Manager, Early Talent

Position Summary

The Manager, Global Early Talent – Shipboard & Private Destinations supports program design, execution, and performance tracking of international school, cadet, and apprenticeship programs for shipboard and private destination roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design and delivery of assigned early talent programs translating broader early talent sourcing strategy into structured and actionable program plans.
• Partner with Recruitment and HR teams to ensure smooth program intake, candidate selection, onboarding, and deployment.
• Equip the global recruitment team with the necessary tools, resources, and strategies to attract, engage, and nurture top talent for Royal Caribbean.
• Conduct assessments to identify skill gaps and resource needs, making informed recommendations to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows.
• Prioritize alignment of programs with functional workforce needs, while ensuring participants receive meaningful learning and operational exposure.
• Work with Government Relations to support regulatory compliance and local workforce initiatives.

Project Management & Coordination

• Lead the day-to-day project management of assigned programs, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and objectives are met.
• Manage assigned relationships with maritime academies, hospitality schools, and vocational partners.
• Cook up across internal teams to ensure milestones and program deliverables are met.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and report data to inform program improvements and leadership decision-making.
• Translate internal performance data and candidate insights into clear, actionable recommendations, ensuring timely and appropriate-level communication to leaders, hiring managers, and stakeholders to inform strategic program decisions.
• Conduct ongoing competitor benchmarking and external market research to identify trends, risks, and opportunities impacting early talent strategy.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as the primary coordinator between Recruitment, L&D, Operations, HRBPs, Government Relations, and educational partners for assigned programs.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Manager on escalations, senior partnership management, and strategic program decisions.
• Ensure programs are aligned with business goals, compliance standards, and workforce development objectives.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition leadership, data analysts, HR systems teams, and operational staff to deeply understand existing processes, pinpoint challenges, and execute effective recruitment strategies aligned with business goals.

Operational Excellence

• Continuously identify opportunities, focusing on improving overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the program.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Project Management, Maritime Studies, Hospitality, Education, or related fields.
• 8+ years of experience in apprentice or early talent program or workforce development.
• Experience working with educational institutions, HR teams, and operational stakeholders.
• Strong experience in end-to-end project management, performance tracking, and stakeholder communication.
• Strong presentation, organizational, and execution skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting to track program success, identify gaps and recommend improvements.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Familiarity with shipboard operations, private destination workforce needs, and maritime or hospitality industries is preferred.
• Understanding of early talent programs, cadet training structures, and or government workforce compliance requirements is preferred.