Senior Operations Executive

findojobs-za; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel management company is seeking an experienced individual with a background in high-end group bookings. This role involves client relationship management, booking coordination, and supplier negotiations within a dynamic travel environment. Successful candidates will possess strong logistical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude, with opportunities for growth in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience in travel industry, ideally with group bookings.
• Strong logistical knowledge and understanding of client needs.
• Proficiency in operations and reservation systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage client relationships and ensure high-quality service.
• Negotiate rates with suppliers to enhance client value.
• Handle financial reconciliation for bookings and maintain accurate documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Tools

Amadeus

Galileo

Sabre

Microsoft Office

Job description

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with extensive experience in the travel industry to join a growing and busy team.

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in managing high-end group bookings within a demanding travel environment.

They must be capable of handling multiple files simultaneously, from quoting to reconciliation, and take pride in the quality and delivery of their work.

This diverse role involves providing travel services for elite teams, both inbound and outbound, offering destination management services in a sporting and incentive context, and creating and delivering school sports tours to and from the UK.Our team is based in the UK and Europe and primarily works from home.

We welcome applications from all overseas nationals.

Please note that applicants living in Cape Town must be prepared to work between a home and office location.ResponsibilitiesKEY FUNCTIONS OF YOUR JOBDevelop and maintain client relationships, delivering consistent and high-quality service.Collaborate closely with suppliers to secure the best rates and services.Demonstrate commercial thinking by proactively negotiating rates with suppliers to add value to the business and strengthen client relationships.Create client proposals and accurate costings.Demonstrate full responsibility for client account management.Source and book services such as flights, transfers, hotels, and other necessary services using available tools or established company contacts.Take charge of the financial reconciliation of all bookings.Where required, attend site visits and familiarisation trips, providing tour leadership and on-site representation worldwide, which may include weekends and bank holidays.Always work with colleagues in a professional manner.Proactively seek new opportunities for the business.PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIESCLIENT RELATIONSHIPSProduce high-quality proposals and detailed costings for Team Travel Management's clients (and any future brands) based on briefs provided by the sales team or the client.Procure accommodation, transportation, activities and other required services, negotiating the best rates.Manage bookings / accounts from confirmation through to planning and implementation.Interact with clients regularly via phone, email, or face-to-face meetings, nurturing the client relationship.Issue contracts for new bookings, considering supplier deadlines and cash flow.Follow up on all client proposals, maintaining progress reports for management.Ensure client expectations are met at the highest level of delivery, demonstrating excellent communication from initial contact through to post-event feedback.Regularly review and improve service quality and product diversity.Ensure turnaround times are as per agreed policies or client agreements.CUSTOMER CAREHandle complaints professionally, seeking your manager's advice when necessary for resolution.Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills.Continuously exceed customer expectations.ADMINISTRATIONSet and measure minimum standards, including internal processes, timelines, and action items, with regular update meetings with clients and suppliers.Ensure all costings, proposals, and reconciliations are accurate and professional.Take responsibility for the financial reconciliation of all bookings / projects, including raising invoices and collaborating with finance for effective credit control.Fully understand and follow all divisional procedures and policies.Maintain complete confidentiality concerning company intellectual property.Set up folders in Share Point as prescribed and file all documents accordingly.Always adhere to best practices for consistency.Contribute to the content (and design, if applicable) of all websites, brochures, and mailings when required.FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITYEnsure bookings are up to date and accurate, so documents / systems align (e.g., reservation system, finance system).Reconcile credit card payments.Ensure that margins meet the minimum company-agreed thresholds for all bookings.Provide clients with invoices, statements, credit notes, and reminders as needed.Request and submit VAT invoices to finance for all bookings (when applicable) within agreed timelines.Create accurate costings for clients, ensuring proper application of taxes, commissions, agreed exchange rates, and mark-ups.Provide detailed reconciliations to clients where appropriate for larger detailed events.Record details and documentation related to client travel insurance, including ABTA and ATOL figures in the designated areas.Assist the Operations Manager by providing required figures and reports.TEAMWORKServe as a mentor and provide support to junior staff members (Operations Executive / Assistant).Build and maintain positive relationships with all Tourvest staff in both the UK and South Africa.Always ensure effective communication with colleagues.Proactively engage in team activities.Be proactive in helping others in your areas of expertise.Be flexible to help colleagues / customers outside of regular office hours when necessary.SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPSMaintain strong working relationships with existing suppliers and build relationships with new suppliers in the UK and overseas.Manage all reservations made through suppliers at no cost implications, ensuring that release dates and payment terms are upheldmit to building relationships with Tourvest Destination Management's preferred partners.Negotiate and secure the best rates available.Understand supplier products to identify the best options.Pursue personal development regarding destinations and products.Actively source new products and creative ideas.LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENTAttend site visits, familiarisation visits, and work on-site at events or tours as needed to enhance knowledge and understanding (this may include weekends or bank holidays).Participate in relevant exhibitions and trade shows as necessary.Work with the Operations Manager to identify your training requirements and set in place appropriate peer or manager mentoring, or external training.JOB CHALLENGESRequirement for high detail / accuracy at all timesManage multiple files, possibly in different areas of the business at any one timeManage client expectations at all timesLong hours and some weekends and public holidaysTo be able to multitask whilst effectively prioritisingA positive, flexible and organised approach to tasks is required at all timesQualifications and ExpertiseMatric / Grade 12Excellent South African and Regional geographic knowledgeStrong logistical knowledgeExperience using operations / reservation systems for bookings and quotes, as well as finance systems for generating invoices.Maintain data at all times in the reservations and finance systems, and participate in the review, setup, and testing of new technologies (e.g., Zoho, flight booking systems).Deliver all correspondence, documentation, costings, proposals, reconciliations, and presentations accurately and on time.Follow requirements outlined by the Operations Manager and Operations Director, complying with guidelines set by various stakeholders (e.g., ABTA, ATOL, STF, LOtC).Intermediate Amadeus / Galileo / Sabre Ticketing experience (if applicable) and familiarity with other airline booking tools (e.g., Aviate).Understand customer needs and products.Ability to learn and develop product knowledge through training and interactive methods to establish a better understanding of the products offeredProficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.Adhere to administrative procedures as outlined by the company.Manage documentation for all group bookings.Actively seek to improve margins within the business unitpetencyAttention to detail is essentialExcellent verbal and written communication skillsGood interpersonal skillsAbility to work independently and to be accountableAchieve sales targets and annual business growthLong hours and some weekends and public holidaysConfidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with peopleExcellent planning, research, organisational, analytical and decision-making skillsIntegrity and HonestyNegotiation and liaison abilityWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, including Word, Excel and PowerPointGoing the extra mileSource and convert new clients and marketsEnsure existing client retention and satisfactionAbility to travel to allocated markets 3 – 4 times a year for 2 to 3 week periodsThe salary for this position is competitive and dependent on relevant experience.DisclaimerONLY CANDIDATES WITH THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED.WHILST WE DO OUR BEST TO REPLY TO EACH APPLICATION, NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS MAY BE THE CAUSE FOR OUR NON-RESPONSE.

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