Director of DMC UK + Benelux (General Manager)

Kuoni Tumlare; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary General Manager for DMC UK + Benelux. This pivotal role involves overseeing a diverse team and driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational excellence in the travel sector. With full P&L responsibility, you'll leverage your extensive experience and strong industry connections to foster growth and innovation. Join a company with a century of expertise and a commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences, where your leadership will shape the future of destination management. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Performance bonuses

Learning and development programs

Flexible working

Employee engagement activities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the travel industry with senior management roles.
• Strong connections in UK and Benelux travel sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 70 across various departments to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage client relationships and oversee service quality in destination offices.

Skills

Leadership in travel industry

Communication skills

Sales experience

IT proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint)

Education

15+ years in travel industry

5-7 years in senior management

Job description

Director of DMC UK + Benelux (General Manager)

About Kuoni Tumlare
At Kuoni Tumlare, we design and deliver exceptional travel experiences through a comprehensive portfolio of destination management solutions. With over 100 years of expertise, we serve a global network of partners by offering series tours, educational trips, MICE events, guaranteed departure tours, and more. Our marketplace strategy is at the forefront of digital transformation, ensuring a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.

About The Role
We are hiring a General Manager / Director for DMC UK & Benelux (Leisure & MICE). As part of our growth and expansion, we seek a visionary, entrepreneurial leader to drive us toward becoming the leading DMC in the UK + Benelux regions. Reporting to the COO, you will work closely with the Leadership Team, overseeing company strategy across functions and holding full P&L responsibility. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, operational capability, and entrepreneurial spirit. Travel and networking outside regular hours are expected.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leading directly 6 Managers and a team of 70 across departments such as Hotel Procurement & Reservation, Operations, Destination Management, Customer Service, Direct Sales, and MICE.
2. Leveraging strong internal relationships with HR, Finance, IT, and collaborating across European departments.
3. Managing relationships with clients, suppliers, sales offices, tourism organizations, and travel associations.

Operations (Destination Management & Customer Service)

1. Ensuring operational excellence and service quality in destination offices.
2. Streamlining work processes and routines.
3. Overseeing service level agreements and monitoring KPIs related to speed, quality, and deadlines.
4. Managing customer service during office hours, including client communication and key customer meetings.
5. Addressing complaints proactively to maintain high service standards.

Procurement Hotel & Product Development

1. Applying the company's procurement strategy to ensure right products and collaborations.
2. Aligning sales expectations with market trends to maintain a competitive portfolio.
3. Maintaining hotel inventories and ensuring rate competitiveness.
4. Monitoring market trends and fostering product innovation.
5. Transferring destination and product knowledge to stakeholders.
6. Securing exclusive agreements with key suppliers and setting revenue targets.
7. Ensuring compliance with financial, legal, and ethical standards.

Management (HR / Finance)

1. Building and managing a high-performing team with regular communication.
2. Setting and supporting MBOs aligned with company strategy.
3. Overseeing staff development, training, and performance rewards.
4. Controlling workload, vacations, and accountability.
5. Managing budgets, business pipeline, and forecasting in collaboration with Finance.
6. Monitoring profitability via Business Intelligence Systems.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in the travel industry, with at least 5-7 years in senior management or DMC roles.
• Strong connections within UK and Benelux travel trade sectors.
• Sales experience and excellent communication skills in English.
• Proven leadership in large, international teams and business transformation.
• IT proficiency, especially in Excel and PowerPoint.

What We Offer

• International environment across 33+ countries.
• Stable, with 100 years of industry leadership.
• Opportunities for progression and internal promotion.
• Learning and development programs.
• Supportive management culture and flexible working.
• Performance bonuses, employee engagement activities, and awards.