Cruise Operations Manager

About Fora Fora is the modern travel agency , empowering anyone with a passion for travel to build a thriving advisory business. We're modernizing the $100B+ travel agency industry by combining powerful technology, data, and community to enable thousands of entrepreneurs to build on our platform. Our business-in-a-box platform gives travel entrepreneurs everything they need to launch and scale, from cutting-edge tools and personalized training to a vibrant community and exclusive industry partnerships. At the heart of it all is our mission: to help the next generation of travel entrepreneurs turn their love for travel into a fulfilling career , whether full-time or part-time. We believe that everyone, from seasoned professionals to first-time advisors, can build something both profitable and personal. Founded in 2021 by seasoned entrepreneurs, Fora has grown steadily since, expanding to a team of 200+ full-time employees based in downtown New York City . In 2026, we announced our $60 million Series D investment round , led by Forerunner and Tactile Ventures, with continued participation from existing investors Thrive Capital, Insight Partners, and Heartcore Capital. We've also been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Startup 2024, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies 2025 and 2023, and we were most recently recognized as one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026. We're building the first truly unified platform for all travel needs—leveraging the best of human expertise and technology to transform how people plan and book travel. About The Role Fora is seeking a Cruise Operations Manager to help power one of our fastest-growing business categories. As Fora’s cruise business continues to expand and we launch a new booking portal, this role will own the day-to-day execution of cruise operations, ensuring operational excellence while helping drive successful portal adoption across our advisor community. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Cruise Operations, this role will play a critical role in building and scaling the operational systems, workflows, and processes that support the growth of our cruise business. This is an opportunity to join at an exciting inflection point, taking ownership of a rapidly evolving operational function while partnering closely with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, solve complex problems, and deliver an exceptional experience. Key Responsibilities Manage the day-to-day execution of cruise operations, ensuring high-quality support and operational excellence across the function. Manage operational workflows related to the cruise booking portal, helping ensure successful rollout, adoption, and ongoing optimization. Lead multiple projects and operational initiatives simultaneously, driving work from planning through execution and continuous improvement. Identify opportunities to improve processes at scale and implement solutions that increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Monitor operational performance through reporting and data analysis, using insights to identify trends, surface opportunities, and inform decision-making. Partner closely with the Senior Manager, Cruise Operations to support the continued growth and scaling of the cruise business. Assist with group booking management, supporting group block setup, inventory tracking, deadlines, and cruise line coordination to help ensure accurate and timely group booking experiences. Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Operations, Booking Platform, and other internal partners to improve systems, workflows, and operational outcomes. Build clear, polished presentations that communicate operational updates, performance metrics, and recommendations to stakeholders. Operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment, adapting quickly as new products, processes, and priorities emerge. Requirements 3-5 years of experience in operations, project management, or a related business function. Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple projects or operational workflows from end to end. Strong analytical skills with experience pulling, interpreting, and acting on operational data and reporting. Proven success designing, improving, and scaling operational processes. Demonstrated ownership of a business function or operational area, with a proactive and accountable approach to execution. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to build productive working relationships across teams. Experience working with operational systems and tools such as Jira, booking platforms, CRM systems, business intelligence tools, and spreadsheets. Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage high-volume work. Comfort working in ambiguity and adapting quickly in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Ability to work in the United States and be based in, or willing to relocate to, New York City. Strongly Preferred Experience in the travel industry, although travel experience is not required Cruise industry or group booking operations experience Experience in startup, marketplace, hospitality, or e-commerce operations Experience creating executive-ready presentations that effectively communicate operational performance and recommendations Compensation Compensation for this role varies based on experience, with an indicative range of $85K–$115K + equity. Final compensation will depend on the level at which the candidate is hired, as we’re considering multiple levels for this role. Unlimited vacation Health Insurance (including an option completely covered by Fora HQ) Dental & Vision Insurance Wellhub Memberships 401k plan with company match Commuter Benefits Supplemental Life Insurance Stock Options This role is based in our beautiful New York City office (Tribeca/Fidi) with lots of natural light and great views. Our Values We’re forging our own path Fora has always been about driving change within the industry. We’re not interested in maintaining the status quo. We’re stronger together Community is our cornerstone and collective power is our strength. We believe we can all go further when we operate together, using our combined leverage to unlock better opportunities and outcomes for our advisors, partners, and travelers. We believe in technology We believe technology is an answer to some of the most fundamental challenges the travel industry faces. We believe advancements in AI, bold investments in our platforms, and a world-class data infrastructure will transform the work of our advisors and our partners, while creating better travel experiences for travelers. We’re here to serve We operate in service of our community and believe that when they’re empowered to focus on what they do best, we all win. It’s why we relentlessly advocate for our advisors and prioritize their best interest every step of the way. We mean business Fora is equal parts fun, meaningful work and serious travel business. We’re unlocking opportunities for thousands of travel entrepreneurs, delivering a stream of high-quality guests at scale for our partners, and providing a superior travel experience for our travelers. It’s a better equation for the future of our industry.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Authorization to work in the United States is required for full-time roles based in our New York City office. Fora is unable to sponsor or assist with U.S. work authorization. Roles based outside of the United States are not subject to this requirement.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Fora is committed to an equitable hiring process and an inclusive work environment. BIPOC and traditionally underrepresented candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We will not discriminate and will take action to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Traveltechessentialist