Tailor-Made Groups Operations Co‑ordinator/Consultant
Our Europe Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Cheltenham is recruiting enthusiastic individuals to play a pivotal role in our ambitious plans.
We are seeking candidates with experience in the travel industry’s sales and/or operations functions, or with transferable skills from other industries, and a positive, can‑do attitude.
Purpose
As an Operations Consultant, you will be responsible for the successful operation of a wide variety of unique tailor‑made European group tours. This requires a detailed understanding of the logistics of each programme in order to put in place all ground arrangements and provide a high level of service to our luxury travel advisors primarily from the United States and our sales offices in Chicago, Melbourne, Hong Kong and London.
Responsibilities
* Manage complex, high‑budget tailor‑made group tour files across the project life cycle.
* Create and maintain detailed project schedules, briefs and timelines.
* Monitor project progress and ensure all milestones are met within budget and timeframe.
* Research, source and book necessary services (hotels, transport, guides, group visits, restaurants, train tickets, etc.) within budget.
* Negotiate cost reductions and better terms with suppliers to optimise project expenses.
* Log all project expenses and financial data accurately and process payments to suppliers and travel‑advisor commissions.
* Prepare and issue client invoices, ensuring timely receipt of payments.
* Liaise with suppliers, tour directors, colleagues and clients to ensure successful project delivery.
* Create comprehensive operational itineraries and provide reconfirmations and detailed documentation to all stakeholders.
* Conduct face‑to‑face meetings with clients, suppliers and colleagues to discuss project progress and address any issues.
* Identify potential issues, implement solutions to avoid disruptions and resolve problems that arise during execution.
* Deliver emergency 24/7 cover for all group tours on a rota basis.
Experience & Qualifications
* Confident, positive attitude.
* Ability to multi‑task and work under pressure.
* Attention to detail.
* Effective time management.
* Willingness to build relationships with key suppliers and agents.
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
* Geographical and European knowledge.
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Teams, Excel).
* Good mathematical understanding.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary plus annual bonus plan.
* Company pension plan from start of employment with employer contributions increasing after 5 and 10 years of service.
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to buy or sell 5 days.
* Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group Travel Benefit Program (includes friends and family).
* Discounted Gym Membership – contribution up to £35 per month at Virgin Active or GymFlex.
* Private Healthcare through BUPA paid via salary sacrifice.
* Life Assurance (2x base salary paid as a tax‑free sum).
* Hybrid working – minimum four days in office per week.
* Enhanced Paid Parental Leave – 18 weeks full pay regardless of gender.
* Employee Assistance Program – wellbeing resources and counselling.
* £1,000 recruitment referral bonus.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Season Ticket Loans.
* Regular social events.
EEO Statement
Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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