Executive Vice President, Global Travel Operations
Reporting to: CEO
Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)
Position Summary
Grand Circle Corporation is the leader in international travel, adventure and discovery for Americans aged 50+. Headquartered in Boston MA, and with more than 35 offices globally, more than two million Americans have traveled with our award-winning travel brands: Grand Circle Cruise Line, Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel.
The Executive Vice President, Global Travel Operations is responsible for leading Grand Circle's worldwide travel operations and shaping the future of the traveler experience across our global network. This executive leader oversees all Regional Leaders and global operational teams, ensuring exceptional service delivery, operational excellence, innovation, and business performance.
As a key enterprise leader and future member of the Executive Team, the EVP serves as the voice of the traveler, identifying emerging travel trends, anticipating evolving customer expectations, and developing differentiated experiences that strengthen loyalty and position Grand Circle for continued growth. The role partners closely with leaders across Marketing, Sales, Technology, Finance, and People & Culture to create a seamless end-to-end customer journey and a unified global operating model.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute the long-term strategy for global travel operations and traveler experience.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on travel trends, customer expectations, operational performance, and growth opportunities.
- Lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve customer outcomes, operational effectiveness, and organizational growth.
- Drive innovation and transformation while maintaining Grand Circle's commitment to quality and service excellence.
Global Operations Leadership
- Lead all worldwide travel operations and Regional Leaders across the company's global footprint.
- Ensure consistent operational standards, service delivery, and traveler experience across all regions and destinations.
- Establish performance metrics, operational goals, and accountability measures that drive continuous improvement.
- Oversee operational planning, resource allocation, financial performance, and business results.
Traveler Experience & Innovation
- Own delivering top-quality product, delivering an excellent on-tour traveler experience.
- Leverage customer insights, feedback, and market trends to enhance traveler satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.
- Partner with Marketing, Sales and Contracting to create innovative travel experiences that differentiate Grand Circle in the marketplace.
- Foster a culture of service excellence and customer-centric decision making throughout the organization.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Break down organizational silos and strengthen collaboration across Operations, Marketing, Sales, Technology, Finance, and other key functions.
- Align cross-functional teams around shared goals, priorities, and performance measures focused on traveler success.
- Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives that improve execution, customer outcomes, and business performance.
Ship Operations Leadership
- Own end-to-end operational leadership of Grand Circle's Ship Operations Team, including vessel management, onboard service delivery, and adherence to maritime safety standards.
- Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations, safety protocols, and environmental standards across the fleet.
- Partner with ship operations leadership on crewing, provisioning, itinerary logistics, and vessel maintenance to optimize cost and guest experience.
- Align ship operations with the overall traveler experience strategy, ensuring consistency across land and water-based journeys.
Grand Circle Foundation
- Serve as executive owner of the Grand Circle Foundation, overseeing its philanthropic strategy, grantmaking priorities, and global giving programs.
- Guide Foundation initiatives that support education, community development, and cultural preservation in the destinations Grand Circle serves.
- Partner with the Foundation's board and advisory committee to evaluate program impact, steward contributions, and ensure alignment with Grand Circle's mission and brand.
- Champion a culture of giving back by integrating Foundation initiatives into the traveler and employee experience.
Talent & Organizational Development
- Build, coach, and develop a high-performing global leadership team.
- Create strong succession pipelines and leadership development strategies that support future growth.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- 15+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in travel, hospitality, customer experience, operations, or related industries.
- Proven success leading large-scale global or multi-country operations.
- Demonstrated experience leading senior leaders and building high-performing organizations.
- Strong track record of driving business transformation, operational excellence, and customer experience improvements.
- Experience managing significant operating budgets and business performance.
- Ability to influence across functions and align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
- Strong financial, analytical, and strategic planning capabilities.
- Executive presence with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
Total Rewards
The base salary range for this role is $300,000 - $350,000 annually for employees based in Boston, MA. Final compensation may vary and will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for an annual incentive bonus and first-class benefits, which include:
- Health & wellness: Comprehensive and heavily subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans, plus on-site gym access, holistic wellness sessions, and group fitness classes
- Time for you: Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO), and 11 paid holidays- including Juneteenth, Memorial Day, and Labor Day – and Summer Fridays. Plus- extensive parental leave, with up to 12-16 weeks paid leave at 100% base salary.
- Travel more, spend less: 50% off our trips for you and a companion, 25% for additional immediate family members, and exclusive quarterly associate travel deals
- Your future, secured: 401(k) with company match, life insurance, and disability coverage
- Continuous growth: Tuition assistance for both professional and personal development, opportunities for professional development through oversees travel, and direct access to Pinnacle Leadership & Team Development.
- Extra perks: Commuter benefits, FSA options, pet insurance, home & auto discounts, and paid volunteer time off to give back to the community
To learn more, please visit our websites at www.gct.com, www.oattravel.com and www.grandcirclefoundation.org (https://www.grandcirclefoundation.com).
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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
