Tour Operator Contracting Manager – Europe (French Speaking)
Permanent | Fully Office-Based
Salary: £30,000 – £45,000
Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 5:30pm
Location: Harrow-on-the-Hill
Full, clean UK driving licence required
The Opportunity An established B2B tour operator specialising in European group and coach travel is seeking a European Contracting Manager to join its London-based team.
This is a business-critical, long-term role, replacing a team member who has been with the company for over 11 years. The position offers genuine ownership of European supplier relationships and markets within a well-structured, respected tour operating business.
The role would suit an experienced tour operator contracting / purchasing professional, although strong junior candidates with relevant tour operating, travel, or hospitality experience will also be considered.
The Role – European Contracting & Supplier Management This is a hands-on, commercial role focused on hotel and ground service contracting across Europe, primarily supporting India-focused group tour programmes.
Key responsibilities include:
Contracting, negotiating, and managing hotels, transport providers, attractions, and ground services across Europe
Owning and developing long-term supplier relationships, including regular face-to-face meetings
Conducting rate negotiations, market research, and competitor analysis
Attending UK and European travel trade events and workshops (e.g. London, Paris, Italy)
Overseas travel for supplier contracting during peak periods (typically June–September, in short stints)
Working closely with internal operations and sales teams to ensure smooth tour delivery
Maintaining accurate contracting, pricing, and supplier records
Supporting continuous improvement of product quality and commercial performance The role requires flexibility to travel for approximately 2–3 months per year, usually in one-week periods.
About You
Background within a tour operator, DMC, or group travel business
Experience within travel, tourism, or hospitality
Exposure to contracting, purchasing, supplier negotiations, or product management
Fluent French and English (additional European languages such as German or Dutch advantageous)
Strong commercial awareness with confident negotiation skills
Comfortable building supplier relationships and attending face-to-face meetings
Highly organised, detail-oriented, and proactive
Confident IT skills, particularly Excel and Microsoft Office
Full, clean UK driving licence (essential)
Able to work in a fully office-based role
Strong junior profiles with the right tour operating background will also be considered Additional Information
Office located a short walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill station
Interview process: video interview followed by face-to-face
Supportive, collaborative team environment
Long-term stability and progression within tour operating
Overseas travel and genuine ownership of European markets