📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Global Trade Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: MSC Cruises
🔹 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Travel Arrangements
🔹 Date Posted: July 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading and delivering the innovation and optimization strategy of the B2B platform, Explora Travel Advisor Centre (ETAC).
- Championing cross-functional collaboration via leading the ETAC Steering meetings with marketing, digital, IT, and sales team leaders.
- Designing the annual initiative plan for trade activities and the toolkit creation for deployment to market leaders.
- Supporting global trade marketing and in-market commercial teams across the globe in developing and executing their plans.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent project management skills, and strong collaboration abilities to succeed.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and deliver the innovation and optimization strategy of the B2B platform, Explora Travel Advisor Centre (ETAC), in line with the ultra-luxury brand equity and user experience expected from trade partners.
✅ Champion cross-functional collaboration via leading the ETAC Steering meetings with marketing, digital, IT, and sales team leaders.
✅ Design the annual initiative plan for trade activities and the toolkit creation for deployment to market leaders.
✅ Support global trade marketing and in-market commercial teams across the globe in developing and executing their plans.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
Experience: 5-7 years of experience in marketing, preferably with luxury or premium brand experience.
Required Skills:
- Advanced understanding of marketing principles and how to support sales teams to convert.
- High proficiency in organization, planning, and execution skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and willingness to learn.
- Brand custodian ensuring all assets are created "on brand".
- Team player with strong collaboration skills, able to listen, be efficient, creative, personable, and develop strong relationships across teams.
- Thinks creatively and demonstrates initiative.
- Proven track record and can demonstrate success in marketing and trade-facing partner and media communications.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the cruise industry or luxury travel sector.
- Fluency in multiple languages.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in luxury or premium brands and a strong understanding of B2B marketing will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CHF 120,000 - 160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Dynamic and international work environment.
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: MSC Cruises is a leading global cruise line operating in more than 100 countries worldwide, offering cruises across five continents, and welcoming guests from over 180 different nationalities on board.
Company Size: MSC Cruises is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees globally, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: 1987, in Naples, Italy
Company Description:
- Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Southern Africa.
- The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships, with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
- The company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 240 destinations.
Company Specialties:
- Cruise operations and management.
- Global sales and marketing.
- Destination management and shore excursions.
- Onboard services and hospitality.
Company Website: www.msccruises.com
ASSUMPTION: MSC Cruises' extensive global presence and diverse portfolio of cruise offerings provide a unique and exciting work environment for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior marketing role, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Global Trade Marketing.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior or management role within the marketing department.
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as sales or operations.
- International assignments or relocation opportunities.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, international corporate office environment.
Office Location(s): Geneva, Switzerland
Geographic Context:
- Geneva is a multicultural city with a high quality of life, offering a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences.
- The city is strategically located near international organizations and businesses, providing ample networking opportunities.
- Geneva has a mild, Mediterranean-like climate with warm summers and cool winters.
Work Schedule: Standard office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional flexibility for meetings or events.
ASSUMPTION: Geneva's international atmosphere and high quality of life make it an attractive location for professionals seeking a dynamic and multicultural work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screening with the HR department.
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and relevant team members.
- Final round interviews, potentially including a case study or presentation.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing expertise and strategic thinking.
- Project management and organizational skills.
- Collaboration and communication abilities.
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience and skills.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the luxury travel industry and MSC Cruises' unique offerings.
- Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns or projects that showcase your creativity, initiative, and success.
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Trade Marketing, B2B, Luxury Travel, Brand Management, Project Management, Collaboration, Sales Support, Global Trade Marketing, In-Market Commercial Teams
ASSUMPTION: MSC Cruises' recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics).
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot).
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello).
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard marketing and project management tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for excellence.
- Customer focus.
- Integrity and respect.
- Innovation and continuous improvement.
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture.
- Focus on results and achievement.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, international work environment?
- Are you a strong collaborator with excellent communication skills?
- Do you have a passion for excellence and a customer-focused mindset?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with MSC Cruises' company values and work style will be well-suited for this role and the company culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and time management.
- Working with diverse, international teams may present cultural and communication challenges that require adaptability and flexibility.
- The luxury travel industry is competitive and fast-paced, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.
- Occasional travel may be required to attend industry events or meet with global trade partners.
ASSUMPTION: Addressing these challenges proactively and demonstrating resilience will be essential for success in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional cruise lines, MSC Cruises' Explora Journeys brand focuses on ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experiences, targeting a different market segment.
- This role is more globally focused than in-market commercial roles, requiring a broader strategic perspective and cross-functional collaboration.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into senior marketing or management positions within the company or exploring opportunities in other business areas.
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and its comparison to similar positions in the industry will help candidates tailor their application and prepare for interviews.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a global marketing campaign to launch a new luxury cruise line.
- Optimizing the B2B platform, Explora Travel Advisor Centre (ETAC), to improve user experience and drive sales.
- Creating a comprehensive trade marketing toolkit to support global sales and in-market commercial teams.
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these types of projects and the ability to demonstrate success in similar initiatives will be valuable in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the Explora Journeys brand and how this role contributes to its success?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as sales, digital, and IT, to achieve global trade marketing objectives?
- What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the company, particularly for someone in this role?
- How does MSC Cruises support work-life balance for its employees, particularly those in global roles?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, well-researched questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company and the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://careers.msccruises.com/gb/en/job/12877/Global-Trade-Marketing-Manager
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills, emphasizing your understanding of the luxury travel industry and MSC Cruises' unique offerings.
- Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns or projects that showcase your creativity, initiative, and success.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
