Manager, Music Direction

The Manager for Music Direction leads the design and execution of Carnival’s music portfolio, ensuring world-class live and recorded music offerings tailored to guest demographics. This role manages the music rehearsal process and oversees the fleet background music program. Responsibilities include maintaining a broad range of musical acts, managing OPEX budgets, and ensuring compliance with music royalties and license agreements.

The position involves leading shoreside and fleet-based teams, fostering a culture of development and excellence. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and senior leaders is key to integrating music into shipboard programming and ensuring a cohesive guest experience. Vendor relationships are managed to enhance brand visibility and operational efficiency.

Additional responsibilities include establishing safety practices, ensuring compliance with policies, and making data-driven decisions to enhance the guest experience. Financial accountability is crucial, overseeing budgets, planning expenses, and managing vendor relationships for musical equipment and royalties.

Essential Functions :

Program

, Operations

& Innovation

Music Program :

Design and execute Carnival’s music portfolio, including live and recorded music and the industry recognized DJ program, ensuring world class music offerings suited for Carnival’s guest demographic. Manage Carnival’s specialized music rehearsal process, programming specific musical offerings according to venue and guest demographic trends.

Design, execute, and maintain fleet background music program across the fleet.

Carnival Studios :

Ensure the efficient operation of the music rehearsal program at Carnival Studios. Prepare team members for performance and shipboard contract responsibilities. Evaluate processes and implement necessary changes as needed to accommodate program growth and meet performance requirements / standards. Oversee the efficient assignment of teaching staff and studio space.

Quality Assurance :

Maintain Carnival’s engaging musical acts, including direct to ship and studio-rehearsed, through strategic fleet audits and ship visits; delegate and utilize team of Leads, Supervisors, and Fleet Managers / Trainers to support shipboard and studio operations.

Creative Development :

Partner with the Creative team to generate innovative and engaging ideas, activities, and experiences onboard, ensuring fresh and exciting offerings that enhance guest satisfaction and differentiate the brand .

Contract Scheduling :

Partner with Casting and Booking leadership to plan and manage the primary schedule for rehearsals and onboard contracts.

Ensure that adequate resources including supervisors and capacity are available for each rehearsal period.

Royalty and Performing Rights :

Oversee Carnival’s royalty payment responsibilities through clear understanding of the company’s license agreements with the necessary Performance Rights Organizations.

Project Management : Assign experienced project managers, balance investment with guest experience, ensure compliance, and develop and implement plans with clear timelines and milestones. Direct the work of project managers and support teams, provide guidance and training, while tacking schedules, milestones and timelines.

Industry Awareness : Research and maintain awareness of industry trends. Attend industry events, create brand visibility, and plan program evolution.

Build and maintain a collective musical network with industry leaders .

Team Leadership and Development

Shoreside Leadership : Provide strong leadership to the shoreside entertainment / music team. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that supports entertainment operations. Lead by example, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and commitment to operational excellence.

Fleet Leadership : Lead and mentor Fleet Supervisors to maintain and optimize standard operating procedures, daily functions, entertainment programming, operations, and supply guidelines.

Shipboard Leadership : Manage the shipboard team of Fleet Music Managers, Music Managers and musicians providing leadership, guidance, and training to ensure they are knowledgeable and strategic leaders. Inspire and motivate shipboard and shoreside teams by setting clear expectations, recognizing achievements, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Shoreside Team Development : Support the development of shoreside teams through growth opportunities, project assignments, and future-focused development. Foster a culture of teamwork that supports our goals and growth plans.

Cultural Essentials : Promote Carnival’s expected behaviors, such as speaking up, respecting and protecting, improving, communicating, listening and learning, and empowering. Encourage team members to share insights, challenges, and suggestions to enhance collaboration and operational success, while proactively resolving conflicts.

Talent Recruitment :

Partner with Casting and Booking teams to identify and recruit top talent for musicians and DJs, building a pipeline of potential candidates. Support auditions, give feedback, and assist individuals with their growth and development.

Career Development : Support the growth of talented team members to identify future leaders and offer growth opportunities. Implement targeted training programs and training colleges, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages feedback and innovation. Offer mentorship and professional development to build a strong pipeline of future talent.

Training :

Implement training and best practices to equip the team with leadership skills. Continually enhance the training program. Partner with Talent Development to grow training programs, update training documents, and share best practices.

DEI : Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into team meetings and day to day operation to foster an inclusive workplace culture. Ensure each production aligns with the company’s DEI initiative, offering diverse entertainment that is relatable for both talent and guests.

Collaborate

Cross-Functional :

Work with other Entertainment departments to support the alignment and consistency of shipboard entertainment across the fleet. Drive communication and collaboration between shoreside and shipboard teams to ensure operational success.

Senior Leadership :

Work with entertainment teams and shoreside directors to align strategies with broader business goals, including NPS improvements and hotel operations.

Inter Company :

Foster cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders including Groups / Weddings, Spa, Dining, Beverage, Housekeeping, Security, Supply Chain and Technical teams to maximize guest experience.

Maintain relationship with sisterliness to share best practices.

Safety and Compliance

Safety Practices :

Review and refine safety practices, create and enforce training programs, ensuring the highest level of guest and crew safety while maintaining operational integrity. Ensure teams are prepared to fulfill onboard safety-related duties.

Compliance Adherence : Ensure full compliance with company policies and procedures, emphasizing safety protocols and operational standards as outlined by Global HESS (Health, Environment, Safety, and Security) and ADA guidelines.

Data Privacy and Background Checks : Protect personal information and support background checks for all vendors, partners, and contractors.

Immigration and Legal Compliance : Ensure the adherence of the immigration laws and regulations for each country so our Team Members are legally permitted to work onboard.

Program Evaluation

Data-Driven Decision Making : Leverage data and analytics to inform decisions and refine programs based on performance insights. KPI, Track trends, guest surveys, guest feedback, and operational metrics to enhance service delivery and guest satisfaction. Modify operations to optimize guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Performance Monitoring :

Conduct ship visits and maintain open communication with shipboard teams, offering guidance on maintaining alignment with company objectives and evolving entertainment standards. Report on results and action plans regularly.

Sentiment Analysis : Regularly analyze sentiment to identify patterns and trends, pinpointing specific aspects of the customer experience that require improvement.

Financial Accountability

Plan :

Prepare and propose financial plans including operating and capital plan exceeding $45M. Continuously monitor and adjust plans based on guest behavior, sourcing, and operational dynamics.

Procurement : Oversee purchasing and maintenance of all musical equipment, including specialized components and spare parts, within budget. Negotiate favorable pricing with vendors, evaluate cost-effective options, and oversee purchase orders to avoid unnecessary expenses. Monitor inventory levels in warehouses and onboard vessels to ensure ample stock of critical spare parts, minimizing equipment downtime and disruptions to entertainment operations.

Vendor Management : Partner with Sourcing, Procurement, Purchasing, Legal, and Compliance teams to develop strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships. Optimize cost savings, ensure high-quality service, and identify and mitigate supply chain risks.

Travel and Expense : Manage personal and direct reports’ travel arrangements and expenses in line with Carnival Cruise Line’s policies. Ensure all travel is cost-effective and compliant, and submit expense reports promptly

Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree in

Music Performance, Music Business and / or Education, Entertainment Management

• 7+ years’ experience in a leadership role in a music institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Adaptability : Flexible and capable of adjusting to changing circumstances and challenges.

Thorough

knowledge

of musical repertoire and / or various music performance techniques.

Attention to Detail :

Precision in analyzing data and preparing reports to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Advanced Time Management :

Expertise in prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines.

Communication Skills : Clearly conveying information and expectations to team members and stakeholders.

Conflict Resolution :

Proficient in addressing and resolving conflicts constructively.

Data Analysis :

Proficiency in analyzing large datasets using tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Clarabridge, AirTable) to identify revenue trends and opportunities.

Decision-Making :

Making informed and timely decisions that benefit the team and organization.

Diplomacy : Mature and adept at maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.

Emotional Intelligence : Skilled in understanding and managing one's own emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others.

Financial Principles :

Understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, and revenue recognition standards.

Interpersonal Skills :

Strong ability to build and maintain positive relationships and foster a collaborative team environment. To give and receive constructive feedback and must have the ability to interact and partner with people at all levels.

Mentorship : Experienced in providing guidance and support to help team members grow and develop their skills through constructive feedback.

Problem-Solving :

Aptitude for identifying issues and developing effective solutions.

Project Management :

Planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Strategic Planning :

Competent in planning and executing strategies to achieve long-term organizational objectives.

Software Proficiency :

Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, with advanced skills in Excel, Word Power Point.

Specialty Platform Experience :

Experience with music software, scheduling software, and guest satisfaction surveys a plus.

Industry Experience : Experience managing music operations on a large-scale. A comprehensive understanding of the performance process from rehearsal to final product.

Self-Directed :

Capable of handling multiple tasks and projects independently.

Leadership :

Inspire and guide teams to achieve exceptional results and reach their full potential.

Physical Demands :

Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and / or computer for extended periods of time.

Travel :

Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions :

Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety / health hazard potential.

This position is classified as “in-office.” Because of the nature of the role, employees are required to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida five days each week.

Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami / Ft. Lauderdale area.

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival’s discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including :

Health Benefits :

Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans

Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources

Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage

Financial Benefits :

401(k) plan that includes a company match

Employee Stock Purchase plan

Paid Time Off

Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion.

Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days / year; director and above level start with 19 days / year.

Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours / year.

All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.

Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year.

Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.

Other Benefits

Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends

Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement

On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus

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About Us

At Carnival Cruise Line, our mission is to consistently deliver safe, fun, and memorable vacations at a great value. As the world’s most popular cruise line, we offer a variety of unique experiences across our fleet, ensuring that every voyage is filled with excitement and discovery. From world-class entertainment and dining to exploring stunning destinations, we create lasting memories for our guests while maintaining a dedication to the places we visit and the lives we touch.

Join us and embark on a career that offers not only the chance to grow professionally but also the opportunity to be part of a global community that makes a difference.

In addition to other duties / functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns.

Carnival Corporation & plc and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity / affirmative action employer. In this regard, it does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, mental, physical or sensory disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and / or international law.

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