Manager, Groups Operations & Events

MSC Cruises • Fort Lauderdale, FL

1d

About The Position

The Groups Operations & Events Manager, US is responsible for the overall execution and operational delivery of group, MICE, marketing, and media-related events across U.S.-based vessels and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, ensuring alignment with MSC brand standards, operational guidelines, and guest experience expectations.
This role holds ownership of assigned vessels, acting as the primary point of accountability for onboard event execution and ensuring that all event requirements are effectively translated from shoreside planning into successful shipboard delivery. The Groups Operations & Events Manager, US works closely with internal stakeholders and shipboard teams to drive consistency, efficiency, and operational excellence across all events.
Operating under the strategic direction of the Director, the Groups Operations & Events Manager, US supports the implementation of key initiatives, processes, and standards, ensuring alignment across vessels and teams. The role also provides leadership and guidance to onboard Event Coordinators, ensuring clarity in execution, adherence to SOPs, and consistent delivery across the fleet.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Planning, Tourism, Hospitality, or a related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in shipboard cruise line hospitality or shoreside event planning within the cruise or hospitality industry
• Proven experience in event coordination, logistics management, and guest service delivery in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels and communicate clearly across multiple formats (verbal, written, email)
• Highly organized with strong time management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently, take initiative, report effectively to leadership, and perform under pressure
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work cross-functionally while maintaining ownership of responsibilities
• Strong customer service focus with a commitment to delivering high-quality guest experiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with systems such as GO by Spark, Otalio, or similar platforms is a plus
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages (Spanish, Italian, French, German) are a plus
• US passport or green card

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with systems such as GO by Spark, Otalio, or similar platforms is a plus
• Additional languages (Spanish, Italian, French, German) are a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead and/or support the planning, coordination, and execution of group, MICE, marketing, media, and commercial activities across assigned U.S.-based vessels and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, ensuring alignment with MSC brand standards, operational guidelines, and guest experience expectations
• Maintain full ownership of assigned vessels, ensuring consistent execution, communication, and operational alignment across all event activities, while proactively identifying and addressing gaps, risks, and operational challenges
• Provide leadership and direction to onboard Event Coordinators and the Travelling Fleet Supervisor, Events, ensuring adherence to SOPs, consistency in execution, and alignment with shoreside expectations
• Oversee execution of group, incentive, charter, and commercial programs (including ceremonies, private events, and onboard activations), ensuring seamless translation of requirements into operational delivery both at sea and in port
• Act as a key liaison between shipboard teams and shoreside stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Commercial, Hotel Operations, Entertainment, F&B, Crew), ensuring strong cross-functional alignment and effective communication across all phases of execution
• Provide operational guidance and support to internal stakeholders and commercial offices globally, ensuring feasibility, proper planning, and successful delivery of onboard programs and activities
• Ensure all event operations comply with MSC standards, safety regulations, and operational requirements, anticipating potential challenges and proactively implementing solutions
• Monitor execution standards across assigned vessels, providing feedback and driving continuous improvement in performance and delivery.
• Lead and/or support the execution of high-visibility initiatives including VIP sailings, influencer activations, executive visits, and key brand projects, ensuring elevated standards of delivery and coordination

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees