Africa Operations and Logistics Specialist

UJV; Remote; ZAR 983 000 - 1 476 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury travel service provider seeks an Africa Operations & Logistics Specialist in Johannesburg. This role demands an expert to ensure logistical integrity of luxury journeys across Africa. Key responsibilities include managing complex itineraries, conducting quality controls, and handling crisis situations 24/7. The ideal candidate possesses over 5 years of experience in luxury inbound travel and deep knowledge of African travel circuits. Must be proficient in Wetu and other industry tools, with excellent communication skills. Remote work setup is required.

Benefits

Independent contractor agreement suitable for remote work

Opportunities for crisis management and decision-making autonomy

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Luxury Inbound Travel managing complex multi-country itineraries.
• Deep knowledge of luxury circuits in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Morocco, and Egypt.
• Must have a solid, high-speed fiber internet connection for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Oversee logistical integrity and operational success of luxury journeys.
• Conduct quality control audits for every booking to ensure client preferences are met.
• Manage 24/7 emergency operations and resolve high-stress situations.

Skills

Expert knowledge of Southern and East Africa

Crisis management

High-stress situation management

Advanced proficiency in Wetu

Elite-level English fluency

Tools

CRM (Salesforce/Zoho)

Communication tools (Front/Slack/Teams)

Job description

About UJV

Who Are We?

Planning and managing a 5-star vacation from scratch requires expertise, cleverness, and a genuine passion for detail. That's what UJV is all about. UJV is a service-driven team of experts that work behind the scenes, engineering luxury travel experiences for advisors globally, so they can grow their business and fully satisfy their exclusive clients.

We are the luxury travel advisor’s right hand. How?

• UJV is a team of travel experts that advises and supports luxury travel advisors worldwide.
• We work behind the scenes as allies of top luxury travel advisors, to offer a 5 Star experience for their clients.
• We offer travel advisors the knowledge and tools needed to grow their business and better serve their exclusive clients.
• We offer an experience-centered service based on passion, expertise, integrity and attention to detail.
• We are willing to do the hard work in order to see our clients shine.

Candidates located outside the United States will be engaged under an independent contractor agreement. You will be responsible for managing your own social security and taxes in accordance with the regulations of your home country. Please take this into consideration before applying.

Role Mission

As an Africa Operations & Logistics Specialist, you are the architect of logistical integrity and the primary guardian of the guest experience for UJV’s luxury African portfolio. You do not just build itineraries; you own the end-to-end operational success of complex, multi-country journeys. This role requires an "always-on" mindset, managing high-stakes logistics and crisis management for a demanding US-based luxury clientele. You serve as the bridge between sales vision and flawless ground execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Logistical Integrity & Complex Itinerary Design

• Must possess expert-level knowledge of Southern Africa, East Africa, Morocco, and Egypt, including regional flight patterns, border crossing complexities, and seasonal logistical shifts.
• Demonstrate mastery in private charter logistics, including luggage weight restrictions, bush-strip capabilities, and coordinating seamless "wing-to-wing" transfers.
• Build and audit high-complexity itineraries in Wetu, ensuring 100% financial and operational accuracy before client departure.
• Source creative solutions for "impossible" requests, leveraging deep relationships with DMCs and boutique lodges to secure VIP access.

2. Vendor & Quality Management

• Conduct rigorous Quality Control (QC) "Pre-Arrival" audits for every booking, ensuring lodges, guides, and transfer companies are briefed on minute client preferences.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with DMCs and suppliers to ensure UJV clients receive "white-glove" priority.
• Act as the "engine room" hub, streamlining communication between Sales, Support, and ground partners to eliminate bottlenecks.

3. 24/7 Duty of Care & Crisis Management

• Primary ownership of the 24/7 emergency operations line when you are on‑call. You are responsible for managing after-hours emergency calls and resolving high-stress situations independently.
• Lead real-time resolution for high‑stakes crises, including medical evacuations, sudden political instability, private charter, and regional flight cancellations, or security concerns.
• Maintain a "calm‑under‑fire" demeanor, providing clear directives to both the US‑based advisors, sales team, in‑country partners, and the clients on the ground.
• Manage a flexible rotation schedule that includes weekends, public holidays, and overnight availability to align with US time zones and traveler needs.

Experience & Competencies (The "Must-Haves")

• Experience: 5+ years in Luxury Inbound Travel for Southern and East Africa, operating as the primary owner of complex, multi-country itineraries end‑to‑end, including independent crisis resolution.
• Geography: Deep, first‑hand knowledge of the luxury circuits in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Morocco, and Egypt.
• Stress Management: Proven track record of solving and managing high-stress situations with independent decision-making authority.
• Platform Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Wetu or similar itinerary builder, CRM (Salesforce/Zoho), and communication tools (Front/Slack/Teams). Must be capable of quickly mastering and implementing new operational platforms.
• Remote Setup: Must have a solid, high-speed fiber internet connection and a dedicated professional home office setup to manage 24/7 responsibilities.

Communication: Elite-level English fluency; ability to communicate with high-net-worth US travelers and local African suppliers with equal efficacy.