Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator

JR United Kingdom; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company seeks a Managing Director passionate about creating innovative travel experiences. This role involves driving business growth, leading a dedicated team, and enhancing client relationships in a premium market. Join a supportive environment with opportunities for strategic influence and personal development.

Benefits

Supportive environment for growth

Autonomy and creativity in leadership

Hybrid working model with access to HQ

Qualifications

• Proven senior leader with experience in managing teams and business performance.
• High financial literacy, with skills in P&L management and budgeting.
• Experience in travel or cultural sectors is desirable but beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Drive business growth and develop new travel themes.
• Oversee operations, marketing, and customer service functions.
• Manage high service expectations for affluent customers.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic growth planning

Financial literacy

Customer relationship building

Job description

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Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator, southampton

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Client:

Location:

southampton, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

6

Posted:

26.06.2025

Expiry Date:

10.08.2025

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Job Description:

Managing Director – Specialist Tour Operator

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
• Hybrid working with regular access to a Basingstoke HQ