River Cruise Product Development Manager

About the role

The Travel Corporation (TTC) is looking for a Product Development Manager to design, launch and continuously refine Trafalgar's new River Cruise portfolio, focusing on shore experiences, extensions and optional experiences. The role works closely with hospitality, onboard entertainment, operations, ship design and marketing teams, and owns the product vision from concept and design through launch and ongoing optimisation. It is based in Europe, preferably Germany, Switzerland or the UK, on a hybrid basis.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the strategic framework and roadmap for Trafalgar River, defining itineraries, inclusions and the guest experience philosophy.
• Design a portfolio of river itineraries (Rhine, Main Danube, Seine and others) and lead their creative and commercial development from concept to launch.
• Partner with marketing and content teams to make products compelling and market-ready, and with hospitality and nautical teams to align on-board and on-shore experiences.
• Carry out competitive analysis and market research, and work with Tracoin, Uniworld and other contractors to select river cruise partners and shore experience suppliers.
• Provide direction on itinerary structure, inclusions, optional experiences and cost targets to support negotiations and margin optimisation.
• Work with Revenue Management, Yield and Commercial teams on pricing, deployment and load factor strategies.
• Define the shore-based guest experience, work with Operations on delivery standards, set quality assurance processes and feedback loops, and train Cruise Directors and on-board staff.
• Act as the bridge between Product, Contracting, Operations and Marketing, and keep senior stakeholders informed with progress updates and risk assessments.

Required profile

• Deep knowledge of European destinations and waterways, including routing, port logistics and excursion feasibility.
• Significant experience in product development or contracting within the cruising industry; global experience is advantageous.
• Proven ability to turn brand identity into guest-centred product design, with excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with attention to operational detail, entrepreneurial and committed to responsible tourism.

Required skills

• High proficiency in Excel for costing, itinerary management and product tracking.