needs, and crew mail. 

• Monitor and benchmark industry best practices for turnaround operations, identifying opportunities to advance corporate strategy. Drive continuous process improvements by evaluating existing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing best practices to streamline operations and support business objectives.

Communication & Relationship Building

• Develop and communicate detailed operational plans to internal partners, vendors, port authorities, and government agencies.

• Serve as the on-the-ground liaison, maintaining strong relationships with third-party vendors, and agencies including Customs & Border Protection, Immigration, Port Authorities, Port Police, and Security Officials.

• Cultivate and foster an extensive network of business relationships essential for Disney Cruise Line’s success.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, motivate, and develop a team of leaders responsible for daily operational action plans, work priorities, and continuous improvement.

• Provide strategic oversight of third-party operators to ensure contractual service levels are met and efficiencies are continually identified and implemented, always upholding the Five Keys. 

• Conduct operational audits, site visits, and vendor reviews to ensure service quality and regulatory compliance.

Industry Representation & Collaboration

• Represent the company at governmental meetings, association functions, cruise industry events, travel conventions, and other relevant gatherings.

• Interact consistently with senior shipboard management to plan turnaround operations, utilizing face-to-face meetings and conference calls as needed. 

Other Duties

• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

• Travel worldwide to support operations as needed. 

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum five years of cruise line pier operations or equivalent supervisory experience.

• Proven experience managing third-party vendors and complex governmental relationships.

• Strong understanding of US Immigration and US Agriculture laws.

• Flexible availability to support vessel operations as required, including 24/7 on-call support.

• Experience managing port agency operations and large operational budgets.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SeaWare, MXP and Fidelio.

• Demonstrated experience leading a team of direct reports.

• Passion for guest service.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills with attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal relationship skills.

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Self-starter with minimal supervision and strong follow-up skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays.

• Analytical skills to make quick, real-time decisions and maximize efficiencies.

• Knowledge of cruise products, cruise industry, and turnaround operations.

• Must possess a valid passport; travel is required. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with all Disney Cruise Line port operations.

• Understanding of Walt Disney World policies and procedures.

• Proficiency in multiple languages.

• Experience in the travel industry. 

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

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