Cruise Manager

Associated British Ports; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK port operator is seeking a Cruise Manager in Southampton. This role involves coordinating cruise operations, ensuring safety and customer satisfaction, and leading a team to deliver high operational standards. Ideal candidates will have a background in logistics, strong leadership skills, and flexibility to work during cruise operations. A competitive salary and extensive benefits package, including a contributory pension and private healthcare, are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Contributory pension

Private healthcare

Employee Assistance Program

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Background in a fast‑paced operational environment (shipping, logistics, ports, cruise or similar).
• Highly organised, self‑motivated and confident making decisions under pressure.
• Willing to work flexibly, including outside normal hours during cruise operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate the safe and efficient cruise calls across assigned terminals.
• Act as a liaison with cruise customers and internal teams.
• Manage terminal housekeeping and operational readiness.

Skills

Operational planning

Customer service

Leadership

Health & Safety awareness

Communication

Organizational skills

Job description

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there.We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Why should you work for ABP?

• Have the chance to make a difference in a business critical to UK trade.
• Work within an exciting, innovative, growing business.
• You can thrive in an inclusive environment where every individual can be themselves and feel respected.
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Get support for training, personal development, and further education.
• Benefit from support and engagement through dedicated management and leadership

ABP Southampton is the UK’s leading cruise port, welcoming passengers every year. We are now recruiting a Cruise Manager to join our Operations team and play a central role in the safe, efficient and high‑quality delivery of cruise turnaround days.

This is a key operational role, responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of cruise operations across terminals in both the Eastern and Western Docks. You will be the main point of contact for cruise lines, local stakeholders and terminal teams and ensuring customer satisfaction along with daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, plan and deliver the safe, efficient and effective facilitation of cruise calls across assigned terminals.
• Act as the key day‑to‑day liaison with cruise customers, stakeholders and internal teams, ensuring all operational requirements are understood, communicated and delivered.
• Serve as Key Account Manager for one or more cruise lines—supporting operational needs, projects, inaugurals and bespoke events.
• Proactively manage terminal housekeeping and operational readiness, ensuring high standards both internally and externally.
• Resolve customer or stakeholder issues, ensuring a strong customer experience and supporting long‑term retention.
• Champion a strong Health & Safety culture, acting as a role model for ABP’s Beyond Zero behavioural standards.
• Liaise with external agencies (traffic management, city infrastructure teams, etc.) to support the port during high‑traffic cruise days.
• Support large‑scale and bespoke cruise events in partnership with the Senior Cruise Manager.
• Work closely with Landside Operations, Marine Planning, ABParking and Planning teams to ensure smooth running across all port functions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for local service providers supporting shore excursions.
• Background in a fast‑paced operational environment (shipping, logistics, ports, cruise or similar).
• Highly organised, self‑motivated and confident making decisions under pressure.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and motivate others.
• Customer‑focused with a commitment to high operational standards.
• Experience driving improvements and efficiencies.
• Strong planning skills and ability to react quickly with practical solutions.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements and willingness to develop further.
• Willing to work flexibly, including outside normal hours during cruise operations.
• Full driving licence essential.

Note: The role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with weekend or out‑of‑hours work when cruise ships are in port, with time off in Lieu provided.

The role comes with a competitive salary, a contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% with a 5% company match up to 18%), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, a wide range of discounts/cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with a very training strong academy that offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

Additional Information

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero‑tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.