Academy Operations Manager

Job Description

Carnival UK is a leading name in the holiday sector, dedicated to delivering unforgettable holiday happiness to our guests. Our success is built on a foundation of diverse talents and perspectives, and we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

In our continuous journey of growth and innovation at Carnival UK, we are seeking to bring fresh insights and expertise to our Entertainment department. 

Role Overview

The Academy Operations Manager, Entertainment – CUK leads the Production Show Operations department, including Costume, Compliance and Rehearsal Facilities, ensuring the successful delivery of the Production product for P&O Cruises and Cunard. The role acts as a strategic partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver production shows on time and on budget, in line with the Senior Manager, Production Shows strategic vision and ensures compliance with safety policies and procedures while exceeding guest expectations.

This pivotal role will involve:

Leadership & Planning - Manage rehearsal schedules, ensure cast compliance, source and schedule replacements, maintain Academy facilities, and deputise for Senior Manager, Production ShowsPeople Management - Lead and develop team, support individual and team development, attend training, provide insight into resourcing needs     Budget Management / Financial Responsibilities - Manage Academy budgets, monitor financial targets, maximise cost management opportunities.         Administration Responsibilities - Manage all admin responsibilities linked to budget, planning, and team management.HESS Responsibilities - Lead by example in health and safety, report incidents, follow safety rules, use equipment correctly, promote safe working, demonstrate safety leadership.Performs other duties as assigned - Deputising for Senior Manager, Production Shows, representation for Academy with key stakeholders.Adheres to Corporate Policies and Procedures, including Code of Conduct, Audit Procedures and any control related responsibility for financial data entered, stored, or reported via business systems within employees control.

This role is positioned at CUK8 level within our organization and is available on a full-time 12-month fixed term basis. We offer hybrid work including up to two days from home.

What You'll Bring

Your unique background and skills are what will make you stand out. We're looking for:

Industry recognised qualifications (desirable)Degree in relevant subject (Business Management or Entertainment Management) (desirable)Project management qualifications (desirable)  

About You: The Ideal Candidate

You are more than just your CV. You're someone who brings:

Experience in entertainment product provision, project management, leadership, strategy implementation, product development, influencing at management level, team management, theme park/multi-venue entertainment, musical theatre/pop music production, operational experience in holiday/cruise industry (all desirable).                                                                          

Application Guidance

Diversity is our strength, and we encourage applications from those with varied experiences, whether you meet every listed requirement or not. If youre passionate about our guests experience and looking for an opportunity to grow, wed love to hear from you. 

Why Join Us?

Working with us means more than just a role in the guest experience sector. Its about being part of a team that values well-being and personal growth. 

Read our employee experience guide to learn more about life as a Carnival UK colleague.

CUK-employee-experience-guide-July-2025.pdf

Heres what we offer:

Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offersAnnual bonus Minimum 25 days leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday trading schemeRecognition scheme with prizes and awardsRegular office events including live entertainment, lifestyle events and charity partner fundraisersExtensive learning and development opportunitiesEmployee-led networksEmployee Assistance and Wellbeing programmesCompany paid Health Cash Plan and health assessmentIn-house Occupational Health help and access to digital GPLife AssuranceParental and adoption leaveEmployee Shares PlanElectric Car and Cycle to Work schemesOnsite restaurant offering range of healthy cooked and grab and go mealsDiscounted retail and leisure via discounts portalContributory Defined Contribution Pension schemeA friendly welcome with help settling in

 

Due to the popularity of our roles and our commitment to finding the best talent, we might close applications earlier than advertised. Dont miss out on this opportunity to become part of a team dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday happiness. Apply today to start your journey with us.

 

Recruitment Journey

For more information on your recruitment journey, please visit https://bit.ly/CUKCandidateJourney. 

 

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About Us

Holidays are one of lifes greatest pleasures. Having the chance to relax, escape and explore is a magical thing. And there is no better holiday than a cruise.No one knows cruising like Carnival UK, where talented people from across the globe come together to create unforgettable holiday happiness. As part of the worlds largest holiday travel and leisure company, we take enormous pride in bringing to life two of the most iconic brands from Britains rich seafaring heritage, P&O Cruises and Cunard. Collectively they have been delivering unbridled joy, boundless adventure and lifelong memories to millions of people for over 350 years. And in a multi-million pound global holiday market, where cruising has barely scratched the surface, we have the opportunity to do that for many, many more people.Our diverse yet tight knit teams share high standards, heartfelt values and passion for our purpose. Our Culture Essentials describe the expectations we have for ourselves and of each other, in building a culture that supports safe, sustainable, compliant operations and celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.Its through the successful delivery of these extraordinary travel experiences for our target markets and our distinctive culture, that we hope to become Travels Employer of Choice.