Senior Cruise Operations Consultant

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Cruise Operations Consultant to join their Cruise Division in Paarden Eiland Cape Town. This is a hands-on operations role focused on coordinating and managing the on-the-ground logistics for international cruise ships visiting South Africa Mozambique and Angola.

Please note: This is not a cruise reservations or cruise sales role. The successful candidate will be responsible for operational delivery supplier coordination logistics management and service execution during the cruise season.

• Manage the operational delivery of shore excursions overland programmes hotel stays turnaround services and pre/post cruise arrangements.
  
• Re-quote services and ensure operational feasibility of all programmes.
  
• Source negotiate and manage supplier rates and relationships.
  
• Ensure all bookings reservations and services are confirmed and operationally ready.
  
• Prepare movement schedules welcome letters guide packs and operational documentation.
  
• Liaise with cruise agents onboard teams guides port managers suppliers and operational partners.
  
• Coordinate and support port operations during vessel calls.
  
• Manage waitlists confirmations amendments and service changes.
  
• Process supplier invoices and assist with final client invoicing.
  
• Maintain service excellence accuracy and strict turnaround times.
  
• Assist with operational problem-solving and emergency support when required.
  

• Minimum 5 years experience within an inbound tour operating or travel operations environment at senior consultant level.
  
• Strong understanding of travel operations logistics and supplier management.
  
• Excellent knowledge of Southern African travel products and destinations.
  
• Experience with costing quoting and managing operational budgets.
  
• Advanced Excel skills.
  
• Strong administration and coordination abilities.
  
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
  
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.
  
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure.
  

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional attention to detail
  
• Strong organisational and planning skills
  
• Supplier negotiation experience
  
• Relationship-building skills
  
• Customer service excellence
  
• Problem-solving ability
  
• Time management and deadline-driven approach
  
• Stress tolerance and adaptability
  
• Strong commercial awareness and operational knowledge
  

Ideal Candidate:

• We are looking for a hands-on operations professional who thrives in a busy environment enjoys managing complex logistics and has a passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences.
  
• Candidates with cruise operations inbound tourism destination management tour operating or hospitality coordination experience will be highly regarded.