*This role is hybrid office based - Manchester area*
Role Overview
We are working with our business Travel Management Company (TMC) client in their search for a senior operational leader to drive global travel operations performance, service excellence, and scalable growth. Working closely with the Board, CEO and Executive Team, you will translate strategy into high‑impact operational delivery, lead large multi‑disciplinary teams, and ensure world‑class client experience across international markets.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
* Partner with the Board and Executive Team to deliver strategic objectives through robust operational planning and execution
* Lead end‑to‑end global travel operations, ensuring consistent service quality, SLAs and KPIs
* Drive operational excellence through process optimisation, risk management, and business continuity planning
* Build strong partnerships with global travel suppliers to ensure service quality and commercial value
Departmental & Transformation Leadership
* Provide executive oversight across Reservations, Online Support and Ticketing
* Lead global transformation initiatives including digitalisation, automation and system standardisation
* Champion the adoption of new travel technologies, platforms and AI‑enabled solutions
* Ensure operational scalability to support business growth and expansion
Financial & Commercial Impact
* Own operational P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and margin improvement
* Deliver productivity gains through technology and efficient workforce planning
* Identify revenue growth opportunities through service innovation and operational enhancements
* Collaborate with Commercial and Sales teams to support client retention and acquisition
People & Culture
* Lead, develop and inspire senior operations leaders and their teams globally
* Foster a high‑performance, inclusive and customer‑centric culture
* Champion values, equity, diversity and inclusion across all regions
* Partner with People & OD on talent development, succession and workforce planning
Client Experience & Governance
* Act as executive escalation point for critical operational and client issues
* Maintain strong relationships with key global clients
* Ensure compliance with UK and international regulations, including travel standards, employment law and GDPR
* Oversee risk, governance, health & safety, sustainability and data protection across global operations
Candidate profile:
* Senior operational leadership experience in global, multi‑site environments
* Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams and build inclusive, high‑performing cultures
* Strong background in organisational change, transformation, and commercial delivery
* Experienced within Travel, Leisure or Logistics industries
* Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship‑building skills
* Financially astute with experience managing budgets and P&L
* Strategic thinker with hands‑on operational capability
* Skilled in coaching, developing leaders, and driving engagement and retention
* Resilient, adaptable, and effective in fast‑paced, service‑driven industries
* Values‑led, people‑first leadership approach
* Willingness to travel as required
This role is hybrid office based - Manchester area - and as a senior role, attracts an accompanying executive level package £££.