Senior Vice President and General Manager, DCL Operations

Title:  Senior Vice President and General Manager, DCL Operations

Reports to:  President, Disney Signature Experiences  

Location:  Celebration, Florida

The Senior Vice President and General Manager, DCL Operations will lead the development and execution of business strategies and operations across the entire DCL portfolio including 8 ships and 2 private island destinations in the Bahamas.  This role is responsible for ensuring that our fleet operates with safety and environmental stewardship as our top priorities, delivers best in class cruise vacations for our guests, and provides exceptional leadership to our Cast and Crew who bring our experience to life. The SVP and GM develops the organization’s strategic goals and objectives and inspires teams across the business to effectively deliver on those commitments.  This role will lead an experienced and talented team across EMEA, APAC and North America that is responsible for hotel and entertainment operations, marine and technical operations, port strategy and development, and our regional business in Southeast Asia.  The SVP and GM partners closely with key stakeholders and partners across Disney Experiences including Walt Disney Imagineering, DCL Commercial Strategy, Legal, Finance, Public Affairs/Public Relations, Safety, Security and Environmental, and Human Resources to effectively achieve our goals and objectives. We are seeking an experienced and innovative cruise industry professional that will lead our organization as we continue to grow and bring the magic of a Disney Cruise Line to guests and locations around the globe. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction for Disney Cruise Line and serve as the senior executive leader for fleetwide operations
• Ensure that safety is always our top priority by integrating shore-based and shipboard policies resulting in safe, environmentally friendly and coordinated operations
• Establish performance criteria for Guest satisfaction and create the vision that results in a seamless vacation experience for our guests
• Develop strategies to achieve revenue targets, ensure sustainable growth and manage associated budgets effectively to deliver maximum value to the business
• In partnership with Commercial Strategy, this role will support the development of fleetwide deployment strategies that support our commercial goals and continue to introduce new consumers to our product. 
• Responsible for ensuring we have holistic port development strategy in place that allows us flexibility and variety when considering new itineraries and an exceptional guest experience
• In collaboration with WDI, ensure that new build strategies are effectively developed and executed to meet design criteria, timelines, and budget parameters, in addition to planned dry dock menu scope and schedules
• Consult with DSE Commercial Strategy in the development of solid product and brand strategies which will drive brand affinity and revenue, accelerating our growth initiatives
• Lead the implementation of key strategies and new initiatives that allow us to bring the Disney brand to new markets and consumers around the world
• Actively contribute and collaborate with all stakeholders and key partners to build synergy and identify opportunities to successfully deliver on the business strategy
• Ensures company operating procedures and plans support the Safety Management System and comply with the various governing codes including the classification society, flag state, and port state controls.   
• Responsible for developing an organizational culture that is focused on transparency, continuous learning, integrity, and shared values. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelors’ degree or equivalent experience
• 15 years of relevant experience in a leadership role within the cruise or maritime industry
• Demonstrated leadership capability managing multi-disciplinary teams and driving change, development and growth.
• Flexible and adaptable approach with an ability to understand local business practices, work across cultures, possess strong cultural competencies and lead a multi-cultural team. 
• Proven strategic skills and creative sensibilities
• Natural collaborator who seeks win-win solutions across stakeholders, with the ability to balance a company-wide agenda
• Proficiency in effectively managing a P&L and applying commercial thinking and decision making
• Ability to successfully work in a matrixed multinational corporate environment
• Courage to be “out-of-the-box” thinker to challenge current practices for markets to optimize growth and profitability
• Great influence in driving high levels of creativity and innovation
• Strong planning and execution skills; experience in handling, planning and overseeing the execution of business plans
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with an ability to clearly articulate a point of view in both written and verbal formats
• Able to identify and resolve issues independently and communicate solutions effectively

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration