Senior Operations Specialist

Wilderness; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company in Gauteng, Johannesburg is looking for a Senior Operations Specialist to provide operational and administrative support throughout the booking lifecycle. This role involves collaborating with Travel Designers, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring flawless guest experiences. Ideal candidates should have 4–5 years in senior reservations, excellent communication skills, and a passion for wildlife conservation. Knowledge of TourPlan and Microsoft Office is advantageous.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years in a senior reservations operations role.
• Proven experience in customer service.
• Familiarity with TourPlan and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Travel Designers from quoting to completion.
• Engage directly with agents and guests for information management.
• Act as the main contact for suppliers, managing special requests.
• Maintain up-to-date booking information and upload documents.
• Manage supplier invoices and payments prior to travel.
• Monitor guest travel and resolve in-country issues.
• Stay current on Wilderness camps and experiences.
• Use industry systems to streamline processes.

Skills

Exceptional attention to detail

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Education

Matric with Maths (Standard Grade or higher)

Tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism or Hospitality

Tools

TourPlan

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Operations Specialist

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg
Deadline : January 18, 2026

About the Role

• As a Senior Operations Specialist, you’ll provide comprehensive operational and administrative support throughout the booking lifecycle, working closely with Travel Designers. From the quoting stage to post-travel file archiving, you’ll ensure every detail is managed, supplier relationships are strong, and guest experiences are flawless.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales & Booking Lifecycle Support: Collaborate with Travel Designers from quoting to completion, ensuring operational accuracy and continuity.
• Agent/Guest Engagement: Engage directly with agents and guests to collect and manage all required information, ensuring it’s accurately captured and communicated.
• Supplier & Service Coordination: Act as the main contact for suppliers, reconfirm services, manage special requests, and coordinate value‑adds for VIP guests.
• System & Documentation Management: Maintain up-to-date booking information, upload documents, and compile itinerary materials for review.
• Financial & Payment Support: Manage supplier invoices, payments, and ensure all services are paid prior to travel.
• Guest Journey Support: Monitor guest travel, resolve in‑country issues, and archive booking files post‑travel.
• Product Knowledge: Stay current on Wilderness camps and experiences across Southern & East Africa, and attend regular training to deepen destination expertise.
• Systems & Technology: Use industry systems (Wilderness Window, WETU, Smartbox, Tourplan, etc.) to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.

Candidate Profile

• Qualifications: Matric with Maths (Standard Grade or higher); tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism or Hospitality.
• Experience: 4–5 years in a senior reservations operations role; proven experience in customer service, familiarity with TourPlan and Microsoft Office.
• Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, strong communication (English required, European languages advantageous), organisational skills.
• Personal Attributes: Creative, proactive, service‑driven, passionate about wildlife and conservation, able to work under pressure, and dedicated to customer satisfaction.