Senior Operations Specialist

Wilderness Safaris; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury travel company in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Operations Specialist to provide operational and administrative support throughout the booking lifecycle. The ideal candidate will manage supplier relationships, ensure flawless guest experiences, and have over 5 years of experience in reservations operations. Exceptional attention to detail and strong communication skills are crucial. Join a passionate team dedicated to conservation and luxury travel.

Benefits

Ongoing training and familiarisation trips

Commitment to sustainability and conservation

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support booking lifecycle from quoting to completion.
• Engage directly with agents and guests.
• Manage supplier invoices and payments.

Skills

Exceptional attention to detail

Strong communication (English required)

Organisational skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism or Hospitality

Matric with Maths (Standard Grade or higher)

Tools

TourPlan

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Operations Specialist Wilderness Safaris•Johannesburg, Gauteng

Location: Johannesburg or Cape Town

Reports to: Reservations Manager

Company: Wilderness

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 its 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: 45 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.

Interests

A passion for wildlife and a commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Why Wilderness?

Join a passionate team dedicated to conservation and luxury travel. Deepen your expertise through ongoing training and familiarisation trips. Be part of a company that values initiative, accuracy, and going the extra mile.

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