Product Development Manager - Small Group Tour Operations

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company is seeking a Product Development Manager in London to design transformative travel experiences. You will manage the end-to-end product development process, ensuring itineraries are unique and sustainable while collaborating with various teams. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, customer-focused, and experienced in operations for small group travel.

Qualifications

• Experienced in product development or operations for small group travel.
• Detail-oriented and strategic in approach with a focus on guest experience.
• Knowledgeable about competitive travel landscape and emerging trends.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine small group itineraries for authentic travel experiences.
• Build relationships with local suppliers and DMCs for unique experiences.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure marketable and operationally seamless tours.

Skills

Product development

Operational excellence

Customer focus

Collaboration

Detail-oriented

Job description

Job Description

We’re seeking innovative Product Development Managers to join one of the world´s leading Travel Companies! You will design and deliver the next of small group adventures. This hands on role is perfect for someone who thrives on creating transformative travel experiences while balancing operational excellence and commercial success. You’ll oversee end to end product development, from ideation to execution, ensuring every itinerary delivers unforgettable moments for our clients´ guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and refine small group itineraries that offer authentic, off the beaten path travel experiences
• Build and nurture relationships with local suppliers, DMCs, and activity providers to create unique, sustainable guest experiences
• Collaborate with marketing, content, contracting, and operations teams to ensure tours are both marketable and operationally seamless
• Analyze guest feedback and market trends to evolve your product portfolio and meet traveler expectations
• Develop costing and positioning strategies to balance quality, guest experience, and commercial viability
• Champion sustainability and responsible travel practices in all product decisions
• Monitor competitor landscapes, including new entrants and established players, to stay ahead of destination and product trends

Who You Are

• Experienced in product development or operations for small group travel, ideally with hands-on experience leading groups
• A curious traveler with a passion for creating meaningful cultural connections, not just checking boxes
• Detail-oriented yet strategic, with a focus on guest experience, brand alignment, and profitability
• Collaborative and confident working cross-functionally with contracting, sales, and on-the-ground delivery teams
• Skilled at designing operationally sound, immersive, and flexible travel experiences
• Passionate about cultural connection, nature, and responsible tourism
• Customer-focused, using guest feedback to drive continuous improvement
• Knowledgeable about the competitive travel landscape and emerging destination trends
• Adept at building strong relationships with local suppliers and leveraging an existing network

Why Join Them?

• You´ll get to shape transformative travel experiences that leave a lasting impact
• Work with a collaborative, passionate team committed to sustainable tourism
• Bring your creativity and commercial acumen to a growing portfolio of unique adventures
• Be part of a company that values meaningful connections and responsible travel

Apply Now

If you’re ready to turn bold ideas into unforgettable, well-operated travel experiences, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today with your CV and a cover letter sharing your passion for travel and product development.