Royal Caribbean Group

Lead, Experience Development

Royal Caribbean Group$90K — $120K *
Miami, FL 33186In-Person
Hospitality & Recreation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 2-3 years in product design or development of customer experiences required
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred
  • Experience with Architects/Designers/Creative Consultants preferred
  • Background in the travel industry is a plus
  • Strong communication skills for engaging across a diverse set of stakeholders
  • Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams
  • Exceptional attention to detail and a self-starter approach.

Responsibilities

  • Transform product vision into detailed actionable plans for guest experiences
  • Collaborate with diverse teams to define and deliver on guest experience requirements
  • Draft comprehensive guest experience briefs outlining the end-to-end journey
  • Drive projects under a structured management framework, providing updates to all stakeholders
  • Ensure product delivery meets established standards through audits and KPIs
  • Manage the development and progress of team members as needed
  • Oversee operational changes in compliance with excellence standards.

Benefits

  • Work onsite in Miami, FL
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Opportunity to shape guest experiences in the cruise industry
  • Cross-functional collaboration with diverse departments
  • Potential for professional growth and personnel development
  • 20% travel to ships or shipyards may be required
Full Job Description
Royal Caribbean Group's Product Development Team has an exciting career opportunity for a full time Lead, Experience Development (Product Owner) reporting to the Manager, Product Development. This position will be working onsite from Miami. Position Summary: The Lead, Experience Development serves as the Product Owner for guest experiences, shaping the future of Celebrity Cruises by transforming product vision into high-quality, guest-centric journeys. The Lead partners with cross-functional teams to define, prioritize, and deliver innovative concepts across ships and/or destinations - ensuring every sensory touchpoint is seamless, intuitive, and aligned with the brand's promise. Based in Miami, FL, reporting to the Manager or Senior Manager of Experience Development, the Lead will oversee the day-to-day development, execution, and delivery of new concepts, experiences, activities, programs, and excursions for Celebrity Cruises. They are responsible for translating the product vision into a seamless, thoughtful, and intuitive guest journey, while driving cross-functional workstreams to execute every sensory touchpoint flawlessly - considering everything a guest needs, sees, tastes, hears, smells, and touches. The Lead must champion the guest experience in all they do, ensuring that products are operationally, Technically, and financially feasible. They will lead effective workshops, craft detailed presentations, and develop compelling cases to influence critical decisions, align stakeholders, and foster collaboration with partners. The ideal candidate combines creative thinking with critical analysis and problem-solving skills, Demonstrating strong leadership and relationship management abilities. They are comfortable navigating complex topics, even those in which they may have limited prior experience and thrive in an iterative environment where flexibility and resilience are essential to success. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Core Responsibility 3 Take approved concept strategies and business cases and own them through launch - breaking them into detailed, actionable plans and driving cross-functional execution to achieve the north star vision as fully as possible. Product Definition 3 Lead all aspects from experience ideation, development, documentation, and execution with cross-functional partners including Design, Operations, F&B, Entertainment, Onboard Revenue, Revenue Management, Marketing, Finance, Procurement, Legal, etc. 3 Create guest experience briefs and playbooks (detailed presentations) outlining the end-to-end guest journey and direction for each component required to bring the vision to life, applying creative thinking, strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a data-driven approach. 3 Serve as the primary source of product vision and requirements for leadership, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of the intended guest experience. 3 Partner with cross-functional teams to define requirements needed to deliver the vision and ensure all experience support needs are considered throughout development and execution. 3 Assess operational, technical, and financial feasibility; identify solutions to challenges; and drive alignment through forums and materials, balancing experience, operations, and business needs. 3 Identify opportunities throughout the development process to further enhance product offerings. 3 Lead documentation, review, and approval of briefs and supporting materials throughout development. Product Delivery 3 Deliver within the project management framework, communicating changes, updates, or priority shifts to cross-functional teams and providing regular proactive progress updates to management. 3 Work closely with operations and design teams on run-of-show events to showcase programming and ensure delivery aligns with product vision. 3 Collaborate with Marketing, Public Relations, and Revenue Management to ensure accurate and up-to-date representation of the product in brand communications and systems. 3 Establish and track startup plans, training materials, SOPs, and playbooks to ensure flawless execution of each concept and experience onboard ships. Product Standards 3 Ensure onboard and onshore product delivery aligns with the vision and approved playbooks. 3 Own and manage product and experience audits and post-delivery success monitoring for new products and experiences. 3 Ensure consistency of product standards, practices, and experience design guidelines across the brand. 3 Define success criteria and coordinate post-delivery audits using metrics and KPIs; willingness to travel up to 20% of the time onboard ships or to shipyards. Operational Excellence 3 Support processes and governance for guest-facing product changes in alignment with Operational Excellence standards assigned to Product Development. Personnel Management 3 Manage hiring, training, and development of direct reports, if applicable. 3 Coach and develop direct reports to build the skills, roles, and capabilities required to concept and execute brand experiences. Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills: 3 Minimum 2 to 3 years in a product, design or other similar role developing physical products or customer experiences required 3 Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree a plus 3 Experience working with Architects/Designers/Creative & Innovation Consultants a plus 3 Experience in the travel industry a plus 3 Proven track record of success in fast-paced environment with demanding timelines 3 Experience developing products grounded in strategies driven by consumer insights 3 Ability to effectively communicate across a large ecosystem of partners and builders, that spans product definition, design and construction 3 Exceptional verbal and written communication and project/program leadership skills, including the ability to communicate effectively to the executive levels of the company 3 Ability to assemble, lead and influence cross-functional teams to execute against a vision 3 Ability to craft and tell a compelling and influential story for partners and collaborators 3 Ability to document and package detailed operational requirements and experiences 3 Obsessive attention to detail and follow-through - every detail matters 3 Ability to find answers and propose initiative and solutions on your own - a self-starter Proven ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results through others, plus the ability to build strong and sustainable relationships. 3 Ability to creative problem solve and drive ideas into action, with a positive outlook and willingness to take personal initiative 3 Obsessive attention to detail and follow-through 3 Methodical in research, order, prioritization, and implementation 3 Ability to travel up to 20% of the time We know there's a lot to consider. As you go through the application process, our recruiters will be glad to provide guidance, and more relevant details to answer any additional questions. Thank you again for your interest in Royal Caribbean Group. We'll hope to see you onboard soon!

About Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Group is a cruise vacation company with a global fleet of 63 ships traveling around the world. The company provides celebrity cruises and silversea cruises. Royal Caribbean Group was established in 1968 in Miami, Florida.

Royal Caribbean Group Careers

There has never been a more exciting time to explore job opportunities with Royal Caribbean Group, a leader in the global cruise industry known for innovation and excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Join Royal Caribbean Group's dynamic team to help redefine the travel experience for millions of guests worldwide. The company's commitment to growth and leadership in the cruise industry offers a unique platform for professionals to advance their careers. Transform the future of travel with Royal Caribbean Group, where diversity, innovation, and a passion for service converge to create extraordinary vacation experiences. Lead in a market where skills in technology, customer service, and operational excellence are prized. Royal Caribbean Group stands at the forefront of the travel industry, offering team members unparalleled opportunities for career advancement. Work alongside a global team of professionals dedicated to pioneering new paths in the cruise sector. Royal Caribbean Group fosters a culture of innovation and leadership, making it an ideal workplace for those aiming to make a significant impact.

Royal Caribbean Group Professional Pathways

The team is actively building a robust professional network, inviting individuals to master their career journey in the vibrant world of cruise travel.

Do Innovative Work

Engage with a diverse team at Royal Caribbean Group—professionals dedicated to reshaping the future of travel through continuous innovation and a deep understanding of the global travel market.

Drive Innovation and Leadership

Deliver targeted solutions and exceptional guest experiences by leveraging deep industry knowledge and a commitment to innovation that’s second to none.

Be Part of a Great Team

Join a workforce that thrives on collaboration and diversity. Royal Caribbean Group offers a variety of job opportunities that harness the capabilities of its expansive global network.

Future-proof Your Career

Royal Caribbean Group provides a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, supported by comprehensive training programs and a commitment to promoting from within.

Explore

Discover how Royal Caribbean Group is leading the way in employee satisfaction and guest service, setting new standards in the cruise industry.

The Royal Caribbean Group Advantage

With a focus on diversity, leadership, and professional growth, Royal Caribbean Group helps team members navigate their careers in an ever-evolving industry. The company's global scale and commitment to innovation offer unmatched opportunities for career advancement.

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