Cruise Commercial Manager

Cruise is a leading, award-winning travel division specialising in exceptional worldwide cruise holidays. Renowned for our expert knowledge, outstanding service, and strong supplier partnerships, we continue to grow as one of the UK’s most trusted cruise retailers.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager – Cruise with a minimum of five years’ experience within the travel industry—ideally with strong exposure to the cruise sector.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded individual who can bring fresh thinking, innovative ideas, and a proactive approach to driving performance. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our commercial strategy, strengthening supplier partnerships, and leading a growing commercial team during a dynamic and ambitious phase for our business.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Negotiation & Supplier Management

• Negotiate commercial terms and manage suppliers, including guaranteed and targeted overrides, marketing funds, tactical/exclusive offers, and staff incentives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships through regular meetings and strategic collaboration.
• Conduct weekly market trend discussions with suppliers and effectively communicate insights to your line manager.
• Secure sponsorship funds from suppliers for Hays Travel and Independence Group conferences

Performance & Market Leadership

• Analyse trading performance to identify opportunities, risks, and areas for improvement.

• Agree and deliver actions to meet customer demand and supplier objectives.

• Negotiate the best prices and secure exclusive deals for our customers.

• Lead the charge in bringing new products, launches, and campaigns to market ahead of competitors.

• Maximise sales across the group by identifying high potential-potential product opportunities with supplier support.

Cross Department-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Product, and Marketing teams to optimise funding opportunities and achieve team and departmental KPIs.
• Support internal stakeholders by resolving branch queries related to supplier issues—commission, pricing, errors, and general enquiries.
• Present regularly to all divisions

Team Leadership & Operational Support

• Manage, develop, and motivate members of the commercial team.
• Conduct one-to-one-to-one meetings and appraisals in line with company policy, providing constructive feedback to both team members and management.
• Support the day-to-day-to-day operations of the department and contribute to the refinement of internal processes and procedures.
• Maintain UpToDate-to-date process documentation for all commercial workflows.

General Responsibilities

• Always deliver exceptional customer service.
• Carry out administrative duties accurately and efficiently.
• Participate in training to support personal and professional development.
• Complete ad-hoc tasks and provide information as required.

Our values

Our SMILE values are embedded in to our company and ensure our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.

• Supportive
• Motivational
• Innovative
• Loyal
• Excellent

Why Join Us?

• A values‑driven culture where colleagues feel supported, appreciated and part of a team.
• Opportunities for development, progression and professional growth.
• A dynamic, friendly and supportive People Team working at the heart of a growing organisation.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the colleague experience in a growing successful business.

Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles.