Role Reality
What this role actually involves
This is a genuine retail management position with team accountability, revenue targets, and daily operational responsibility — not a senior sales associate with a title.
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Team leadership
Lead, coach, and develop a team of 10+ duty-free sales associates across multiple onboard locations.
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Sales target ownership
You own your department's daily, weekly, and contract revenue targets. Performance is measured against numbers.
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Duty-free operations
Oversee inventory, product displays, opening/closing procedures, and stock management across the retail department.
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Guest-facing leadership
Handle escalated guest situations, lead by example on the floor, and maintain service standards across the team.
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Reporting and admin
Daily sales reports, team scheduling, performance documentation, and communication with the Retail Manager.
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Promotion path
Fast Track moves strong performers to full Retail Manager within 1 to 2 contracts. Your results determine your pace.
Eligibility
Minimum Requirements
Required
Minimum 2 years managing a retail team of 10+ people
Proven sales target achievement in a retail environment
Advanced English — spoken and written confidently
Experience in fashion, electronics, luxury, cosmetics, or similar retail
Valid passport and international travel readiness
Ability to commit to a 4-8 month onboard contract
Preferred — strengthens your application
Duty-free or travel retail management experience
Experience leading multilingual or international teams
Luxury, cosmetics, perfume, or watch retail background
Previous cruise ship or hospitality management experience
KPI tracking and reporting experience
Second language beyond Spanish (French, Portuguese, Italian)
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This is not an entry-level role
If you do not have experience managing a retail team of 10+ people, this role is not suitable at this time. We recommend applying for the Retail Sales Associate position first and building your leadership track onboard.
Process
How the application works
Transparent, straightforward, and free at every step.
01
Submit your leadership profile
Name, country, WhatsApp, team size managed — takes under 4 minutes.
02
Leadership assessment
Our recruiter reviews your management experience and English level before moving forward.
03
Recruiter screening call
Video call focused on your leadership style, sales results, and team management experience.
04
Active vacancy or priority pool
If a role is open you move to final interview. If not, you are first in line for upcoming openings.
05
Final interview and next steps
Interview with Starboard hiring team. We guide you through every document and embarkation step.
Apply Now
Fast Track Assistant Manager application
Takes under 5 minutes. No documents needed in this first step.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need cruise ship experience to apply?
No. Strong land-based retail management experience is valued. What matters most is your track record leading a team of 10 or more people, hitting sales targets, and English ability.
What does Fast Track mean?
Fast Track means you enter directly into an Assistant Manager track — not starting as a sales associate. You begin with a 12-16 week training period at $1,500/mo base salary only. Once you successfully complete training and are formally promoted to ASM, your base adjusts to $1,200/mo but you also begin earning performance-based sales commissions. Your total monthly earnings as ASM will be significantly higher than during training.
What is the team size I will manage?
You will lead a team of 10 or more onboard retail sales associates. You are responsible for their daily performance, coaching, and results.
Is this a sales role as well as a management role?
Yes. You will set sales targets, coach your team to hit them, and be accountable for department revenue. Retail management experience with a sales culture is essential.
What English level is required?
Advanced English is required. You will communicate with international guests, lead team briefings in English, and report to senior management in English daily.
What is the salary structure?
During the 12-16 week training period you receive $1,500/mo base salary — no commission. Once you complete training and are promoted to Assistant Manager, your base adjusts to $1,200/mo as a beginner ASM, but you begin earning performance-based sales commissions on top. Your total monthly income as ASM will be substantially higher than during training.
What happens after I apply?
Our recruiter reviews your profile within 3 to 5 business days. If your experience matches, we schedule a screening call. We respond to every application regardless of outcome.
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Ready to lead a cruise ship retail team?
Free to apply. Leadership-first review. Our recruiter responds within 3-5 business days.
✓ Leadership-first review✓ Free to apply✓ Response in 3-5 days