OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

ZipRecruiter; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel organization seeks an Operations and Commercial Director to lead teams and drive commercial performance. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop operational strategies, manage diverse teams, and shape customer experiences in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary, bonuses, and generous benefits package are included.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus company bonus

25 days holiday, increasing annually

Continuous training and development

Opportunity to travel

Contributory Pension Scheme

Company social events

Qualifications

• Significant background in operational and commercial leadership within the travel sector.
• Strong leadership with the ability to motivate and mentor teams.
• Demonstrated success in driving growth and streamlining operations.

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial growth and execute revenue-optimising strategies.
• Lead teams, streamline operations, and ensure service excellence.
• Manage financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Operational excellence

Communication

Strategic mindset

Job description

Job Description

OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR – MANCHESTER – HYBRID (2-3 DAYS IN THE OFFICE) – COMPETITIVE SALARY PLUS BONUS

Our Customer:
Our long-standing customer, with one of the best CEOs in the business (we think he’s great), is looking for a unique individual with both operations and commercial experience to step into this newly created Operations and Commercial Director role.

Renowned for creating unforgettable experiences for their niche market, they have decades of heritage in organising trips to some of the world’s most iconic events. Their team is dedicated to delivering seamless travel logistics, VIP packages, and tailored support to individuals, groups, and charities. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a business that’s not just about travel—it’s about helping people achieve their personal best.

This Operations and Commercial Director role offers benefits including 25 days of holiday, a company bonus, a contributory pension scheme, continuous training and development, and exciting travel opportunities.

Job Description:
In this role, you will lead teams, streamline operations, and drive commercial performance to support overall business growth. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Drive commercial growth by analysing market data and executing revenue-optimising strategies.
2. Lead the successful delivery of niche travel tours and events using your operational experience.
3. Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with business goals and market trends.
4. Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring service excellence, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
5. Lead and develop a high-performing, cross-functional team across the UK, USA, and France.
6. Manage financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, with regular reporting.
7. Champion a customer-first culture by enhancing service standards and resolving escalated issues.
8. Oversee stock management to ensure cost-effective inventory control and product availability.
9. Ensure all operations adhere to legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements through regular audits.

Experience Required:

• Significant background in operational and commercial leadership within the travel sector.
• Familiarity with tour operator systems is an advantage; otherwise, a quick grasp of new platforms and efficient data management is essential.
• Demonstrated success in driving growth and streamlining operations.
• Strong leadership with the ability to motivate and mentor teams.
• Strategic mindset and analytical skills.
• Solid understanding of processes, supply logistics, and commercial planning.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Confident in managing budgets and financial planning.
• Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-moving setting.
• Willing and able to travel internationally.

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary plus company bonus, and free parking.
• 25 days holiday, increasing annually, plus bank holidays and your birthday off.
• Continuous training and development.
• Opportunity to travel.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Company social events.

Click here to apply for this Operations and Commercial Director role in the travel industry, recruited by Fiona Morrison-Arnthal and Ambitions Travel Recruitment, a boutique agency specializing in travel and hospitality roles, known for sourcing hard-to-find talent.