Senior Operations Executive (Group Travel)

Innovation Advance; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company in Cape Town is seeking a Senior Operations Executive to manage tailored group travel experiences. This dynamic role combines operational management with client relationship building, focusing on high-performing teams in sports and education. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, showcasing exceptional organization and multitasking skills.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in group travel operations, particularly in sports or school travel.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with accuracy.
• Commercially savvy with understanding of margins.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate tailored travel experiences for sports teams and school tours.
• Manage financial processes including costings, invoicing, and reconciliations.
• Build strong relationships with clients and suppliers.

Skills

Multitasking

Negotiation

Client Relationship Management

Attention to Detail

Service Excellence

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

If you are a seasoned professional in group travel operations, ready to step into a dynamic, high-touch role that combines meticulous organisation with global sporting and academic adventures, we have a role that must be considered

We're partnering with a reputable client in the travel sector who’s seeking a Senior Operations Executive to join their Cape Town team—someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a genuine passion for building unforgettable travel experiences.

This position focuses on crafting journeys for high-performing teams, from elite sports delegations to school groups traveling across continents. Your role will encompass the full operational cycle, from client engagement to costings and reconciliation, in a space that rewards strategic thinking and creativity.

What You’ll Be Doing:
• Coordinating tailored travel experiences for group clients—sports teams, school tours, and incentive groups.
• Managing each file with precision: quoting, booking, reconciliation, and client delivery.
• Negotiating with suppliers to secure competitive rates and value-adds.
• Overseeing financial processes: costings, invoicing, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Building and nurturing strong relationships with clients and suppliers.
• Providing on-the-ground support when needed—including attending site visits, familiarisation trips, and leading events abroad.
• Mentoring junior team members while ensuring quality and consistency in delivery.

What We’re Looking For:
• A strong track record in group travel operations, ideally with sports or school-based tours.
• Confident multitasker who can juggle several live projects with care and accuracy.
• Commercially savvy mindset with an eye for margin and negotiation.
• Solid command of booking/reservation systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• A calm, collaborative communicator with a deep commitment to service excellence.

Additional Notes:
• Must be based in Cape Town or willing to work hybrid if living locally.
• Willingness to travel internationally 3–4 times annually, including weekends or public holidays where needed.
• Competitive salary offered based on experience.

Apply now if you’re ready to bring precision, warmth, and world-class operational strength to a role where no two days (or destinations) are the same.