This is a commercially driven role at the heart of a growing travel media business, focused on generating revenue through partnerships, sponsorship and new business. As Cruise Commercial Manager, you will take ownership of driving sales across Cruise Trade News and the Cruise Challenge event series, building strong relationships with cruise and travel partners to deliver against ambitious revenue targets.
Alongside this, you will lead the delivery of the Cruise Challenges, using them as a key platform to engage clients, grow partnerships and unlock new commercial opportunities. You will also create social media engagement with the agents and consumers across the cruise titles, using relevant social media channels and to promote each channel to its target audience, creating brand engagement and following.
Responsibilities
Commercial Revenue & Business Development
• Drive commercial revenue across Cruise Trade News and Cruise Challenges, with clear ownership of sales targets and KPIs
• Sell and secure sponsorship across Cruise Challenge roadshows and wider media platforms (print, digital, events)
• Proactively identify and win new business, building a strong pipeline of cruise and travel partners
• Grow and develop key client relationships, regularly meeting partners to maximise revenue opportunities
• Create and deliver commercially compelling proposals that align with client objectives and audience needs
• Identify and launch new revenue streams, including branded content, advertorial video and digital opportunities
Event Ownership & Delivery
• Own and deliver Cruise Challenges end-to-end, ensuring events are commercially successful and deliver strong ROI
• Act as the face of the events, confidently presenting and engaging with partners and delegates
• Manage event P&L, ensuring revenue targets are met and costs are controlled
• Secure and manage sponsors, ensuring all deliverables are fulfilled to a high standard
• Oversee event logistics including venue sourcing, set-up, delegate management and partner coordination
• Collate and manage partner presentations and ensure smooth on-the-day execution
Client Engagement & Industry Presence
• Build and maintain strong relationships with cruise lines and travel trade partners
• Represent the brand at industry events, meetings and Cruise Challenges
• Position the business as a key partner within the cruise trade through consistent engagement and visibility
Content, Marketing & Audience Growth
• Work with editorial and marketing teams to align content with commercial opportunities
• Support the growth of trade databases and audience engagement across digital channels
• Create and share relevant content (social, video, event-led) to drive engagement and traffic
• Contribute to the development of digital platforms, including training hubs and content channels
Reporting & Commercial Insight
• Track performance against revenue targets and provide regular updates to the team
• Review competitor activity and identify opportunities for growth and differentiation
• Deliver post-event analysis and recommendations to improve future performance
• Contribute to the wider business development roadmap
Skills required
• Proven experience in B2B sales, partnerships or commercial roles, ideally within travel, cruise, media or events
• Strong track record of generating revenue through sponsorship, advertising or partnership deals
• Confident relationship builder, able to engage and influence senior stakeholders and drive commercial outcomes
• Highly commercially minded, with the ability to identify and develop new revenue opportunities
• Experience managing events end-to-end, including logistics, stakeholders and delivery
• Comfortable working across multiple channels (events, print, digital and social) with a joined-up approach
• Solid understanding of digital marketing, audience growth and performance metrics
• Strong content instincts, with the ability to create or shape engaging content where needed
• Confident presenter, happy to represent the brand and lead from the front at events
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
Additional details and benefits
• On target bonus of 30% linked to the achievement of KPI’s and paid quarterly
• Hybrid working (3 days in London and 2 days remote)
• Some travel to visit clients and attend industry events will also be required