Cruise Line Partnerships Manager (AAA Travel Programs)

This position will lead AAA's national relationships with preferred cruise line partners, shaping strategy, member offers, and performance across the brand's cruise portfolio. This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of AAA, Inc.'s preferred cruise line supplier relationships across the organization. This role focuses exclusively on the cruise line business segment, ensuring alignment between AAA, preferred cruise suppliers, and clubs. The position oversees contract execution, member offers, and performance management to maximize revenue, enhance the member experience, and maintain AAA's reputation for trusted, high-quality travel partnerships. This position will also provide expertise in the cruise industry, lead negotiations, facilitate issue resolution, and serve as the primary resource for cruise-related information to executive leadership, public relations, and club travel executives. This position will also ensure promotional accuracy, support club sales initiatives, and represent AAA at major cruise industry events.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Negotiate and execute preferred cruise line supplier agreements in collaboration with AAA Legal, from proposal to final contract execution.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clubs and cruise suppliers to resolve service, compliance, and performance issues.
• Provide cruise product information and updates to internal teams for Trip Canvas, SEO, online booking platforms, and social media.
• Partner with the Tour Product Manager and Hotel Supplier Manager to ensure consistent standards and alignment across product categories while maintaining cruise-specific objectives.
• Monitor industry competition and trends to provide clubs with insights that strengthen AAA’s cruise line sales and marketing strategies.
• Manage results of bi-annual Club Surveys for cruise line suppliers, share findings, and develop improvement plans for underperforming partners.
• Oversee the accuracy of all printed and digital materials related to cruise line promotions and preferred supplier content.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all cruise-related communications to executive leadership, media, and club travel executives.
• Maintain cruise content on Atlas and coordinate emergency updates related to cruise travel disruptions.
• Represent AAA at the annual Travel Conference and cruise industry events, supporting presentations, logistics, and supplier engagement.
• Manage the cruise supplier budget and provide financial reporting on performance and ROI.

Requirements, Competencies, and Certifications:

• Deep knowledge of the cruise industry, including supplier distribution models, commission structures, and marketing partnerships.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent AAA confidently to supplier executives and media.
• Effective time management and organizational abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and Excel proficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; adept at navigating multi-stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex supplier relationships and resolve escalated issues diplomatically.
• Proven presentation and PowerPoint skills.
• Commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion across diverse partners and club markets.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of cruise industry or travel supplier experience, including contract negotiation, account management, and supplier relationship leadership.
• Experience managing partnerships with major cruise brands and familiarity with the North American distribution landscape strongly preferred.

Hiring Range: $78,040 - $98,330

This position is also eligible for participation in AAA, Inc.'s Annual Incentive Plan.

AAA, Inc. is committed to paying competitively and equitably. The posted range for this position represents competitive compensation based on market data, internal equity, and the skills and requirements of the position. The compensation offered will depend on your qualifications and experience.

AAA, Inc. supports a flexible work environment for our associates. We are committed to collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance, and offer a hybrid work model that allows for three days in the office and two days at home (or whenever you work best) each week.

AAA, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited assistance from any search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee working at the AAA, Inc. offices, either by email, the Internet, or in any form and method, without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from AAA, Inc.'s Talent Acquisition Department, will be deemed the sole property of AAA, Inc.'s Office. No fee will be paid if the AAA, Inc. office hires the candidate due to the referral or through other means.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.