Managing Director – Specialist Tour Operator
Location: Basingstoke (Hybrid working)
Salary: £65,000 – £95,000 + Performance Bonus + Potential Long-Term Incentives
Are you a commercially driven, culturally curious leader with a passion for travel and customer experience?
We’re searching for an ambitious Managing Director to lead a well-established, niche tour operator offering premium, themed small-group tours to discerning global clientele. With strong foundations, a loyal customer base, and exciting growth opportunities on the horizon, this is an opportunity to shape the future of a business known for delivering high-quality, immersive travel experiences.
The Opportunity
As Managing Director, you will:
* Drive business growth through the development of new themes (e.g. art, music, geology) alongside established historical and cultural itineraries
* Explore bespoke travel opportunities and strengthen relationships with UK/US institutional partners
* Expand international markets and enhance client acquisition strategies
* Lead, inspire, and optimise a small but dedicated team
* Oversee operations, product, marketing, customer service, and finance functions
* Champion service quality, ensuring consistently high feedback from clients
* Introduce operational efficiencies and explore tech/AI tools to support scale
You’ll Be a Great Fit If You:
* Are a proven senior leader (Director, Managing Director, General Manager, Sales Manager (or similar) with SME or service-led experience
* Thrive in a hands-on environment and naturally build trust with your team
* Can manage high expectations and service delivery for high-net-worth customers (avg. trip value £3.5k+)
* Bring a commercial mindset and are confident building strategic growth plans from the ground up
* Have strong financial literacy (P&L, forecasting, budgeting)
* Are energised by building lasting customer relationships and expanding brand reach
Experience in the travel or education/cultural sector is desirable but not essential if you share the company's values and vision.
Why Join?
* Shape the future of a unique travel business with a premium customer base
* Opportunity to lead with autonomy, creativity, and strategic influence
* Supportive environment with scope for long-term personal and professional growth