The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Director, Destination Experience Development
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, us, 33336
Join the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Where Every Voyage is a Symphony of Luxury
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, an exquisite extension of the renowned Ritz-Carlton brand, dedicated to redefining ultra-luxury hospitality at sea. As a "Lady or Gentleman" of our esteemed team, you'll be entrusted with the art of delivering the impeccable "Gold Standards" that have made the Ritz-Carlton an epitome of excellence across the globe.
The Essence of Excellence: The Gold StandardsThe Gold Standards are the bedrock of the Ritz-Carlton experience, setting us apart in the industry and establishing a legacy of unparalleled service. These standards embody the values and culture that define our brand, and serve as the compass guiding our every endeavor.
The Employee Promise
At The Ritz-Carlton, our Ladies and Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to our guests. By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment, we nurture and maximize talent to the benefit of each individual and the company. The Ritz-Carlton fosters a work environment where diversity is valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled, and the Ritz-Carlton Mystique is strengthened.
Join us on a journey where every day is a testament to the highest standard of luxury and service. Apply now and be part of an unparalleled legacy in hospitality.
Job Summary
The
Director, Destination Experience Development
is a strategic leader within the Product Development department responsible for the review and recommendation of existing and future Destination experiences programs, including conceptual roadmap design of Shore Excursions, Shoreside Events, Land Programs, Private Beach Experiences, Destination Hospitality Services and Shuttles programs. With an innate knowledge of what "true luxury" means and a deep understanding of the affluent luxury traveler, this leader will bring insights and connections into the world of personalized and curated ultra-luxury travel experiences. Leveraging this expertise, the Director, Destination Experience Development will propel forward and support the team's ability to deliver highly relevant and uniquely differentiated destination experiences to our guests.
Essential FunctionsLead the concept development for EMEA, CARIB and APAC of all Destination's experiences including Shore Excursions, Beach Experiences, in-port transportation programs.Partner closely with the Product Development, Voyage Design, and Shore Excursions teams to recommend the appropriate development roadmap and regional operators for all guest journey destinations programs and product evolution, globally.Work in close partnership with Voyage Design at the itinerary development phase to align on itineraries that maximize the guest destination experience at the voyage level.Partner closely with Hotel Operations Leadership to develop shore excursion concepts and recommend shortlisted Tour Operators that ensure a global luxury experience offering. Handoff final development and execution of all Shore Excursions to the Operations team.Develop "insightful concierge level" expertise and local knowledge for all destinations that we sail. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to maximize communication channels across website, digital, and marketing programs. Drive the narrative to ensure guest communication remains a priority across the customer journey including supporting our reservations teams in any relevant knowledge transfer.Lead the audit and review of delivered destination experiences to ensure relevant product enhancements and evolution.Build upon the brand property and local relationships to curate and design a knowledge desk of luxury destination insights for our onboard and shoreside Concierge teams. Further extends this focus to creating a full knowledge desk of shoreside insights for our onboard Concierge teams. Seek out opportunities, where possible, to create synergies with all relevant Marriott Luxury properties ensuring a personalized and tailored brand journey for guests throughout their vacation experience.Influence and collaborate on the holistic customer journey through the luxury lens, pre-cruise and onboard, at the voyage level for all Land Programs - including shore excursions, marquee events, pre and post-customer experiences and overland programs. Supports all digital content development for destinations programs, including Shore Excursions, Marquee Events and Enrichment.A key contributor in the development of the guest journey narrative, in partnership with marketing and reservations teams, to ensure the brand voice is represented in all aspects of the destination experiences in view and carefully communicated to all teams in the field, always with the guest experience in mind.Ensure Destination Experience offerings are meaningful and relevant, with an on-brand delivery through to execution. Monitor all relevant data points to ensure relevance and consistent impact and improvement to the overall guest experience.Work to establish a footprint of charitable foundation partners where mutual synergies could provide opportunities to curate global community experiences that magnify the power of the brand while strengthening the focus on curated enrichment.Partner with Director, Product Development to identify and develop world-class Beach Event and Marque Event experiences. Assist in seamless contract negotiations, venue booking, program development and frictionless hand-over for operational execution.Visibility of the department's budget process according to the standards established by the Financial Planning department.Competency
Education:
Bachelor's degree in hospitality, travel, or equivalent.Skills & Experience:
Minimum 15 years of luxury travel experienceKnowledge of global luxury destinations with an emphasis on expertise in Asian destinations preferredExperience in Luxury Cruise and/or Luxury Tour Operator programs requiredExpert-level experience in luxury travel markets and personalized servicesDeep knowledge of the destinations and expertise in setting up complex destination experience programsAbility to understand guest preferences and translate them into a relevant, luxury product offeringUnderstanding and anticipating global destination experience trendsA strong network of contacts in luxury travelStrong analytical skills with extreme attention to detailOrganized, structured, and highly data-drivenSuperior verbal and written communication and customer service skillsStrongly oriented towards guest satisfaction and curious to always raise the bar on guest experienceAbility to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environmentAbility to maintain positive, pleasant behavior while engaging guests and tour operatorsAbility to solve problematic situations in a quick, efficient mannerProficiency in Microsoft Office and Project Management software.Work Environment
Hybrid, working in a typical office environmentTraveling may be required, including internationallyThe position frequently requires working additional time outside of normal business hours.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is an Equal opportunity, inclusive employer and will consider all applicants for employment with the Company on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, an exquisite extension of the renowned Ritz-Carlton brand, dedicated to redefining ultra-luxury hospitality at sea. As a "Lady or Gentleman" of our esteemed team, you'll be entrusted with the art of delivering the impeccable "Gold Standards" that have made the Ritz-Carlton an epitome of excellence across the globe.
The Essence of Excellence: The Gold StandardsThe Gold Standards are the bedrock of the Ritz-Carlton experience, setting us apart in the industry and establishing a legacy of unparalleled service. These standards embody the values and culture that define our brand, and serve as the compass guiding our every endeavor.
The Employee Promise
At The Ritz-Carlton, our Ladies and Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to our guests. By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment, we nurture and maximize talent to the benefit of each individual and the company. The Ritz-Carlton fosters a work environment where diversity is valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled, and the Ritz-Carlton Mystique is strengthened.
Join us on a journey where every day is a testament to the highest standard of luxury and service. Apply now and be part of an unparalleled legacy in hospitality.
Job Summary
The
Director, Destination Experience Development
is a strategic leader within the Product Development department responsible for the review and recommendation of existing and future Destination experiences programs, including conceptual roadmap design of Shore Excursions, Shoreside Events, Land Programs, Private Beach Experiences, Destination Hospitality Services and Shuttles programs. With an innate knowledge of what "true luxury" means and a deep understanding of the affluent luxury traveler, this leader will bring insights and connections into the world of personalized and curated ultra-luxury travel experiences. Leveraging this expertise, the Director, Destination Experience Development will propel forward and support the team's ability to deliver highly relevant and uniquely differentiated destination experiences to our guests.
Essential FunctionsLead the concept development for EMEA, CARIB and APAC of all Destination's experiences including Shore Excursions, Beach Experiences, in-port transportation programs.Partner closely with the Product Development, Voyage Design, and Shore Excursions teams to recommend the appropriate development roadmap and regional operators for all guest journey destinations programs and product evolution, globally.Work in close partnership with Voyage Design at the itinerary development phase to align on itineraries that maximize the guest destination experience at the voyage level.Partner closely with Hotel Operations Leadership to develop shore excursion concepts and recommend shortlisted Tour Operators that ensure a global luxury experience offering. Handoff final development and execution of all Shore Excursions to the Operations team.Develop "insightful concierge level" expertise and local knowledge for all destinations that we sail. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to maximize communication channels across website, digital, and marketing programs. Drive the narrative to ensure guest communication remains a priority across the customer journey including supporting our reservations teams in any relevant knowledge transfer.Lead the audit and review of delivered destination experiences to ensure relevant product enhancements and evolution.Build upon the brand property and local relationships to curate and design a knowledge desk of luxury destination insights for our onboard and shoreside Concierge teams. Further extends this focus to creating a full knowledge desk of shoreside insights for our onboard Concierge teams. Seek out opportunities, where possible, to create synergies with all relevant Marriott Luxury properties ensuring a personalized and tailored brand journey for guests throughout their vacation experience.Influence and collaborate on the holistic customer journey through the luxury lens, pre-cruise and onboard, at the voyage level for all Land Programs - including shore excursions, marquee events, pre and post-customer experiences and overland programs. Supports all digital content development for destinations programs, including Shore Excursions, Marquee Events and Enrichment.A key contributor in the development of the guest journey narrative, in partnership with marketing and reservations teams, to ensure the brand voice is represented in all aspects of the destination experiences in view and carefully communicated to all teams in the field, always with the guest experience in mind.Ensure Destination Experience offerings are meaningful and relevant, with an on-brand delivery through to execution. Monitor all relevant data points to ensure relevance and consistent impact and improvement to the overall guest experience.Work to establish a footprint of charitable foundation partners where mutual synergies could provide opportunities to curate global community experiences that magnify the power of the brand while strengthening the focus on curated enrichment.Partner with Director, Product Development to identify and develop world-class Beach Event and Marque Event experiences. Assist in seamless contract negotiations, venue booking, program development and frictionless hand-over for operational execution.Visibility of the department's budget process according to the standards established by the Financial Planning department.Competency
Education:
Bachelor's degree in hospitality, travel, or equivalent.Skills & Experience:
Minimum 15 years of luxury travel experienceKnowledge of global luxury destinations with an emphasis on expertise in Asian destinations preferredExperience in Luxury Cruise and/or Luxury Tour Operator programs requiredExpert-level experience in luxury travel markets and personalized servicesDeep knowledge of the destinations and expertise in setting up complex destination experience programsAbility to understand guest preferences and translate them into a relevant, luxury product offeringUnderstanding and anticipating global destination experience trendsA strong network of contacts in luxury travelStrong analytical skills with extreme attention to detailOrganized, structured, and highly data-drivenSuperior verbal and written communication and customer service skillsStrongly oriented towards guest satisfaction and curious to always raise the bar on guest experienceAbility to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environmentAbility to maintain positive, pleasant behavior while engaging guests and tour operatorsAbility to solve problematic situations in a quick, efficient mannerProficiency in Microsoft Office and Project Management software.Work Environment
Hybrid, working in a typical office environmentTraveling may be required, including internationallyThe position frequently requires working additional time outside of normal business hours.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is an Equal opportunity, inclusive employer and will consider all applicants for employment with the Company on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.