Job description

About Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent is a premier global luxury travel company with a legacy rooted in pioneering experiential luxury travel since 1962. Originally a luxury safari operator in Africa, the company now employs over 3,000 staff across more than 70 offices in 83+ countries. It specializes in private, tailor-made, and flexible small group travel worldwide and owns a portfolio of cruise vessels, lodges, tented camps, hotels, and all-terrain vehicles. The company is dedicated to responsible and ethical tourism through its philanthropy efforts, supporting communities where guests travel.

Role Overview

This role, reporting to the New Zealand Cruise Operations Manager, requires managing cruise accounts and relationships throughout all New Zealand ports and regions. The specialist ensures thorough pre-season planning and flawless execution of cruise land programs, turnaround logistics, and cruise-related events.

Primary Responsibilities

Deliver exceptional ground services for cruise ships visiting New Zealand, adhering to the cruise division’s established protocols and procedures.
Serve as the key Akorn cruise contact for operational inquiries and issues related to land programs, turnarounds, and cruise events.
Oversee the profitable management of cruise calls by providing timely financial reporting per company guidelines.
Coordinate with local remote teams and travel to various ports around New Zealand as needed to ensure seamless cruise operations.
Engage with cruise line executives and onboard contacts to guarantee high-quality ground services across all ports.
Address on-the-ground challenges promptly, reporting quality control matters in real time.
Develop and nurture strong supplier and client relationships.
Accurately handle bookings and management of all services tied to land programs, turns, and tours while maintaining budget controls.
Collaborate with the Contracting Manager to confirm contracted rates.
Ensure precise confirmations, reconfirmations, and documentation for all suppliers and guides involved in ship calls.
Cost additional product requests or modifications accurately.
Work closely with Finance, Commercial team, and Cruise Operations Manager to ensure proper invoicing.
Prepare proposals for land programs, turnarounds, and events as requested for A&K/Akorn clients.

Candidate Profile

At least four years of experience in the cruise or travel sector.
Comprehensive expertise in New Zealand’s inbound cruise industry.
Deep product knowledge concerning New Zealand ports, regions, and local suppliers.
Prior account management experience is advantageous.
Strong understanding of logistics related to large-scale people movements, preferably within a cruise environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Experience using internal travel or reservation systems, with preference for Travel Studio.
Exceptional attention to detail.
A proactive, hands-on approach and willingness to confront challenges directly.
Dedication to delivering the highest standard of customer service.
Collaborative team player with enthusiasm for the role.
Effective time management skills and adaptability.
Ability to work independently and responsibly when traveling.
Mature demeanor capable of maintaining composure under pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Good initiative with capability to swiftly and effectively resolve challenges.

Why Join Abercrombie & Kent?

A flexible and inclusive workplace that encourages skill development and embracing challenges.
Supportive environment fostering pride in work.
Opportunities for professional growth locally and globally.
Access to Employee Assistance Programs and staff benefits including travel discounts.
Hybrid working model offering flexibility between home and office in a central business district location.
Commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing ecological footprints.
Active involvement in philanthropy impacting global communities for over 40 years.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and maintains an inclusive workplace culture.

Cruise Operations Specialist