Manager, Music Direction

Overview

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.

• 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 tracking 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.

• 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…