OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company seeks a dynamic Operations & Commercial Director to join their executive team. The role involves strategizing for operational efficiency and commercial growth, managing operations across multiple teams, and ensuring top-notch customer service. Ideal candidates will possess significant leadership experience in the travel sector and demonstrated success in commercial strategy implementation.

Benefits

Competitive salary + bonus structure

Travel perks and discounts

25 days holiday rising with service

Enhanced annual bonus scheme

Access to medical benefit plan

Worldwide travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior operations or commercial leadership roles, ideally in the travel industry.
• Understanding of the travel ecosystem and P&L management.
• Excellent communication and data-driven decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations and ensure outstanding customer satisfaction.
• Drive commercial strategy across all channels to meet targets.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Strategy

Operations Management

Customer Experience

Stakeholder Management

Financial Acumen

Job description

Job Description

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for travel and a proven track record in operations and commercial leadership? My client are looking for a dynamic Operations & Commercial Director to join their executive team and help steer the next phase of the companies growth. You will possess extensive experience in retail operations and commercial strategy, with a proven track record of driving business growth and operational excellence. Do you have what it takes to be a dynamic leader, effectively manage teams and enhance the overall commercial performance of this successful tour operator. If yes, get in touch to find out more today!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth service delivery and outstanding customer satisfaction.

• Drive commercial strategy across all channels to meet revenue and growth targets.

• Build and manage supplier and partner relationships to maximise commercial performance.

• Lead cross-functional teams across sales, product, operations, and customer service.

• Develop KPIs and performance metrics to monitor and enhance team and business effectiveness.

• Identify market trends, risks, and opportunities; adapt strategies accordingly.

• Oversee budget planning, forecasting, and margin improvement initiatives.

• Support international expansion and innovation in product and service delivery.

• Execute the continuous improvement and efficient delivery of the companies worldwide events.

• Develop and implement strategic plans to drive operational efficiency and commercial success.

• Oversee all aspects of Operations, ensuring high standards of service, compliance, and efficiency. Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and enhance productivity.

• Monitor and manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Prepare and present financial reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics and actionable insights.

• Enhance the customer experience by implementing service excellence initiatives, resolving escalated issues, and continuously improving service standards.

About You:

• Proven experience in a senior operations or commercial leadership role, ideally within the travel industry.

• Strong understanding of the travel ecosystem: suppliers, booking platforms, customer experience, and logistics.

• Commercially astute with a strong grasp of P&L management and contract negotiation.

• Inspirational leader with experience managing and mentoring cross-functional teams.

• Data-driven, tech-savvy, and customer-focused.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Why Join Us/Benefits:

• Play a key role in shaping the future of a high-growth travel business

• Competitive salary + bonus structure

• Travel perks and discounts

• Be part of a passionate, collaborative team that loves what they do

• 25 days holiday rising with service + Bank Holidays + birthday off + Christmas closure

• Enhanced annual bonus scheme of up to 25%, enhanced matched pension and access to medical benefit plan

• Worldwide travel

Interested?

Please follow the instructions to apply and attach your CV; this vacancy is being managed by Gemma Thelwell on 0161 9236120 [e-mail]