At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting new shipbuilding projects and shape unforgettable entertainment experiences.
- Company: Join Disney, a leader in creativity and innovation with a focus on community and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and exclusive Disney perks.
- Other info: Flexible work schedule and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make magic happen by creating memorable experiences for guests on Disney Cruise Line.
- Qualifications: Experience in cruise operations and project management, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 46350 - 56650 £ per year.
About the Role & Team
The Senior Manager, Entertainment New Build, reports to the Director, Entertainment New Build supporting the program development, vessel delivery and operational readiness of Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessels. You will be responsible for providing strategic and critical analytical, decision, and communication support to drive and align project scope and delivery on behalf of DCL Entertainment, Mainstage, Youth Activities, Port Adventures and Technical Operations along with Walt Disney Imagineering throughout the project life cycle.
You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day.
This role will be based in our London Hammersmith office, 4 days a week, with either a Monday or Friday working from home. You will also be required for occasional international travel.
What You Will Do
- Drives the development of the program for new shipbuilding projects, including guest venue requirements and validation, back of house space requirements, crewing and circulation.
- Ensuring program requirements are implemented into the General Arrangement at each stage project, acting as a liaison between WDI & DCL Entertainment Operations.
- Responsible for developing the primary Entertainment program to provide an outline of the number, type and scale of shows required to effectively activate the ship for the Guests based on feedback from Operational partners, Disney Live Entertainment (DLE) partners, number of venues and proposed itineraries.
- Lead the Client Request process between Entertainment Operations and Disney Live Entertainment to define and agree the shows to be produced.
- Liaise with the Entertainment Operations team throughout the New Build process to solicit continual feedback to design evolutions, provide regular progress reports and mediate between overlapping program requirements.
- Develop and manage OFE lists to support the set-up and initial opening of the ship for all Entertainment areas, including collaboration with Operational partners for current supplies and timely input.
- Coordinate DCL Entertainment operational readiness efforts.
- Providing planning and communication support for the following pre-launch activities; vessel commissioning team set up, crew training and costuming, logistics arrangements for crew embarkation, and operational completion of crew and guest spaces.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the New Build VCT Cruise Director during the commissioning and opening phases of the project, include driving daily collaboration between WDI and DLE partners for the turnover of the venues and the opening of the shows.
- In addition to New Build projects, to similarly support Dry Dock projects in the areas outlined above.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Entertainment Management, Maritime Studies, Project Management or comparable experience.
- Extensive senior leadership experience in cruise line operations, including expertise in managing large projects and teams.
- Experience supporting new build, commissioning, launch, dry dock or major operational transformation projects.
- Confidence in collaborating with design, construction, or imagineering teams throughout a project lifecycle.
- Highly motivated self-starter able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
- Strong verbal, written, presentation skills.
- Demonstrated strong partnering skills.
- Good problem solving and continuous improvement process skills.
- Proven ability to initiate, organize, prioritize, take, and provide direction, and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.
- Ability to work in a team environment with strong interpersonal skills and positive demeanor.
- Flexibility with work schedule, including weekends and holidays.
- Must be able to travel extensively.
The Perks
- 25 days annual leave.
- Private medical insurance & dental care.
- Complimentary admission to eligible Disney Theme Parks, giving you the opportunity to experience the magic we create and make memories of your own.
- Access to a wide range of Disney discounts on Disney merchandise, Disney Food & Beverage, Disney Resort Hotels, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, and more.
- Excellent parental and guardian leave.
- Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney Mosaic, Disney PRIDE, our disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Senior Manager, Entertainment New Build in London employer: The Walt Disney Company
At The Walt Disney Studios, we foster a vibrant culture of innovation and creativity, making it an exceptional place for a Technical Director to thrive. Located in Iver Heath, our London-based production unit offers unique opportunities for collaboration with a global team, alongside generous benefits such as private medical insurance, free park entry, and a commitment to employee growth through diverse resource groups. Join us to be part of a team that not only values your technical expertise but also champions inclusivity and well-being.
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