Product Manager, Voyage

Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneer in Expedition Travel, taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching a partnership with National Geographic in 2004. We take almost 30,000 guests annually to remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, committed to delivering the “Exhilaration of Discovery.”

About the role

As Product Manager, Voyage (VPM), you will shape unforgettable travel experiences rooted in responsible exploration. This role oversees the entire voyage experience from embarkation to disembarkation, including conceptualization, creation, budgeting, and operational preparation. You will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless, enriching guest experiences while driving revenue growth and elevating our brand.

Responsibilities

• Voyage Deployment
  • Collaborate with field staff, Product Managers (Pre & Post Experience), Marketing Managers, and other partners to create compelling programming that strengthens our commitment to responsible exploration.
  • Work with Senior Management on annual ship deployments and deployment changes.
  • Create and maintain voyage sailing schedules (“technicals”) in collaboration with Marine and Port Operations departments.
  • Proactively evaluate future vessel deployment needs to source services and confirm deadlines.
  • Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to articulate unique voyage selling propositions and approve relevant content for market launch.
  • Maintain deep knowledge of permitting compliance laws and collaborate with marine and port operations to ensure compliance.
  • Develop community/industry relationships and partnerships that enhance the guest experience and maintain positive brand relationships.
  • Create and conduct product training presentations for internal stakeholders during new itinerary launches.
  • Build experiences with LEX-NG Fund-supported projects or individuals into voyage offerings and communicate environmental and social/community impacts with the Conservation, Education, and Sustainability Team.
  • Collaborate with National Geographic Expeditions staff to integrate the NGE experience into voyage programming.
  • Create paid shore excursions to augment included experiences and generate additional revenue.
• Voyage Execution
  • Create and distribute working itineraries with operational instructions, contact information, and essential details to execute voyages to the highest standards.
  • Maintain contact with shipboard leadership throughout operational seasons and assist with deviations as needed.
  • Maintain voyage P&L and ensure operations stay within the land cost budget while optimizing profitability.
• Administration
  • Negotiate favorable voyage land costs and create annual land cost budgets.
  • Review, process, and reconcile invoices for voyage costs.
  • Ensure accuracy of final voyage documents.
  • Create and maintain internal documents and systems for cross-departmental accuracy during contingencies or emergencies.
• Quality Assurance
  • Review and respond to reports and inquiries in collaboration with the Guest Relations team.
  • Implement action plans based on guest and shipboard feedback to maintain quality and operational standards.
• Research and Field Work
  • Seek continual improvement of geographical knowledge, acting as a subject matter expert for assigned regions and programs.
  • Visit and liaise with ship personnel, field staff, local vendors, and guides; conduct site inspections and gather on-site information.
  • Conduct training with field staff, local guides, and other personnel.
  • Maintain deep knowledge of the competitive market to ensure voyages are competitive in experience and other aspects.
  • Represent the organization in regional associations such as IAATO and AECO.
  • At external trainings and events, share current knowledge of the company’s environmental and social/community impact programs.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Tourism, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience: At least 3 years in ship voyage development, travel planning, or a similar role.
• Knowledge:
  • In-depth professional knowledge of geographical regions relevant to the company’s voyages.
  • Basic understanding of permitting compliance laws and regulations related to maritime operations.
  • Familiarity with budgeting and financial management.
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong training abilities to guide field staff and local vendors.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management tools.
  • Experience with mapping/chart programs to aid in navigation and technical sailing schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Hospitality, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years in ship voyage development or similar roles within the small-ship cruise or expedition industry.
• Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of competitive market positioning.
• Technical Proficiency: Preliminary experience with MXP and database management.

Benefits

• Travel benefits for employees and their family.
• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests.
• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care.
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit.
• 7-8 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday.
• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year).
• Parental Leave.
• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance.
• Pet Insurance discount.

Communication Skills

Must be proficient in English, with the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must effectively communicate—both in writing and orally—with a professional demeanor.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee will also write and type and may occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

Lindblad Expeditions determines pay using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, evaluating external equity and labor costs. The posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate’s region, cost of living, experience, education, and specialized skills. Employees with stronger skill sets may receive higher pay.