Travel Operations Manager

Travel Trade Recruitment; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A travel services provider in Lewes is seeking an experienced Travel Operations Manager to lead the Transport team and ensure efficient logistics for school trips. The candidate should have strong transport operations experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage a team. This full-time role requires some overseas travel and offers a salary between £33,000 and £37,000, along with additional benefits including annual leave and a supportive culture.

Benefits

20 days annual leave plus birthday off

Learning and development days

Annual leave purchase scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in transport and group travel operations is essential.
• Experience in supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
• Comfortable leading a team and managing multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Transport Team for flight and ground transport logistics.
• Oversee recruitment and training of overseas team members.
• Improve processes and support the Duty Office Escalation team.

Skills

Transport and travel operations experience

Organisational skills

Clear communication

Team leadership

IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office

Tools

Amadeus

Transport booking systems

Job description

We are working with a lovely company in the Brighton area, who are looking for an experienced Travel Operations Manager to join their team.

Job purpose:

To lead and support the Transport team and be a core part of the overseas delivery. Ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of all travel logistics for our school trips. This role is key to maintaining high standards in customer experience, compliance and safety, while also identifying and implementing process improvements. This role works closely with the Head of Worldwide Operations and Operations Administrator to ensure our overseas delivery is to the highest standard overseeing the planning, coordination of staffing logistics and operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery for our customers.

Responsibilities and expectations

Transport:

• Lead the Transport Team to ensure timely quoting, booking and administration of all flights and ground transport at competitive rates.
• Oversee forecasting of transport spend (e.g. credit card, Easypay) and future pricing for planning purposes.
• Provide regular updates to internal teams and support Customer Service in resolving any transport-related issues or claims.
• Ensure all transport providers meet STF compliance requirements, including up to date health & safety audits and contracts.
• Continuously improve team processes, support quoting activity, and deliver training on new systems and workflows.

Operations:

• Oversee the logistics, recruitment, and training of the overseas team, Battlefield Guides, and Tour staff in collaboration with the Operations Administrator.
• Ensure all required operational paperwork is prepared and shared with Reps on time and support the collection of key information from Delivery Executives.
• Support the overseas operation and act as part of the Duty Office Escalation team, ensuring rotas are managed effectively.
• Identify and implement operational efficiencies to improve delivery and team processes.
• Please note the above accountabilities are indicative and the flexibility to work outside them will be expected from time to time.

Expected Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

• Experience in transport and or travel operations is essential with a good understanding in group travel, air, land and ferries.
• Experience of Amadeus and other transport booking systems is preferable.
• Experience in supplier relationships, negotiation of contracts and supplier agreement.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal.
• Comfortable leading a team and working collaboratively across departments.
• Able to remain calm under pressure and react quickly to changing situations.
• Good IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• A practical and solutions-focused mindset.
• Overseas travel, particularly during our peak periods is required.
• A clean driving licence with the ability to drive overseas.

Reports to: Head of Worldwide Operations

Flexible and Hybrid Working

Note: The position is full time (36.25 hours per week) and will be required to work overseas from time to time. Our hybrid working policy is that after a suitable onboarding period which will require you to be in the office full time, the Operations and Transport Manager will be expected to be in our Brighton office for key meetings and to collaborate with key team members at least 3 days a week. This is subject to change depending on business needs.

All candidates must confirm that they have no reason why they are not suitable to work with children or vulnerable adults, and satisfactory completion of DBS checks will be a condition of employment as and when this is appropriate.

Benefits and culture

In addition to statutory bank holidays, we offer 20 days annual leave, additional day off for birthdays as well as learning and development days to further your knowledge, skills or experience. Annual leave allowance increases by 1 day annually per length of service, up to 25 days. We also have an annual leave purchase scheme.

We have an informal culture which prides itself on being warm, empathetic and always human, putting people first.

Salary

£33,000 - £37,000.

Interested?

Please click below to apply, alternatively please email your cv, along with a cover letter to: [e-mail]