About the Role
The Entertainment Manager is a senior leadership position responsible for the complete operational oversight, coordination, and quality control of all on-board entertainment and infotainment programs. Acting as a bridge between creative vision and structured execution, this role ensures that all performances, technical operations, and guest activities align with established product standards and high artistic quality.
Area of responsibility
The person in this position is responsible for the operational implementation, coordination, planning, and monitoring of all activities of the Entertainment Department and Infotainment.
This must ensure compliance with the Shipowner's product philosophy and program specifications, while guaranteeing clear responsibilities, accountabilities, and role distribution within the department.
The Company expects every crew member to consistently exemplify the principles of the Shipowner's product philosophy in all interactions with team members.
Furthermore, all tasks and responsibilities must be carried out in accordance with ISM/ISO and SQM standards, USPH guidelines, as well as all environmental, hygiene, and safety regulations.
Every crew member may be required to undertake tasks in various service areas on board.
The fulfillment of host duties toward passengers ("Side Duties") is part of the tasks for every crew member.
This includes in particular, but is not limited to, guest care or greeting at events such as theater/stage admission, changeover days, tender operations, passport controls, and on holidays.
All employees must behave politely and professionally at all times.
This applies to both physical and verbal interaction with guests and colleagues, as well as all areas where contact with guests and crew members exists.
Scope of duties
Ensuring the planning, control, and monitoring of all entertainment and infotainment programs on board.
Planning of all entertainment activities on board in close coordination with the Cruise Director.
Responsibility for the creation and further development of the Entertainment Plan in cooperation with the Entertainment Supervisor team.
Operational as well as disciplinary responsibility for the Entertainment Department and its employees:
a. Direct and operational responsibility and supervision of the Entertainment Department: Production Supervisor, Technical Supervisor, Studio Supervisor, Musical Supervisor, Entertainment Administrator.
b. Disciplinary responsibility for: Choreo Coach, Ensemble (Cast), Musician, DJ, Technician, and Dresser.
Responsibility for the duty scheduling, care, and quality control of Infotainers (e.g., lecturers, pastors, dance couples).
Support in the care of guest artists, including communication regarding advance planning, contractual agreements, repertoire, and media information in close cooperation with the responsible offices of the Shipowner and the Production Supervisor.
Monitoring and controlling the compilation, implementation, and continuous development of the entertainment program.
This includes the implementation of new concepts according to the Shipowner's requirements, considering a balance between creative development and operational structure to ensure high artistic quality and efficient planning and implementation.
Ensuring the content and operational coordination between entertainment formats and OnBoard Revenue measures.
Ensuring their targeted placement, emphasis, and communication in cooperation with the Supervisor team and the Cruise Director.
The Cruise Director is responsible for the planning and execution of ship formats such as Welcome Pool, introduction of senior officers, and Wave & Smile.
The Entertainment Manager, together with their team, ensures the technical and organizational implementation of these events and is responsible for the corresponding entertainment content.
The planning of entertainment repertoire formats and pure entertainment formats lies with the Entertainment Manager.
Coordination with the Cruise Director takes place in the Cruise Planner Meeting.
Controlling and implementing the further development of the entertainment concept in cooperation with the Operation Manager Entertainment Services.
Ensuring compliance with guest requirements, product standards, and fleet-wide specifications, and promoting structured cooperation between departments.
Management, supervision, and further development of the Supervisor team in the implementation of all entertainment activities on board.
Ensuring clear responsibilities, taking of responsibility, and uniform performance standards.
Central contact person for operational inquiries, collaborations, and the implementation of new concepts in the entertainment area on board.
Responsible for room bookings of entertainment locations including conference rooms, including checking feasibility.
Participation in regular Hotel Manager and Cruise Planner meetings for the preparation, coordination, and organization of the itinerary and entertainment planning.
Supervision of the Entertainment Administrator in the creation of the daily schedule and duty planning, as well as ensuring optimal cooperation with the Supervisor team.
Monitoring all room bookings of entertainment locations (e.g., conference rooms, theater, etc.) by other departments on board.
Supervision of the Entertainment Administrator in the preparation and support of room bookings, and the responsible Supervisors in the operational implementation of requirements.
Ensuring close and cooperative collaboration with all departments as well as a clean, well-maintained, and technically flawless condition of the premises.
Ensuring the planning and implementation of a structured theater admission plan in coordination with the Cruise Director and the participating department heads.
Monitoring fee-based bookings in the entertainment area and checking the corresponding revenue reports.
Reviewing and monitoring the daily program as well as the entries in MXP for all entertainment and infotainment events.
Representation of the Entertainment Department as a visible and approachable leader at guest functions and events while maintaining a professional appearance toward guests and crew.
Daily review of the Daily Log, including initiation of measures, suggestions for improvement, and clarification of entertainment-related complaints.
Representation and takeover of selected tasks of the Cruise Director in emergencies and after coordination with shore-side management and the Operation Manager Entertainment Services, in accordance with the "Step-Up" system.
Requirement is a profound knowledge of the basic tasks and responsibilities of the Cruise Director in the ongoing daily business.
Carrying out public announcements via the Public Address System or on-site as needed.
Ensuring the musical coverage of public areas according to the Shipowner's standards through live music, DJ, or the Background Music System.
Ensuring the appropriate and reliable transmission of TV channels for guests and crew in cooperation with the Technical Supervisor or IT.
Additionally monitoring technical processes regarding film changes, cinema content, satellite reception during route changes, and the transmission of sports events.
Creation of an End of Cruise Report for the shore-side departments of the Company and thew Shipowner regarding all entertainment activities and programs, as well as their qualitative and operational evaluation once per voyage.
Ensuring the proper filing of documents, administrative tasks, and emails.
Ensuring a regular exchange of information with the Operation Manager Entertainment Services to guarantee transparency, coordination, and proactive handling of conflicts and operational challenges.
Evaluating the performance, tasks, punctuality, and effectiveness of the entertainment team in cooperation with the Supervisor team to ensure uniform performance standards and identification of development needs.
Conducting Pre-Departure Safety Training (PDST) for all newly arriving members of the entertainment team (transfer to a trained Supervisor after consultation).
Identification of development needs and promotion of employee development in cooperation with the Travelling Supervisors and the Operation Manager Entertainment Services.
Conducting structured appraisal and feedback interviews including clear feedback, development orientation, and definition of performance expectations.
Preparation of evaluations in close cooperation with the responsible Supervisors, taking their professional assessments into account, and in coordination with the Travelling Supervisors and the Operation Manager Entertainment Services.
Implementation and management of disciplinary measures in cooperation with HR and the Operation Manager Entertainment Services.
Promotion of team cohesion and motivation within the department.
Planning and conducting weekly entertainment meetings for training team members regarding general safety drills as well as announcing important information and conveying feedback.
Conducting regular meetings with the Supervisor team (EM briefings) for information exchange as well as for tracking and guidance on current topics (at least once per week and as needed).
Supervision or proper creation of timesheets for all crew members of the entertainment department in accordance with MLC and CBA guidelines, as well as checking for correctness and forwarding to the Crew Purser.
Ensuring the continuous further development of processes and standards as well as responsibility for the creation of SOPs under the guidance of the Operation Manager Entertainment Services.
Creation and maintenance of handover protocols/manuals for the successor as well as detailed introduction of the successor to the work area.
Supervision of handovers, knowledge of the responsibility aspects of individual positions, and monitoring the handover documentation of the entire entertainment department.
Carrying out and monitoring inspections and compliance with standards.
Supervision and regular checking of the execution and written recording of regular controls such as rigging inspections, artist equipment log, and dresser reports according to SOPs and SQM, in cooperation with the Technical Supervisor and Production Supervisor.
Supervision of correct and proper storage in all costume lockers and storage areas of the entertainment department.
Ensuring professional storage and careful handling of technical equipment, in cooperation with the responsible supervisors.
Supervision and, if necessary, instruction of the responsible Supervisor team positions in the handling of consumables and corresponding orders for consumables (Dresser) and technology.
Coordination and/or supervision of Production Supervisor and Technical Supervisor for necessary new orders and repairs with the responsible office (The Shipowner Entertainment, Technology Department).
Supervision of the safe storage and compliance with the duty of care as well as corresponding safety standards of various costumes and objects used by the entertainment department.
Placing necessary OnBoard orders for the department via the ship's own system.
Entering fee-based bookings (workshops) in the entertainment area and checking the Daily Revenue Reports based on the existing bookings.
Knowledge of the assigned safety number (from the ship's statutes) and the corresponding safety task.
Exemption of members of the entertainment department from safety trainings in the ship's own system if necessary.
Processing, reviewing, and storing accident files.
Creation of the cabin occupancy plan for entertainment crew members and communication of all cabin changes and problems related to the number of beds during handover time.
Coordination with the responsible department heads for requests for the department and team members, e.g., meals in public restaurants for members of the entertainment department, day guests, or long-term guests.
Additional tasks may arise during handover times, shipyard stays, and staffing changes.
Treats all company internal matters confidentially, even beyond the end of the contract.
Has knowledge of all company policies and procedures and complies with them.
Understands and implements company internal environmental protection regulations at the workplace.
Handles company property carefully and responsibly.
Contact person for all passengers in case of problems and complaints.
Integrates actively into the ship community and participates in team meetings.
Actively implements the Shipwoner's product philosophy.
Performs all work economically and according to agreed quality standards.
Complies with all ship regulations.
Qualification/Work Experience
Experience in a senior leadership position in a cultural or entertainment operation, as a department head or as a deputy department head, in a function with personnel responsibility and guidance.
Very good management skills in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
Knowledge of structures/workflows in theater/shows as well as understanding of artistic work.
Experience in measures for team building and personnel development.
Communication strength, problem and conflict resolution competence.
Organizational strength, decisiveness.
Proactive and strategic planning.
Understanding of creative work and show conception.
Stage experience and moderation skills are desirable.
Experience in the tourism industry or in the entertainment or leisure industry desirable – preferred on board a cruise ship.
Distinct service understanding and customer orientation.
Experience in high-end customer service and complaint management.
Very good administrative knowledge in MS programs and other IT systems.
Business-fluent German and English (oral and written), further language skills are an advantage.
Good general education.
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