Senior Manager, Adventures by Disney

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.

The Senior Manager, Adventures by Disney provides leadership for the Trip Operations team and associated operational support functions responsible for delivering Adventures by Disney's global portfolio of escorted travel programs. This role is accountable for the performance, development, and results of multiple related teams, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and a seamless Guest experience across assigned programs. The Sr. Manager develops departmental priorities, leads strategic and operational initiatives, allocates resources, and partners with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners to support business objectives. Working closely with Global Security, this role helps manage operational risk and ensure Company and brand standards for safety, quality, and compliance are consistently achieved.

The Senior Manager, Adventures by Disney reports to the Director, Owned & Operated and sits in Celebration, FL.

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

Responsibilities:

• Lead Trip Operations and may provide oversight for additional operational teams and support functions, depending on organizational needs. Provide leadership through managers, leaders, and professional staff while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and business objectives.

• Oversee domestic and international trip logistics across assigned departures, including proactive planning and real-time problem resolution. Direct the development, enhancement, and maintenance of itineraries, operational processes, services, and tools that support Adventures by Disney programs.

• Manage operational agreements, supplier relationships, contract negotiations, RFPs, and annual program-costing activities. Ensure favorable terms, operational readiness, and financial performance across assigned programs.

• Own operational financial performance, including budgets, profitability, reconciliations, and cost management. Identify and implement opportunities to maximize efficiency and profitability while maintaining product quality standards.

• Develop departmental plans, business initiatives, and operational strategies. Influence departmental priorities, allocate resources, and drive continuous improvement efforts across assigned teams and functions.

• Partner with key stakeholders across Human Resources, Legal, Risk Management, Marketing, Call Centers, Finance, Global Security, and other functional areas to support operational and strategic business objectives.

• Conduct operational reviews, inspections, vendor visits, site assessments, and itinerary travel as needed. Participate in inventory management, strategic planning, and business review meetings, and represent the department through presentations and executive updates.

• Monitor global events and risks that may impact travelers or operations. Partner with Global Security to make decisions regarding traveler safety, communication plans, and operational response strategies. Maintain accountability for 24-hour emergency phone coverage and provide 24/7 on-call leadership support as needed.

• Lead and develop a team of leaders and professional employees, with accountability for the performance and results of multiple related teams. Coach and mentor leaders, conduct performance reviews, support succession planning, and participate in hiring and talent development activities.

• Travel domestically and internationally on short notice as needed to support operational requirements and business priorities, up to 10% of the time.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of relevant travel industry experience, including demonstrated success leading leaders and professional teams with accountability for the performance, development, and results of multiple related teams.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex global operations across multiple teams and cross-functional stakeholder groups in a dynamic, service-oriented environment.

• Proven ability to develop and influence departmental plans and priorities, allocate resources, and execute strategic and operational initiatives.

• Extensive domestic and international destination experience.

• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and collaborate effectively across a complex, matrixed organization.

• Demonstrated success solving complex operational, organizational, and time-sensitive challenges while balancing Guest experience, risk, and financial considerations.

• Strong strategic planning, project management, and negotiation skills, including supplier agreements, contracts, and business terms.

• Experience managing budgets, profitability, and P&L performance.

• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple business-critical responsibilities while working within strict deadlines and evolving operational demands.

• Proficiency with Apple and Microsoft products; familiarity with CRM systems and operational technology platforms.

• Demonstrated commitment to delivering world-class products, services, and Guest experiences consistent with The Walt Disney Company standards.

• Travel will be required for this role.

• Possess a valid Passport.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading global travel, hospitality, cruise, or escorted tour operations.

• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams and multi-functional operations.

• Demonstrated success driving operational improvements and business initiatives.

• Familiarity with Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions products and operating models.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

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 $132,600.00-$177,700.00 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.