Chief Operating Officer - Travel & Tourism

Rmv Solution; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the inbound tourism sector is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive profitability and strategic development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in senior management, particularly in inbound tourism, and will be responsible for managing a large team while ensuring operational effectiveness and client satisfaction. This role requires strong financial acumen, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to develop and implement effective business strategies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in a senior management role in inbound tourism.
• Strong financial and business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 100 staff.
• Develop financial and operational strategies.
• Establish relationships with key clients.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Acumen

Analytical Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Tourplan

Job description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead, develop, implement, and execute long-term strategies aimed at increasing turnover and profitability for our client.

Responsibilities

Effectively manage and lead the team of currently 100 staff.

Implement and control business strategies to exceed customer expectations and achieve sales targets.

Drive profitability while ensuring effective management of both local and international client and supplier relationships.

Achieve annual budgeted targets for turnover, margins, and overall profitability.

Foster year-on-year growth at a predetermined percentage, and actively pursue dis-intermediating strategies to ensure business sustainability.

Regularly review sales focus to optimize operational performance.

Connect and synergise SOA SA to the support business units such as PPM, Finance, HR and IT.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Develop financial, operational, and sales strategies to maintain and grow market leadership in the inbound leisure sector.

Ensure effective implementation of strategic initiatives.

Represent SOA SA at Divisional Board meetings.

Monitor the competitive landscape for market expansion opportunities and industry developments and adjust the business model accordingly.

Engage in industry events and associations to enhance leadership skills and bolster SOAs reputation.

Participate in strategic planning to maximize revenue and drive business improvement and efficiency.

Align sales and operations activities with core business strategies, executing key initiatives and providing specialized support.

Respond promptly to evolving demands and priority changes within the division.

Identify opportunities for market penetration and strengthen existing customer relationships.

Successfully digitise the commodity trading space by entrepreneurial use of technology such as the VMP and AI.

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Establish and maintain strong relationships with key clients.

Ensure that client expectations are consistently met and that the highest service standards are maintained.

Provide clients with competitive pricing and product offerings.

Continuously explore creative ideas and review product offerings for clients.

Facilitate effective communication between clients and the business.

SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Commit to building and maintaining relationships with preferred partners.

Develop an understanding of supplier products and services.

Engage in personal development related to destinations and product knowledge.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Develop and align operational strategies based on performance metrics and business needs.

Ensure management efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications and Expertise

Minimum 10 years experience in a senior management role in inbound tourism

Understanding of customers needs and products in the inbound tourism industry

In-depth knowledge of the hospitality and inbound tourism industry

Strong Financial and Business Acumen

Experience in developing efficient strategies and business plans

Experience in project development and management

Financial analysis knowledge including; budgeting skills, financial management, and accounting principles to successfully run the business

Competency

A mature approach when dealing with people

Ability to handle controversial or emotional issues objectively and analytically

Capacity for dealing with employees at all levels

Confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with people

Excellent planning, Organisational, analytical and decision-making skills

Good oral and written communication skills

Integrity and Honesty

Good interpersonal skills

Excellent Organisational skills

Research, Organisational and presentation skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Strong working knowledge of Tourplan

The salary for this position is competitive and dependent on relevant experience.

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