Luxury Tour Operator - Product Development Manager

Placements24; Polokwane; Híbrido; ZAR 800.000 - 1.200.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Hybrid work model

Staff travel discounts

FAM trips

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24, a premier luxury tour operator, seeks a Product Development Manager to design and launch bespoke travel itineraries across Africa from Polokwane. You will research trends, source unique experiences, and shape our premium offerings for discerning clients in Limpopo and beyond.

You will build strong supplier relationships, negotiate rates, develop compelling descriptions and marketing materials, and work in a hybrid model balancing in-office collaboration with remote strategic

Formación

• Bachelor’s degree in tourism, marketing, business or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury travel product development or tour design.
• Deep knowledge of African destinations, esp. Southern/East Africa.
• Ability to research, create, and launch successful travel products.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal storytelling for travel narratives.

Responsabilidades

• Conceptualize and develop high-end tour packages for luxury segments.
• Conduct market research on trends, competitors and opportunities.
• Build relationships with suppliers, ground handlers, and service providers.
• Negotiate rates and terms to ensure competitive pricing.
• Create product descriptions, marketing materials, and sales collateral.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to align with brand positioning.
• Monitor product performance and implement updates.
• Ensure safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
• Travel to destinations to scout experiences and strengthen supplier ties.
• Contribute to strategic direction of product offerings.
• Work in a hybrid model balancing in-office and remote planning.

Conocimientos

Product development

Market research

Negotiation

Supplier management

Communication

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field

Herramientas

MS Office

GDS systems

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a premier luxury tour operator specializing in bespoke travel experiences across Africa, is seeking a highly creative and strategic Product Development Manager to join their dynamic team. Based in Polokwane, this role will be responsible for researching, designing, and launching innovative luxury travel itineraries and packages that captivate discerning clients. You will play a key role in identifying emerging travel trends, sourcing unique experiences, and ensuring our offerings remain at the forefront of the luxury tourism market. This is an exceptional chance to shape the future of luxury travel from Limpopo.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop unique, high-end tour packages and itineraries tailored to luxury travel segments.
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify trends, competitor offerings, and new destination opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a network of suppliers, ground handlers, and luxury service providers across Africa.
• Negotiate rates and terms with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and exceptional value for clients.
• Develop compelling product descriptions, marketing materials, and sales collateral.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to ensure product alignment with market demands and brand positioning.
• Monitor the performance of existing products and implement improvements or updates as needed.
• Ensure all developed products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.
• Travel to destinations to scout new experiences, assess quality, and strengthen supplier relationships.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the company's product offerings.
• Work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote strategic planning and research related to Polokwane and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development or tour design within the luxury travel industry.
• Deep knowledge of African destinations, particularly Southern and East Africa.
• Proven ability to research, create, and launch successful travel products.
• Excellent negotiation, supplier management, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging travel narratives.
• Creative thinking and a passion for innovation in travel.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including MS Office suite and GDS systems (desirable).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a hybrid work environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and potential for performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office and remote work.
• Opportunities for extensive travel within Africa and internationally.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Staff travel discounts and exclusive FAM trip opportunities.
• A creative and collaborative work environment in Limpopo.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.