Marella Cruises Fleet F&B Development Manager

Job Description

With nearly three decades of seafaring wisdom, Marella Cruises proudly stands as the UK’s third largest cruise operator. Each year, we take away over 300,000 customers, navigating through 125 stunning destinations across the globe. Leading the way and working behind the scenes, our Marella family of over 3000 Makers of Happy steer a fleet of 5 vessels that offer exceptional hospitality, All-Inclusive as standard, and award-winning entertainment.

Come join the Marella Cruises team as our new Fleet Food & Beverage Development Manager. You’ll lead the development of existing and new food and beverage product propositions to continually improve the cruise customer experience. You’ll develop and launch new food and beverage products and initiatives, contributing directly to the 5 year plan to support innovation, revenue and service development.

Reporting to the Head of Hotel Operations, the Cruise F&B Manager will play a pivotal role within the Cruise Operations and Customer Experience teams. Operating round-the-clock, our cruise ships require project involvement outside normal office hours. The role entails regular overseas travel, typically lasting 3 to 7 days per trip and in-person meetings at our head office situated in Luton, Bedfordshire.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 7th April. Please note this is an 18-month Fixed Term Contract.

ABOUT THE JOB

• Utilising customer insights and business expertise, you’ll lead the development of food and beverage concepts for Marella Cruises’ fleet. You’ll work with the Product Development team and the onboard hotel provider to create new menus, ensuring customer satisfaction and meeting commercial goals. Responsibilities include crafting specifications and menus to enhance satisfaction and profitability.
• Engage stakeholders to drive product ideas from inception, ensuring understanding and buy-in. Communicate food and beverage vision to shoreside, onboard teams, hotel provider and the Marella leadership team to encourage change and achieve both customer and commercial benefits.
• As part of your remit you will conduct regular ship visits to undertake documented F&B quality checks – to cover food, drinks, physical menus, service steps, restaurant layouts and follow up with the onboard teams and the hotel partner supplier where required to ensure standards are being adhered to do.
• Own and manage F&B discrepancy logs, monitoring and resolving issues while promoting data-led product improvements. Escalate supply shortages and issues to senior stakeholders for prompt resolution and minimal customer impact.
• Drive dietary updates and best practices for food and bars, aligning with customer and societal trends, and meeting regulatory and legal standards.

ABOUT YOU

• Creative and Innovative Food & Beverage Expert: Bring fresh ideas and culinary innovation to elevate our fleet’s dining experiences. Your creativity will shape menus and offerings, setting us apart in the industry.
• A Leader who Builds Strong Cross-Departmental Relationships: Forge collaborative alliances with colleagues and external partners to harmonize diverse demands. Your ability to bridge gaps ensures seamless operations and outstanding service delivery across departments.
• Customer-Centric Leader with Excellent Communication: Listen attentively to customer feedback and effectively communicate our vision. Your leadership will challenge norms, influence positive change, and foster effective relationships with remote teams and external partners.
• Proven Track Record of Leading Strategic Change Projects: From inception to full F&B operational rollout, your strategic insights and leadership will drive transformative change within our fleet operations. Your ability to navigate complexities and inspire teams ensures successful project execution.
• Strong Project Management Skills: With multiple projects underway, your organizational prowess will ensure timely and budget-conscious completion. You’ll oversee projects, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor progress to achieve desired outcomes.
• Strong Initiative and Decision-Making Skills: Thrive in ambiguity, make informed decisions, and take proactive steps to address challenges head-on. Your initiative and decisive actions will drive progress in a dynamic environment.
• Effective Communicator Confident in Presenting and Selling Your Vision: Articulate our goals with clarity and conviction, whether to internal stakeholders or external partners. Your persuasive communication style inspires alignment and action.
• Strong Commercial Acumen and Influencing Skills: Understand market dynamics and leverage insights to drive growth initiatives. Your ability to influence decisions and negotiate effectively contributes to our bottom line.
• Strong Attention to Detail: Ensure excellence in every aspect of our operations, from menu planning to service delivery. Your meticulous approach guarantees a flawless customer experience.
• Ability to Lead and Develop a Matrix Management Team: Empower and inspire team members within a matrix management structure. Your leadership style fosters collaboration and upward influence, driving organizational success.

ABOUT OUR OFFER

• Fantastic holiday benefits including discounts, special offers and the ability to purchase additional ‘TUI time off’
• Health and Wellbeing support in five key areas – Financial, Health, Social, Community and Career
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance, single cover with option to add dependants
• Permanent Health Insurance
• Pension scheme and life assurance

​We want to be the best-loved holiday company not only for our customers, but for our colleagues too. That’s why we offer a variety of benefits that go above and beyond a competitive salary, so we can help you to live your best life happily at TUI. Click here to find out more.

We love to see your uniqueness shine through and inspire the future of travel.​ If you would like to read more about what Diversity & Inclusion means to us simply visit Our DNA

If you require any further information regarding this opportunity, please email careers@tui.co.uk

Your application is important to us and we aim to get back to you shortly after the closing date