Operations Assistant

McKinlay Kidd Ltd; Paisley; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Company events

Visit and experience destinations

Job summary

McKinlay Kidd in Glasgow is seeking an enthusiastic Operations Assistant to join our travel team. You will ensure smooth administration and delivery of customer bookings from confirmation to completion, working with customers, accommodation providers and transport operators across the UK and Ireland.

The role requires excellent organization, attention to detail and strong communication, with a busy, customer-focused environment and opportunities to develop within a forward-thinking,

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A customer-focused attitude and commitment to delivering excellent service.
• Good computer literacy and confidence learning new systems.
• The ability to work efficiently in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Good knowledge of Scotland’s geography and an interest in travel throughout the UK and Ireland.
• A positive, flexible and team-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Administer holiday bookings using our in-house reservations system.
• Make, monitor and confirm reservations with accommodation providers, transport operators and other suppliers.
• Liaise professionally with customers, suppliers and colleagues by telephone and email.
• Ensure booking information is accurate, complete and up to date.
• Assist customers with queries and resolve issues promptly and effectively.
• Support the Operations team with general administrative duties and office tasks.
• Build strong relationships with local suppliers and tourism partners.
• Contribute to the delivery of exceptional customer experiences and high levels of customer satisfaction.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Customer-focused

Computer literacy

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Geography knowledge (Scotland)

Team-oriented

Tools

In-house reservations system

Job description

About McKinlay Kidd

McKinlay Kidd proudly became an employee-owned business in August 2024, making this an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and award-winning travel company.

We create tailor-made and experience-led holidays throughout Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and the Channel Islands, ranging from self-drive adventures to rail tours and island escapes. Our customers are predominantly well-travelled and discerning visitors from both the UK and overseas who value exceptional service and authentic travel experiences. Many return to travel with us time and again.

We are passionate about delivering outstanding customer experiences and are proud of the numerous awards we have received for customer satisfaction. As a small and collaborative team, every employee plays an important role in our success. We support one another, work closely together and are committed to maintaining the personal service that sets us apart.

We are now looking for an enthusiastic and highly organised Operations Assistant to join our team in Glasgow. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative skills, exceptional attention to detail and a customer-focused approach to develop their career within the travel industry.

The Role

As an Operations Assistant, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth administration and delivery of customer bookings from the point of confirmation through to the successful completion of their holiday.

Working closely with customers, accommodation providers, transport companies and local suppliers throughout the UK and Ireland, you will help ensure every aspect of our customers’ travel arrangements is organised accurately and efficiently.

This position requires excellent organisational skills, strong communication, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. You will play a key role in maintaining the high standards of service and professionalism for which McKinlay Kidd is known.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer holiday bookings using our in-house reservations system.
• Make, monitor and confirm reservations with accommodation providers, transport operators and other suppliers.
• Liaise professionally with customers, suppliers and colleagues by telephone and email.
• Ensure booking information is accurate, complete and up to date.
• Assist customers with queries and resolve issues promptly and effectively.
• Support the Operations team with general administrative duties and office tasks.
• Build strong relationships with local suppliers and tourism partners.
• Contribute to the delivery of exceptional customer experiences and high levels of customer satisfaction.

What We’re Looking For

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A customer-focused attitude and commitment to delivering excellent service.
• Good computer literacy and confidence learning new systems.
• The ability to work efficiently in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Good knowledge of Scotland’s geography and an interest in travel throughout the UK and Ireland.
• A positive, flexible and team-oriented attitude.

Previous experience in travel, tourism, hospitality or administration would be advantageous, but we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Additional Information

Job Type

• Full-time
• Permanent

Salary

• £24,785 per year

Benefits

• Company pension
• Company events
• Opportunities to visit and experience our destinations and products

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday
• Day shift
• 1 in 4 Saturdays
• Participation in the 24/7 customer duty rota once fully trained and experienced

Location

• Glasgow (office-based)

Requirements

• Ability to reliably commute to Glasgow or relocate before starting work
• Right to work in the United Kingdom