Senior Tour Operations Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position with autonomy

Health insurance (if provided)

Professional development opportunities

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Tour Operations Manager to oversee and optimize global tour offerings from a remote capacity. You will lead a distributed team, manage complex itineraries, and build strong supplier relationships to deliver exceptional travel experiences worldwide.

The role focuses on strategic operational improvements, budgeting, and profitability across tour products, with a strong emphasis on leadership and remote collaboration in a dynamic hospitality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in tour operations management within the tourism sector.
• Proven track record of managing complex international tours and global logistics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve operational processes for all tour products, ensuring quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Negotiate and maintain relationships with hotels, transport providers, and local guides for pricing and service quality.
• Oversee creation and management of detailed tour itineraries within budgets and feasibility constraints.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of tour operations staff, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Monitor industry trends to identify opportunities for new product development and market expansion.
• Manage operational budgets, track expenses, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising experience.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Budgeting

Remote team management

Supplier management

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management or related field

Tools

Tour operator software

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a highly experienced and strategic Senior Tour Operations Manager to oversee and optimize their global tour offerings from a remote capacity. This role is critical in ensuring the seamless delivery of exceptional travel experiences for customers worldwide, with a focus on managing complex itineraries and supplier relationships within the hospitality and tourism sector . You will be responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies that enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability across all tour products. This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned professional to leverage their expertise in tour operations and lead a globally distributed team, driving innovation and excellence in the Port Elizabeth region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and continually improve operational processes for all tour products, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Negotiate and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, including hotels, transportation providers, and local guides, ensuring competitive pricing and service quality.
• Oversee the creation and management of detailed tour itineraries, ensuring accuracy, feasibility, and adherence to budgets.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of tour operations staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and continuous improvement in a remote setting .
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for new product development and market expansion.
• Manage operational budgets, track expenses, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of the customer experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in tour operations management , with a strong background in the tourism industry .
• Proven track record of managing complex international tours and a deep understanding of global logistics and supplier management.
• Exceptional leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with tour operator software and managing remote teams effectively.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget development and management.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote position with significant autonomy.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.