Tailor Made Travel Operations Coordinator

Come and join the world’s leading luxury travel brand

Our Europe Destination Management Company (DMC), based in Cheltenham (UK) is recruiting passionate individuals to play a pivotal role in our ambitious plans for the future.

The ideal candidate will have a background from the sales and/or operations functions within the travel industry, although individuals with transferable skills for other industries will also be strongly considered. Above all we are looking for candidates with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.

PURPOSE:

As an Operations Co-Ordinator (or Consultant) you will be responsible for the successful operating of our luxury Tailor-Made travel itineraries. To accurately book all ground arrangements for multiple departures of our European tours working with local suppliers, A&K sales offices and an international set of luxury travel advisors to ensure the smooth operation of the tour,

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations

To accurately book all ground arrangements for multiple departures of our European independent travel products, and work with local suppliers, tour leaders and sales office to ensure the smooth operation of the tour.

RESPONSIBILITIES (DEPENDING ON YOUR DEPARTMENT):

• To book hotels, ensuring use of allocations where available.
• Accurately book all services required for the successful operation of the tour within the budget set
• To accurately cost any additional requests or changes
• To prepare and check the final documentation for any errors or changes
• Prepare detailed documentation for tours
• To liaise with agents directly on any changes or operational requirements
• To log and share feedback from each tour, to ensure that improvements are made promptly
• On confirmation, set up the file and ensure the in-house reservation systems are accurate before handing over to the operator
• Achieving the targeted volume (by sales value) within a given yet
• Successfully deliver the guests’ tour so it runs perfectly and exceeds their high expectations

Financial

• Taking full responsibility of a tour’s cost control and margins
• Ensuring necessary payments are made and received at the appropriate time

To manage tour costs in order that budgeted margins are achieved

• Preparing accurate client payment and agent commission statements
• To assist the Finance Department with invoice queries as they arise.
• To enter financial data onto reservations system in a timely and accurate manner

Quality Control / Customer Service

• To have the highest standards of quality at the forefront of mind
• To proactively highlight potential Customer Service problems and take steps to make improvements
• To investigate and provide information to enable a response to customer service issues.

General

• General office duties
• To conduct special projects as requested by management
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by management
• Participation in occasional familiarisation or business trips with follow up reports and presentation as required
• To take the On-Call duty manager phone on a rota basis

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Desired Skills-Set:

• A confident, positive attitude
• Strong spoken and written communication skills. A second European language is advantageous
• Good level of geographical and general knowledge of Europe is advantageous
• Up-to-date knowledge of Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel
• Numeracy and good, basic mathematical understanding
• A real passion for travel
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Attention to detail
• A willingness to develop relationships with key suppliers
• Good and effective time management

And above all, a desire to ensure guests have the best travel experience.

This Role Profile highlights the key responsibilities but is not intended to be exhaustive.

If you would like to learn more about the position or apply please send your CV, salary expectations and cover letter.

Why work for A&K

The induction at A&K Europe includes an extensive period of structured learning and development lasting up to six months. After six months with the Company, you will become eligible for an A&K familiarisation trip. Where possible would aim to send you on a domestic or European trip within twelve months, however this will be subject to availability and business needs.

What makes A&K a great place to work is the people. It’s our people who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for us. There will also be an opportunity to progress your career – not just in the UK, but as part of our global business.

We’re also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for looking after our clients during the pandemic.

60 years after Geoffrey Kent founded Abercrombie & Kent, we’re still setting the standard for adventurous, luxury holidays. The business comprises of international Tour Operations Offices (TOCs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) with 55 offices worldwide and an unmatched network of connections across the globe.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £22,000.00-£26,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Yearly bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cheltenham: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person