Product Development Program Manager

About the Role

The Program Manager, Product Development, is responsible for developing and maintaining a brand-new planning and program management system to support the evolution of Princess Cruises' guest experience onboard and in destinations. This includes creating and maintaining tools to support decision making, resource allocations, consulting with key project stakeholders, recommending actions, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and on budget while meeting measurable goals.

Partnering cross-functionally with Hotel Operations, Guest Services, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Onboard Revenue, Marine Operations, and other key stakeholders, the Program Manager will ensure clear understanding of roles, accountability, responsibility, and deadlines across departments participating in product development. The role involves following up with stakeholders to identify and alleviate bottlenecks throughout the product lifecycle—from concept development through operational validation, implementation, and post-launch performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Program Management System Development:
  • Create and maintain tools independently for managing large, complex processes.
  • Identify and recommend digital program management platforms.
  • Incorporate scope, timelines, budgets, responsibility assignment, success metrics, approvals, commitment, and milestone tracking.
  • Develop a financial model encompassing budget baselines, funding milestones, and KPIs.
• Program Delivery Management:
  • Track program milestones and ensure on-time delivery.
  • Manage program budget.
  • Coordinate interdependencies across departments and workstreams.
  • Develop user-friendly dashboards from scratch and update them regularly for stakeholder reference.
• Stakeholder Communication and Alignment:
  • Provide weekly/monthly status reports to stakeholders and senior leadership.
  • Build and maintain shared workspaces and team sites to foster collaboration.
  • Create and maintain standardized systems for filing project documentation to improve accessibility.
• Project Support:
  • Lead onboarding and manage business relationships with key partners, including vendor set-up, contracting, deliverables, payment, and budget tracking.
  • Participate in and prepare for cross-functional working sessions to capture decisions, priorities, and update the program management system.
  • Document and communicate product intent, standards, and operational requirements to shipboard leadership.
  • Create and maintain key metric databases and dashboards to support project decision-making.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in product, business management, design, or other relevant discipline. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• PM Certification preferred.
• 5+ years of industry-related experience (program management in product, design, hospitality, etc.) or equivalent in adjacent industries.
• Ability to work across a wide range of stakeholders in a highly complex and dynamic environment.

Skills

• Scope: Develop and administer a comprehensive program management system enabling cross-functional planning, decision-making, resource allocation, and performance tracking for new guest experience initiatives.
• Problem Solving: Apply strong analytical and critical thinking skills to create tools and processes usable across the organization. Proactively identify risks, gaps, and implementation challenges, developing scalable solutions.
• Impact: Directly influence the efficiency of the product development team and cross-functional efforts to enhance the guest experience on time and within budget.
• Leadership: Lead cross-functional project processes without direct authority, driving alignment and accountability across departments. Build collaborative relationships to ensure successful concept development, operational validation, and rollout.
• Technical/Computer Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel, Project (or equivalent), Visio, and PowerPoint.
  • Regular use of collaborative platforms such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
  • General understanding of architectural drawings, material specifications, and measurement tools (e.g., AutoCAD, BlueBeam Revu) is a plus.
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and ability to maintain reliable attendance and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and listening skills, with the ability to adjust style for diverse audiences.
• Highly analytical with a proven track record in problem identification and cost-effective solutions.
• Detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects and complex assignments.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position based in the Miami office. Candidates must be comfortable coming into the office 4 days per week (currently Monday–Thursday).

Travel

Less than 25% travel, with shipboard travel likely.

Work Conditions

• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods.

Benefits

• Cruise and travel privileges for you and your family.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Training and professional development, including tuition and professional certification reimbursement.
• Rewards and incentives.