Senior Manager, Communications

The Senior Manager, Communications is responsible for leading Viking's integrated communications function across Australia and New Zealand. This includes strategy, sponsorships and partnerships, PR, content direction and social media. This fast-paced role ensures Viking's brand voice is consistently represented across consumer and trade audiences, while delivering measurable outcomes in awareness, engagement, and reputation.

This role reports to the Senior Director, Marketing & Communications and manages three direct reports — Copy and Content Manager, Public Relations Manager, and Marketing Coordinator. This role also partners closely with Viking's global communications teams.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute an integrated PR and content strategy that aligns with Viking's global and regional brand objectives.
• Hold ultimate accountability for the content calendar, messaging hierarchy, and PR direction across channels.
• Act as custodian of Viking's tone of voice, creative integrity, and brand standards.
• Oversee issues management and high-profile media activity, ensuring timely, accurate, and aligned responses.
• Plan video shoots including content development, production schedules, ship liaison, budgeting and managing all aspects of on board and on shore filming.
• Own sponsorships and brand partnerships, from negotiation to delivery, ensuring measurable return and alignment with brand positioning.
• Identify, negotiate, and deliver sponsorships that enhance Viking's brand equity.
• Ensure contractual deliverables are met and value is maximized across owned, earned, and paid channels.
• Build strong external relationships with key trade and consumer media partners, industry and tourism bodies, and event organisers.
• Provide clear leadership and direction to the communications team, building capability, accountability, and collaboration.
• Manage departmental budgets, supplier relationships, and reporting.
• Represent the Viking brand at industry events and expos

Performance Measures

• Delivery of integrated PR and content strategy aligned with brand and business objectives.
• Sponsorships and partnerships negotiated, delivered, and evaluated for measurable ROI.
• Growth in Viking's share of voice and quality of media coverage.
• Effectiveness of issues management and brand protection.
• On-time delivery of campaigns, content, and reporting.
• Development and performance of direct reports.
• Fosters a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with Viking's values.

About You

• Experience: 8–12 years' experience in communications or PR leadership, including at least 3 years in a people management role. Experience in travel, lifestyle, premium consumer, or adjacent sectors is highly regarded.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in communications or other related field
• Expertise: Strong record of developing integrated communications strategies and delivering measurable results.
• PR: Confident handling top tier media and managing senior interviews and issues/crisis communications.
• Content: Demonstrated success developing engaging long- and short-term multi-channel content strategies that align with business objectives
• Sponsorships: Demonstrated success negotiating, managing, activating and leveraging sponsorships and partnerships.
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.
• Collaboration: Effective partner to cross-channel teams. Clear communicator who can manage up, across, and out to external stakeholders.
• Technology & Tools: Skilled in using analytics and content management platforms. Uses Copilot or equivalent AI tools to increase efficiency.
• Attributes: Creative, commercially astute, resilient under pressure, collaborative, and able to influence stakeholders at all levels. Brings energy, follow through, and professional polish to every interaction.
• Travel: Willingness to travel for media events (including weekends and out-of-hours if required)

Why Join Viking

• Work for a global leader in travel, with strong brand recognition and growth.
• A competitive salary package
• Fantastic industry benefits such as reduced cruise rates and occasional familiarisations
• Health benefits — Viking will contribute to your individual private health insurance
• A supportive environment that encourages learning, while working alongside a fun, friendly team
• Viking has a beautiful, modern office based in Surry Hills, close to Central Station

The Company

Viking was founded in 1997 with the vision that travel could be more destination focused and culturally immersive. Since then, it has grown to a fleet of more than 90 vessels, offering river, ocean and expedition voyages taking curious travellers to all seven continents.

With more than 450 awards to its name, Viking is a leader in the industry and was rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans (for ships sized 500 to 2,500 berths) and #1 for Expeditions by
Condé Nast Traveler
 for the second year in a row in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. This marks the first time a travel company has won these three categories in back-to-back years.

So as the cruise industry continues to go from strength to strength, there has never been a more exciting time to join this sector of the travel industry.

How to Apply

Submit your application via LinkedIn. All applications should include CV plus a cover letter highlighting your experience leading an integrated communications function with responsibility for PR, content and sponsorship, and achieving measurable brand outcomes.

Closing date: Friday 3 October 2025

Only suitable candidates will be contacted.