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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