Reservations & Operations Lead – Travel Firm

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 781,000 - 893,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Reservations & Operations Manager for a travel company based in Cape Town, with Johannesburg as a potential alternative. The role oversees busy operations, ensuring accurate reservations, strong supplier relations and top‑tier client service.

The position requires hands‑on leadership in a travel environment, with a focus on efficiency, process improvement and exceptional organisational skills to meet deadlines and maintain service standards.

Qualifications

• Previous management experience in travel or tourism is required.
• Strong knowledge of reservations processes and travel operations is expected.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team.
• Excellent organisational, administrative and problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of booking systems and standard operating procedures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily reservations and operational functions of the business.
• Lead, manage and support the reservations team to ensure efficient workflows and service quality.
• Manage booking processes, supplier relationships and client communications.
• Ensure reservations are handled accurately and within required timeframes.
• Develop and implement procedures to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Monitor team performance and resolve operational challenges to maintain standards.
• Coordinate with management and other departments to support smooth operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and overall business performance.
• Manage escalated client queries and ensure professional resolutions.

Skills

Leadership

Reservations expertise

Operational management

Customer service

Tools

Booking systems

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Reservations & Operations Manager for a travel company based in Cape Town, with Johannesburg as a potential alternative. The role oversees busy operations, ensuring accurate reservations, strong supplier relations and top‑tier client service.

The position requires hands‑on leadership in a travel environment, with a focus on efficiency, process improvement and exceptional organisational skills to meet deadlines and maintain service standards.