Cruise Operations Specialist

**Cruise Operations Specialist, AUS**

**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.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Employee discount
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Work from home

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift