Operations and Commercial Director

Travel Trade Recruitment Limited; Warrington; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel business seeks a dynamic Operations & Commercial Director to drive growth and operational excellence. The role involves leading day-to-day operations, shaping commercial strategy, and managing cross-functional teams while ensuring high standards of service and compliance. Enjoy competitive salary and benefits while being part of a passionate team dedicated to enhancing the travel experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary + bonus structure

Travel perks and discounts

Enhanced annual bonus scheme of up to 25%

25 days holiday rising with service

Access to medical benefit plan

Birthday off and Christmas closure

Worldwide travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations or commercial leadership role within the travel industry.
• Strong understanding of travel ecosystem: suppliers, booking platforms, and logistics.
• Excellent communication and ability to manage cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise day-to-day operations for outstanding customer satisfaction.
• Drive commercial strategy to meet revenue and growth targets.
• Develop KPIs to enhance team and business effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Commercial Acumen

Stakeholder Management

Data-driven

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.

Company 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 (phone number removed) (url removed)