Senior Operations Executive – Group Travel

Innovation Advance Group; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel organization in South Africa is seeking a seasoned Senior Operations Executive to join their Cape Town team. This role involves coordinating tailored travel experiences for group clients, managing operational processes from quoting to reconciliation, and building strong relationships with clients and suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in group travel operations, particularly with sports or school tours. This position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid work arrangement, requiring occasional international travel.

Qualifications

• A strong track record in group travel operations, ideally with sports or school-based tours.
• Confident multitasker who can juggle several live projects.
• Commercially savvy mindset with an eye for margin and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating tailored travel experiences for group clients.
• Managing each file with precision: quoting, booking, reconciliation, and client delivery.
• Building and nurturing strong relationships with clients and suppliers.

Skills

Group travel operations experience

Multitasking

Negotiation skills

Client relationship management

Service excellence

Tools

Booking/reservation systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Senior Operations Executive – Group Travel (Hybrid)

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.