Senior Travel Designer - Africa Specialist

Jacada Travel Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A travel company specializing in Africa is seeking an experienced travel sales advisor to create personalized itineraries and build strong client relationships. You will communicate frequently with guests, convert leads, and manage administrative tasks in a dynamic, rewarding environment. Candidates should have 18 months of travel sales experience, a passion for Africa, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary with an OTE of £50,000 to £90,000.

Benefits

Generous commission structure

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 months of experience in travel sales, ideally focused on Africa.
• Deep, first-hand knowledge of Africa destinations and cultures.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Create personalized travel itineraries for clients.
• Convert leads into bookings through effective communication.
• Manage administrative tasks, including bookings and CRM updates.
• Upsell premium travel experiences and manage follow-ups.

Skills

Relationship-building

Sales techniques

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

You’ll be creating unique and personalised travel itineraries that showcase authentic, meaningful experiences across the Africa region, always designed with responsible travel practices in mind. As a senior member of the team, you will play a key role in converting high-value leads into bookings by building deep, trusting relationships with our clients. Through frequent, thoughtful phone conversations, you will get to know our guests and understand their motivations and travel aspirations. You’ll inspire them through your extensive regional knowledge, passion for exploration, and ability to craft truly exceptional journeys. You’ll also deliver consistent, high-touch care before, during, and after travel.

We are looking for an experienced, curious, and genuine people-person who thrives on connecting with Jacada guests and cultivating long-lasting relationships.

What you’ll be doing

• Speaking directly with guests through frequent phone calls, video calls, and email to gain a thorough understanding of their needs, interests, and passions. As a senior in this high-contact sales role, you will be confident in leading conversations and guiding clients through complex travel decisions.
• Curating sophisticated, bespoke itineraries across the Africa region tailored to each guest — with a strong focus on sustainable, one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts, and experiences that align with responsible travel values.
• Applying advanced sales techniques to convert leads effectively and consistently, drawing on your prior experience to navigate objections, build rapport quickly, and close high-value enquiries.
• Proactively upselling premium experiences and components that elevate each journey.
• Cross-selling alternative destinations or options when initial requests are unavailable or misaligned, ensuring guest needs are always thoughtfully met.
• Managing follow-up administrative tasks promptly and accurately, including booking confirmations, invoicing, and updating CRM records. This role includes a significant administrative workload that requires strong organisation and efficiency.
• Cultivating strong relationships before, during, and after travel to encourage repeat business and referrals — bringing your experience to ensure every interaction feels personal, considered, and exceptional.
• Maintaining a highly organised sales pipeline and working efficiently within our CRM and systems. Prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines, and modelling best practices for the team.
• Handling challenging situations calmly and efficiently, always maintaining a solution-focused mindset that preserves a positive guest experience.
• Collaborating closely with all departments, DMCs, and suppliers across the region to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Supporting the marketing team with editorial content, insights, and updating example itineraries for Africa destinations.
• Offering support to team members as needed, especially during busy periods or when colleagues are away.
• Building and reinforcing caring, supportive, and professional relationships with DMCs and suppliers throughout the region, drawing on your experience and confidence.
• Travelling on FAM trips within the region — working with your team, marketing, and operations to maximise insight-gathering and delivering product training upon your return. Uploading relevant media to our asset management system.

What you’re like

• Minimum 18 months of experience in travel sales, ideally with a focus on the Africa region or a strong equivalent background.
• Deep, first-hand knowledge of Africa destinations and cultures, with a genuine passion for responsible travel.
• A natural relationship-builder who is energised by speaking with guests and forming long-lasting connections.
• Someone who listens carefully, communicates thoughtfully, and considers the ideas and opinions of both guests and colleagues.
• Open-minded, continuously curious, and always keen to learn.
• A confident problem-solver who embraces challenges as opportunities — especially when travel plans need to pivot.
• Supportive, positive, and aligned with Jacada’s culture of wellness, care, and togetherness.
• Highly motivated, sales-driven, and able to juggle multiple tasks without compromising quality.
• Creative, innovative, and eager to push the boundaries of exceptional travel.
• Calm and composed under pressure.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• A proactive team player who supports colleagues and contributes to collective goals.

Interview Process

1st Stage: Virtual interview via Google Meet with the Head of Africa Travel Design and the Recruitment & People Coordinator.

Task Stage: Roleplay phone call (full details to follow).

Reports to: Head of Africa Travel Design

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am–6pm in Shoreditch (typically 3 days in office, 2 days WFH)

Start Date: 9th of March 2026

Salary:

• Basic salary of £34,067 plus a generous commission structure with a realistic £50,000 to £90,000 OTE (On-Target Earnings).
• Guaranteed minimum commission topping earnings up to at least £47,000 p.a. for the first 7 months.