River Cruise Product Development Manager - Trafalgar

Location: Europe (preferably Germany, Switzerland or UK)

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (office & remote) - details to be agreed with line manager

Contract Type: Permanent

Early Closing Disclaimer

We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications or identify suitable candidates through our sourcing activities. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible.

Company Introduction

Our philosophy at The Travel Corporation (TTC) is simple, we create enriching experiences for travellers by combining an unbeatable mix of exceptional service and quality at great value.

As a global business with over 100 years of experience in the travel industry, our ethos of being ‘Driven by Service’, ensures we keep our values of passion, people and purpose at the heart of everything we do - designing and running immersive, innovative and responsible travel experiences for our guests across 70 countries. Join us in creating life-changing moments for every guest across our award-winning brands and experience the TTC difference.

The Role

We’re seeking a dynamic and strategic Product Development Manager to design, launch, and continuously refine Trafalgar’s new River Cruise portfolio, creating immersive journeys that bring Trafalgar’s signature connection to people, places, and culture to life on the water. The focus of this role will be on shore experiences, extensions, and optional experiences. It will work closely with other teams responsible for hospitality, onboard entertainment, operations, ship design, and marketing.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping a brand-new product line that will redefine how guests experience river cruising, combining Trafalgar’s renowned storytelling and local expertise with the comfort and charm of life aboard a river vessel.

In this role, you will own the product vision and lead the end-to-end development of Trafalgar’s River itineraries, from concept and design to launch and ongoing optimization.

You’ll collaborate closely with regional teams, operations, marketing, and commercial stakeholders to ensure each journey delivers exceptional guest satisfaction, strong financial performance, and seamless operational execution.

Our Values

• Driven by service
• An inherent passion for travel
• Commitment to our customers and to our people
• Commitment to social responsibility and our 5-year sustainability strategy

What Will You Do?

• Develop the strategic framework and roadmap for Trafalgar River, defining itineraries, inclusions and the guest experience philosophy in alignment with Trafalgar’s brand.
• Design and develop a portfolio of river itineraries, including the Rhine, Main Danube and Seine Rivers and others to be added soon, that reflect Trafalgar’s ethos of genuine connection, cultural discovery, and ease of travel.
• Lead the creative and commercial development process from concept to launch, covering routing, sailing times, shore experiences, inclusions and day-by-day design.
• Partner with marketing and content teams to ensure products are compelling, distinct and market ready.
• Partner with Hospitality and Nautical teams to deliver a cohesive guest experience across on-board and on-shore touchpoints, ensuring alignment and collaboration across all three areas.
• Undertake ongoing competitive analysis and market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for differentiation
• Collaborate closely with Tracoin, Uniworld and other contracting teams to identify and secure the right river cruise partners and shore experience suppliers.
• Provide clear direction on itinerary structure, inclusions, optional experiences and cost targets to support effective negotiations and margin optimisation.
• Work in partnership with Revenue Management, Yield and Commercial teams to inform pricing, deployment, and load factor strategies.
• Define the Trafalgar River shore-based guest experience, including the balance of comfort, connection, and discovery.
• Work with Operations to ensure onshore delivery meets Trafalgar’s standards for quality, service and storytelling.
• Establish quality assurance processes, guest feedback loops, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Partner with internal training and content teams to brief Cruise Directors, on-board staff and marketing content creators on the product vision.
• Act as the central bridge between Product, Contracting, Operations, and Marketing for all Trafalgar River initiatives.
• Collaborate within Travel Experiences-Tracoin-Operations (TETO) structure to ensure agile delivery and aligned accountability.
• Maintain transparent communication with senior stakeholders, providing regular progress updates and risk assessments.
• Support brand positioning and readiness for launch through detailed briefing, storytelling, and operational documentation.

About You

• Deep knowledge of (in particular, European) destinations and waterways, including routing, port logistics, and excursion feasibility
• Significant experience in product development or contracting within cruising industry (global experience advantageous)
• Proven ability to translate brand identity into guest-centred product design
• Excellent collaboration skills, working effectively across multiple functions and stakeholders
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to convey clear vision and inspire cross-functional alignment
• Strategic thinker with meticulous attention to operational detail
• High proficiency in Excel for costing, itinerary management, and product tracking
• Entrepreneurial mindset, motivated by building and scaling a new product category
• Creative and culturally curious, with a passion for connecting travellers to the heart of each destination
• Collaborative and approachable, embodying Trafalgar’s warm and human brand spirit
• Committed to responsible tourism and the TTC goal to Make Travel Matter®

TTC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusion and accessibility throughout our recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to support your application.

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