Senior Manager, Product Development

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 Standards

The 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 Senior Manager, Product Development will support the organization in new and existing product development, product design, and product evolution. Reporting to the Chief Brand Operations Officer, this role will act as a project manager for various strategic rollout efforts on existing ships, new ships and all relevant brand projects. This very hands-on leader will drive key elements of the strategic and operational product development process including the creation of designated product briefs that reflect key insights identified to strengthen existing and future product delivery. Partnering and working collaboratively with key stakeholders as an ambassador for the development of an end-to-end customer journey reflective of The Ritz-Carlton guest expectation.

Essential Functions

• Initiate and drive the onboard product development process for designated projects with all relevant operational stakeholders. Propose and define the brand approach, strategy, idea generation, organizational buy-in, and final concepts for all new and evolving onboard guest experiences. Ensures that concepts are brought to life in line with company goals and departmental KPIs.
• Provide guidance and recommendations for new concepts and onboard experiences. Partner and collaborate closely with key departmental stakeholders across the organization to adapt and evolve the strategy as needed. Champions the importance of the Product vision to all stakeholders at all times and provide direct leadership with all partners and stakeholders, ensuring that the products and experiences being created for Ritz-Carlton Yacht collection are viable, feasible, and desirable for our guests.
• Create concept briefs outlining the business environment, current product positioning, competitive landscape, insights, and data findings to share recommendations and updates with Leadership and stakeholders. Ensure that concepts are marketable, drive guest satisfaction and ultimately drive the necessary ROI and revenue as per plan.
• Partner with Senior Analyst, Product Development to leverage customer insights and analytics to influence the mindful development of product experiences ensuring the voice of the customer remains at the forefront of the vision.
• Lead the process of cascading guest experience and product innovations to operational teams to ensure brand alignment and on-brand execution.
• Accountable for the products and experiences that are developed and ultimately responsible for helping our partners to ensure final delivery of the product is in line with the strategic vision and brings to life the desired experience for our guests.
• Work closely with the Marketing Communications team, Public Relations, Creative Agencies and Revenue Management to ensure the latest information is being accurately represented in the brands communication, systems and all market channels.
• Establish and maintain design experience guidelines to ensure Creative Agencies, Operations and Newbuild teams have the necessary information to develop required branding, operational SOPs and deliver against all desired guest expectations.
• Create presentations showcasing the strategy, and recommendations, and gain buy-in and final approval from the senior leadership team.
• Identify clear short and long-term project plans and effectively manage complex timelines and deliverables.
• Create, own, and track all product development budgets and financials associated with assigned projects. Carefully manage expenses and partnership budgets as assigned.
• Foster a highly collaborative team dynamic and approach that connect various disciplines from internal partners, external partners, brand partners and Newbuild to ensure alignment, visibility, and a long-term successful product development process.

Competency

Education: Bachelor's degree (or the international equivalent) from an accredited university or college in Marketing, Design, Hospitality or business-related field

Experience and Qualification: Candidate must possess the following:

• Five to seven years of experience in business, product development, or luxury operations
• Superior time management and organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage in a fast-paced international environment
• Highly advanced written English communication skills. This includes the ability to prepare advanced written communication; interpret and analyze advanced reports, produce documents, and presentations; and manage a large volume of written communication, either digitally or in hard copy
• Possesses strategic acumen with the ability to execute necessary deliverables
• Has a proven track record of leading teams through ideation, design, and delivery of guest experience products
• Proven ability to collaborate with others, and the ability to build strong and sustainable relationships, with capability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Meticulous in focus around attention to detail and follow through
• Trustworthy, high ethical standards, ability to work autonomously and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, Smartsheet, PowerPoint and Project design software.

Work Environment

The position requires working in a typical office environment as well as onboard and requires 25-35% travel annually.

#LI-Hybrid

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.