Manager, Youth Activities, Disney Cruise Line

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognised by audiences everywhere for entertainment, information and inspiration. Innovation, imagination and inclusion are at the core of Disney, defining the experience that we deliver as well as providing the foundation of our success. The scope of our business, combined with global growth and collaboration result in an inclusive employee experience characterised by continuous learning, development and achievement.

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.

About Disney Cruise Line

Since launching in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry, providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer. Today, the award-winning Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its blueprint for family cruising with a fleet of six ships — the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Treasure — and seven more ships on the way, including the expanded relationship with Oriental Land Company Ltd. to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan, by 2031. The Disney Cruise Line fleet sails to destinations in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, the South Pacific, and Australia and New Zealand. The Disney Adventure, setting sail in 2025, will be the first to home port in Singapore.

About the Role

The Manager, Youth Activities will execute and sustain the operational vision for Youth Activities.  Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages, especially the younger audience? Are you a dynamic leader with a keen eye for safety, quality, and innovation? If so, you might be the perfect fit for the role of Manager, Youth Activities at Disney Cruise Line. In this position, you will report to the Senior Manager, Entertainment Operations and play a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing the day-to-day operations of youth activities experiences at Disney Cruise Line. 

Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Manage the day-to-day operations of all Youth Activities teams and functions, ensuring the safety, security, and exceptional experience for children aged 6 months through 17 years.  This could involve being the point of contact for other DCL ships sailing in the region.
• Collaboration: Serve as the primary point of contact for the onboard Manager of Youth Activities and the Celebration shoreside Youth Activities Leadership team, providing necessary support and fostering effective communication.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and execution of strategic operating plans for Youth Activities. Work closely with the Senior Manager to align with the overall vision of Disney Cruise Line Entertainment.
• Sourcing and Procurement:  Partner with key resources to ensure the warehouse and vendor processes are efficient and product is readily available when the ship needs it. 
• Innovation and Optimization: Drive innovation and continuous process improvements within the Youth Activities department, aiming for seamless and world-class guest experiences.
• Financial Management: Work with the Senior Manager to align budgets, labor management, and resource optimization for Youth Activities, actively contributing to the preparation of the annual operating plan.
• Staffing, Retention and Development: Partner with HR in the selection, hiring, and retention of onboard positions related to Youth Activities. Work with the onboard team to utilize the Talent Management system for career development.   Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate relationships with Entertainment and Hotel leaders and all other relevant partners.
• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure shipboard leadership adheres to all forms, collateral materials, documentation, checklists, procedures, policies, and policy changes. Ensure documents are in accordance with internal and external audits.
• Guest Satisfaction: Partner with shipboard and shoreside leaders to address and resolve guest issues and suggestions. Review and communicate resolutions based on Guest Comment cards, GSM comment summaries, GSM results, Voyage Incident Reports.  Ensure shipboard teams have the necessary resources to enable workstreams and delivery of shipboard product.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a leadership role with a focus on operational excellence.
• Experience in managing youth-related operations in parks, recreation, tourism, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols in a secured youth activities environment.
• Highly motivated self-starter with exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated problem solving and continuous improvement process skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with partners, vendors, and industry organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to integrate seamlessly at all levels of the organization.
• Flexibility in work schedule, including travel, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to be available and responsive to ship needs for urgent situations during non working hours

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in leadership roles within the cruise industry's youth entertainment sector.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in recreation, camp or leisure management, or related experience.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.