Junior Operations Specialist (Lyon)

Essentially French - Travel; Lyon; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Essentially French is a DMC that delivers high-end trips across France, relying on a trusted partner network and deep local knowledge. We are part of Travel Collection, offering a collaborative, growth-friendly environment where initiative is valued.

As a Junior Operations Specialist, you will manage the operational lifecycle of trips from confirmation to file closure, including client management in France, bookings, supplier coordination, CRM updates, and real-time incident handling with

Qualifications

• Fluent in French and English, both written and spoken.
• Structured, organized and able to manage multiple files simultaneously.
• Experience with CRM tools and travel operations workflows.
• Familiarity with France destinations, transport, and supplier dynamics.
• DMC or tour operator background is a plus but not required.

Responsabilités

• Manage bookings for hotels, transfers, guides, experiences, and other services.
• Enter and maintain confirmed details in the CRM accurately.
• Coordinate with the sales team during handover and file clarification.
• Provide client and travel agent support before, during, and after trips.
• Monitor ongoing trips and respond to incidents in real time.
• Communicate with suppliers and negotiate terms when needed.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers across France.
• Escalate issues to management promptly and improve workflows.
• Support onboarding and training of new Operations team members.

Connaissances

Highly organized

Operations minded

Calm under pressure

Detail oriented

Autonomous

Clear communicator

Open to feedback

Fluent French

Fluent English

CRM proficient

France knowledge

DMC/tour operator experience

Outils

CRM systems

Google Workspace

Office Pack

Google Drive

Description du poste

Essentially French is a DMC (Destination Management Company) that believes true luxury lies in time: the time devoted to living unforgettable moments. We organize high end trips across France with precision, relying on a network of trusted partners and deep local knowledge. We are part of Travel Collection, a global network of DMCs. Being part of this collection means joining a true family, sharing a strong team spirit, and benefiting from structured tools and training that support growth in a stimulating environment.

Our motto: "Our ambitions are our only limits". Everyone can grow and innovate within this dynamic and ambitious community.

As a Junior Operations Specialist at Essentially French, you will manage the operational lifecycle of trips, from confirmation to file closure, including client management in France. This includes bookings, coordination with suppliers, CRM updates, and monitoring of ongoing trips. You will work closely with the sales team, suppliers, and management to ensure itineraries are delivered as sold, and that any incident is handled with responsiveness and professionalism. This is a hands on role that requires rigor, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Main responsibilities :

• Manage bookings for hotels, transfers, guides, experiences, and other services.
• Ensure all confirmed details are accurately entered and maintained in the CRM.
• Coordinate closely with the sales team during handover and clarification of files.
• Provide support to clients and travel agents before, during, and after the trip.
• Monitor ongoing trips and respond to operational incidents in real time.
• Communicate clearly with suppliers and negotiate terms when needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers across France.
• Promptly elevate any issue, risk, or service failure to management.
• Contribute to improving internal operational workflows and documentation.
• Support the onboarding and training of new Operations team members when needed.

Candidate Profile

• Highly organized: you are structured, methodical, and comfortable managing several active files at once.
• Operations minded: you think in terms of logistics, timing, and feasibility, not just ideas.
• Calm under pressure: you handle last minute changes, complaints, and unexpected situations without losing track.
• Detail oriented: you catch inconsistencies before they become problems.
• Autonomous: you take ownership of your workload without needing constant supervision.
• Clear communicator: you write and speak clearly with clients, partners, and internal teams.
• Open to feedback: you receive feedback with maturity, put it into practice, and use it to improve.
• Fluent French: you operate comfortably in French, both written and spoken.
• Fluent English: you operate comfortably in English, both written and spoken.
• Flexible with working hours and days during client trip follow up.
• Comfortable with tools: CRM, Google Workspace, and operational tools hold no secrets for you. Strong command of the Office Pack and Google Drive tools.
• Good knowledge of France: you are familiar with destinations, seasonality, transport, and supplier dynamics across the country.
• Prior experience in a DMC, tour operator, or similar environment (appreciated but not required)
• Curious, proactive, rigorous, and structured.

Joining Essentially French means becoming part of an international community that values initiative and provides support to help you reach your goals.

It also means:

• Joining a young, dynamic, and supportive team.
• Taking part in varied and enriching projects.
• Developing project management and operations skills in a stimulating, formative environment.
• Taking ownership of a role with real responsibilities.

Monthly net salary (charges and benefits included): to be defined based on profile and experience.