Manager, Trip Operations-Private Jet, Adventures & Expeditions

For nearly two decades, Adventures by Disney has been a leading travel brand, offering over 40 guided-group adventures across land, river, and expedition cruises. Disney-trained Adventure Guides ensure hassle-free vacations with masterful storytelling, in-depth knowledge, and attention to detail, fostering lasting connections with each destination. The heart of every Adventures by Disney vacation lies in the authenticity, immersion in cultures, insider access, and curated activities.

Building on a legacy of over 135 years, National Geographic Explorers have ventured across continents, remote cultures, ocean depths, and towering mountains. National Geographic Expeditions extends this legacy, allowing travelers to embrace their inner explorer and witness the wonders of the world up close and in depth. National Geographic Expeditions provides unparalleled access to the world with Signature Land, Expedition Cruise, and Private Jet options. Additionally, every trip booked supports the global nonprofit National Geographic Society, contributing to the work of National Geographic Explorers worldwide in protecting and illuminating our world through exploration, research, and education.

The Manager, Trip Operations-Private Jet for Adventures & Expeditions leads a team responsible for the successful planning, execution, and financial performance of Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions Private Jet programs. This role oversees a portfolio of luxury travel experiences, driving operational excellence, exceptional Guest satisfaction, and strong business results. Working closely with cross-functional partners and external suppliers worldwide, the Manager ensures seamless program delivery, team development, adherence to brand standards, and continuous improvement across all assigned operations.

The Manager, Trip Operations-Private Jet will report to the Sr Manager, Private Jet and sits in Celebration, FL.

*This is an on-site role based in Celebration, FL.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a Private Jet Operations team of 1–6 direct reports responsible for the planning, execution, and financial performance of escorted group private jet programs. Establish clear priorities, drive operational excellence, and ensure successful delivery of assigned programs.

• Provide leadership and direction to on-trip staff, expedition personnel, and cross-functional project teams to ensure successful program execution and delivery of business objectives.

• Coach, mentor, and develop direct reports and on-trip staff by setting performance expectations, providing ongoing feedback, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee all operational aspects of assigned itineraries, ensuring seamless execution, exceptional Guest experiences, adherence to brand standards, and continuous improvement through Guest feedback, operational insights, and performance metrics.

• Serve as the primary operational decision-maker during active departures, leading responses to operational challenges, itinerary disruptions, weather events, mechanical issues, security concerns, and other unforeseen circumstances.

• Lead change management efforts related to itinerary modifications and operational disruptions, ensuring coordinated cross-functional execution, compliance with internal policies and legal requirements, and timely communication to Guests and stakeholders.

• Manage relationships with global suppliers, destination management companies, hotels, transportation providers, and other travel partners. Negotiate rates, terms, and service agreements while holding partners accountable for quality, service, and operational performance.

• Accountable for the financial performance of assigned programs, including budgeting, cost management, invoice review, reconciliation, closeout activities, and profitability optimization.

• Partner closely with Legal, Risk Management, Global Security, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure contractual compliance, safety standards, insurance requirements, destination risk monitoring, operational risk mitigation, and implementation of established safety, security, and emergency response procedures.

• Ensure the accurate development, maintenance, and communication of operational documentation, financial records, legal requirements, policies, procedures, training materials, and program communications.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal partners, including Trip Development, Contact Center, Marketing, Finance, Revenue Management, Public Affairs, and Trip Services, to support successful program development, itinerary enhancement, operational execution, and overall business objectives.

• Oversee the accuracy and consistency of Guest-facing materials, marketing content, websites, program communications, and operational collateral to ensure alignment with brand standards and program requirements.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, brand guidelines, travel and entertainment requirements, safety procedures, and emergency response protocols across direct reports, on-trip staff, and third-party suppliers.

• Provide 24/7 on-call support to Expedition Staff, suppliers, and in-country operators during active departures, proactively addressing operational issues and ensuring continuity of the Guest experience.

• Travel domestically and internationally as required to support site inspections, advance planning activities, supplier meetings, and trip departures.

• Lead portfolio-specific initiatives, process improvements, and cross-functional projects that drive operational efficiency, enhance Guest experiences, and support broader business objectives.

• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment that values diversity of thought, experience, and background.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of professional experience managing complex operations, logistics, supplier relationships, budgets, and cross-functional initiatives, preferably within the travel, hospitality, experiential tourism, or luxury services industries.

• 3+ years of experience leading employees, teams, and/or on-trip operational staff (salaried leadership experience preferred). Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, develop, and provide performance feedback in both direct and matrixed environments.

• Experience in project, program, or travel operations management, preferably within the travel, hospitality, or experiential tourism industry. Experience supporting international group travel, luxury travel, or private jet operations strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex operations, logistics, and projects while balancing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and work effectively across diverse, matrixed organizations and complex corporate environments.

• Self-starter with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive, solutions-oriented mindset and commitment to delivering exceptional products, services, and Guest experiences.

• International and domestic destination knowledge and travel experience.

• Experience developing and managing budgets, financial reconciliations, and cost controls; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel preferred.

• Demonstrated supplier management and negotiation skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with global partners and suppliers whose primary language may not be English. Foreign language proficiency is a plus.

• Strong problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to anticipate challenges, identify root causes, and implement creative and effective solutions.

• Knowledge of the travel and hospitality industry, including operational and service delivery best practices.

• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality work with minimal supervision.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with QuickBase, CRM platforms, or similar operational systems is a plus.

• Travel will be required for this role.

• Possess a valid Passport.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions brands, products, operating models, and Guest experience standards.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related field or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Education:  

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Aviation Management, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related field.

• Professional certifications in Project Management, Operations Management, Hospitality Management, Risk Management, or related disciplines are a plus.

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range for this position in Celebration, FL is $91,000.00-$121,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.